The website passed automatic checkpoints for Priority/Level 3 of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines from the date of publication.

The above standard refers to the underlying structure of the website; part of the conformance is also dependant on the Editors/Third-party content; of which may change on a regular basis. The inferred Priority 3 must therefore be assumed as a guideline only.

Every care has been taken to ensure that most users can functionally navigate and read the website.

The following accessibility features have been included:

• Stylesheets have been used to control layout and appearance; however, they are not depended upon for navigation and do not prevent readability of the website.
• All pages on this website accommodate keyboard access keys; this allows the user an alternative option to using the mouse. For more information: on the use of access keys on this website.
• A page of our site has sufficient contrast for partial visual impaired users; you can print a copy of a page in black and white with legibility unaffected.
• Main body text and contextual navigational menus can be resized using the font controls of your browser. For more information: http://www.w3.org/WAI/changedesign.html
• The website is optimised for viewing in 800x600 screen resolution.
• All images are for decorative use only and convey no textual information. Alternative text has been added where necessary.
• A page of our site would take on average 2.08 seconds on a narrowband (56k modem) connection; ideal for users on slower connections on the internet. (Does not include search pages as this depends on the demand on server to return a number of requested results)

Browser compatibility

The website has been developed for the following web browsers:
On Windows platforms only (2000, XP SP2, Vista)

• Internet Explorer 7
• Internet Explorer 6.x
• Internet Explorer 5.x
• Firefox 2.0.0.1/1.0/1.5x
• Netscape 8.1
• Netscape 6

The following browsers are partially supported:

• Opera 8.54 (access keys are not supported)
• Safari

Keyboard Access keys

To use the shortcuts hold down the ALT key and the corresponding key symbol

The elected key will then focus the target button allowing you to hit the ENTER key to proceed to the linked page or bookmarked text field (some browsers function differently and may take you straight to the page without the need for depressing the ENTER key).

Assigned access key

Access key assignments are based on the recommended UK Government Standard.

• S = Skip navigation
• 1 = Home page
• 4 = Search
• 6 = Help
• 8 = Terms & Conditions
• 9 = Contact us
• 0 = Access key details