Accessibility

Not everyone uses a traditional browser so we've designed our sites to work with screen readers. We use text (in ALT tags) to describe images and we use descriptive links (e.g. ‘More about pensions’ instead of ‘Click here’) so customers know where the link takes them.

There are lots of changes customers can make to their computers to make browsing the internet a better experience. If they want to alter the way they see, hear or use a website, they can change the options in their internet browser. AbilityNet has developed a guide called ‘My Computer My Way’. It has comprehensive and up-to-date information on changing browser settings for Windows, Mac and Linux users.

My Computer My Way^†

Our communications can be accessed in a wide variety of ways. information about our products and services can be supplied in printed format or by phone.

Next Generation Text (NGT)

If, on telephone calls, a customer can't hear the other person's voice or doesn’t catch all that they're saying, or they can't understand what’s being said, the Next Generation Text (NGT) Service can help.

To find out more about NGT, visit their website^†.

What is Third Party Access?

Third Party Access is when someone is given permission to access a customer’s account and can manage their money on their behalf.

Large print, audio CD or braille 

If a customer is having difficulty seeing their documentation, we can convert this to large print, audio CD or braille.  

Neurodiverse options

Customers with dyslexia, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyscalculia or autism may benefit from receiving documents in a neurodiverse format. Documents can be formatted to a different background colour, tinted overlay, colour text, font and font size.

If British Sign Language is your first or preferred language you can contact us using a live BSL video interpreter.

We can connect you instantly with interpreters through InterpretersLive! A free online service provided by a company called SignSolutions . You don’t need to book calls in advance: you can talk to us through InterpretersLive! any time between our normal office hours Monday to Friday.

There may be times where we need to speak to you, so to arrange this we will provide your email address to InterpretersLive! to send you an email arranging a date and time for you to contact us.
 

Here are some links to other organisations that may be helpful to our customers. They ensure products and services are accessible to as many people as possible.

RNIB^† (contains a whole range of information and resources for those living with sight loss)

AbilityNet^† (a charity that provides advice, factsheets, assessments, training and assistive technology for people with disabilities)

Business Disability Forum^†  (a range of resources for anyone interested in disability and how it affects business)

Youreable.com^† (a site with information, products and services for disabled people)

Equality and Human Rights Commission^† (the body responsible for promoting equality and human rights ideals)