This accessibility statement applies to content published on www.jobs.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
This website is run by Dorset Council. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to:
- change colours, contrast levels and fonts
- zoom in up to 300% without the text spilling off the screen
- navigate most of the website using a keyboard or speech recognition software
- listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver)
We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
How accessible this website is
We know some parts of this website aren’t fully accessible. We updated our website on 6 March 2024 and are working with our supplier to address these issues and get them resolved as quickly as possible.
We have highlighted priority issues to our supplier to fix by mid-April 2024.
Virtual focus dialog boxes: When a dialog box is opened screen reader users will not necessarily be aware of this.
Selected file notification: When a CV is uploaded, screen reader users are not notified.
Date format: The required date format is not stated in the date of birth label making it difficult for screen reader users and keyboard only users to enter dates.
Focus state: The focus state is not consistently displayed for keyboard users.
Cookie banner: When zoomed in over 300%, the cookies notice does not display fully and obscures some content.
Missing heading: The search box on the homepage is missing a heading so may be confusing for screen reader users.
Colour contrast: Some help text is difficult to see on the application form and search fields. The colour contrast on some buttons is not sufficient.
The colour contrast on some navigation links such as in the menu for 'vacancies', 'contact us', 'home' and the footer links is not sufficient due to white text with an orange background.
Enter on comboboxes: Activating the Enter key on comboboxes jumps to a location further down the page which will be very disorientating for screen reader users. Space and arrow keys are the recommended ways to interact with comboboxes.
Feedback and contact information
If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, contact: webteam@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Contacting our HR and recruitment team
If you are unable to access information about a vacancy or need help completing an application due to the accessibility issues on this website, please email recruitment@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Requesting content in a different format
If you need information on this website in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille:
- email: webteam@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
- call: 01305 221000
- if you use British Sign Language, you can contact us using SignVideo
We’ll consider your request and get back to you in 3 working days.
Visiting us
We provide a text relay service for people who are D/deaf, hearing impaired or have a speech impediment.
Our offices have audio induction loops, or if you contact us before your visit we can arrange a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter.
Reporting accessibility problems with this website
We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of this website. If you find any problems that aren’t listed on this page or think we’re not meeting the requirements of the accessibility regulations please contact us.
If you are having a specific problem with a part of this website, please contact us.
Enforcement procedure
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).
Technical information about this website’s accessibility
Dorset Council is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
Compliance status
The website has been tested against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standard.
This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.1 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.
Non-accessible content
The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.
Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations
1.3.1 Info and relationships
Some content looks like headings when it is not. This makes it difficult for screen reader users to navigate the page. There are some missing Aria descriptions on help text provided on the application form. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships).
We have raised this with our supplier to have fixed by mid-April 2024.
1.1.1 Non-text content
Some documents provided by external third parties may contain images without alt text. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.1.1 (Non-text content).
We will give guidance to third party organisations uploading content onto our site. This will be ongoing.
1.4.10 Reflow
When zoomed in over 300%, the cookies notice does not display fully and obscures some content. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.10 (Reflow).
We have raised this with our supplier to have fixed by mid-April 2024.
1.4.11 Non text contrast
The colour contrast on some call to action buttons is not sufficient. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.11 (Non text contrast).
We have raised this with our supplier to have fixed by mid-April 2024.
1.4.1 Use of colour
Some pages have poor colour contrast. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.1 (Use of Colour).
We have raised this with our supplier to have fixed by mid-April 2024.
1.4.3 Contrast minimum
Help text on some pages is hard to see due to colour contrast. Documents, attachments and images provided by third party organisations may not be accessible. Colour contrast is not sufficient when links with white text (such as in the top navigation and footer) receive focus. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.4.3 (Contrast minimum).
We have raised the colour contrast on help text, form fields and with our supplier to have fixed by mid-April 2024.
We have raised the colour contrast on focus with our supplier to have fixed by mid-April 2024.
We will continue to provide guidance to third party organisations uploading content onto our site.
2.4.3 Focus order
Some navigation items do not work as expected with arrow keys and enter key. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.3 (Focus order).
We have raised this with our supplier to have fixed by mid-April 2024.
2.4.7 Focus visible
When navigating with a keyboard, some focus styles are hard to see.
This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.7 (Focus Visible).
We have raised this with our supplier to have fixed by mid-April 2024.
2.4.6: Headings and Labels
Some areas of the site are missing headings, such as on the search box on the homepage. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.6 (Headings and Labels).
We have raised this with our supplier to have fixed by mid-April 2024.
3.3.2 Labels or instructions
Date fields don't all have useful instructions on how dates should be submitted to assist users. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 3.3.2 (Labels or Instructions).
We have raised this with our supplier to have fixed by mid-April 2024.
3.3.3 Error suggestions
Error text does not always provide helpful suggestions or guidance. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 3.3.3 (Error suggestions).
We have raised this with our supplier to have fixed by end of April 2024.
4.1.2 Name role value
Not all links have descriptive names and roles. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 4.1.2.
We have raised this with our supplier to have fixed by mid-April 2024.
4.1.3 Status messages
Status messages aren't always provided such as on the 'save jobs' function and when uploading files such as CVs. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 4.1.3 (status messages).
We have raised this with our supplier. They have a fix for this that will be deployed with the next upgrade of the system.
2.4.6 Headings and Labels
On some pages headings and labels do not clearly describe the topic or purpose of the content. This makes it difficult for some users to identify or find the right content they require. This fails WCAG 2.1 success criterion 2.4.6 (Headings and Labels).
We have raised this with our supplier to have fixed by mid-April 2024.
Disproportionate burden
At this time we have not made any disproportionate burden claims.
Content that's not within the scope of the accessibility regulations
PDFs and other documents
The accessibility regulations don’t require us to fix PDFs or other documents published before 23 September 2018 if they’re not essential to providing our services. Any new PDFs or Word documents we publish will meet accessibility standards.
We have developed a new, more accessible PDF template for Dorset Council job descriptions.
Documents submitted to us by third parties that we are obliged to publish will not be compliant. We cannot amend these documents as we did not author them.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
We are taking a number of actions to improve the accessibility of this website:
- we have moved to a new recruitment system which helps us ensure better AA technical compliance. We are working with our supplier to propose improvements to its accessibility and address issues identified
- we are training our staff and providing guidance on how to meet accessibility requirements
- we are updating all our job descriptions to be published in an accessible format
- we advise colleagues on how to make their content compliant
- we will be having our site audited by The Shaw Trust in May 2024.
Preparation of this accessibility statement
This statement was prepared on 29 February 2024. It was last reviewed on 18 March 2024.
This website was last tested on 5 March against the WCAG 2.1 AA standard. This website was tested by our content design team using a combination of automated testing tools and manual tests. A further audit of the site with an external accessibility provider is being scheduled for May 2024.