Nomensa accessibility league table identifies abdication of corporate responsibility
Two
out of three (70%) of FTSE 100 companies are failing to reach large
groups of stakeholders through their websites, despite clear guidance
on shareholder communications from the Higgs Report and the Combined
Code of Corporate Governance, according to new research by leading
digital design company Nomensa.
95% of shareholders use corporate websites to access current information on share prices, annual and interim reports and to track news announcements. However, Nomensa’s research found that in most cases this important information was not accessible to people with disabilities. While 90% of corporates claim to have adopted social responsibility practices, including the promotion of fair and equal employment to all people, only three in ten FTSE 100’s are doing enough to make online company information accessible to those with disabilities.
The second in a series of studies undertaken by Nomensa, entitled Accessibility of FTSE 100 Company Websites tested the accessibility standards of FTSE 100 corporate websites in compliance with the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
The research found that only 37% of corporate websites achieved a Single-A of the WCAG, which represents conformity with minimum standards of website accessibility. While this represents an improvement of 26% in the year since Nomensa’s last assessment of FTSE sites, none of the companies achieved Double-A or Triple-A of the WCAG. The 1995 Disability Discrimination Act states that websites should be accessible to all people, and organisations that do not comply are at risk of legal action.
Simon Norris, managing director of Nomensa, commented:
Our initial research just 12 months ago revealed that only 11 FTSE 100 companies had made any reasonable effort to ensure that their corporate websites were accessible to all users. Now, with around 37 per cent achieving a Level A pass, it’s clear that the message is finally getting through. A responsible attitude towards diversity groups and the environment can make a business more competitive, more resilient to shocks, and more likely to attract and hold both consumers and the best employees.
He continued:
With that said, for all the effort made by those organisations that have faired well in our research, such as Prudential and Intercontinental Hotel Group, there is still a long way to go. The absence of Level AA or AAA compliance indicates that there is significant scope for improvement. The first FTSE 100 Company to achieve Level AAA conformity will gain recognition for being at the cutting edge of web accessibility. It will be sure to receive the associated benefits that accompany such a position. Ultimately, a company that implements an accessible web strategy is fulfilling its moral - as well as economic - obligations to shareholders. A company whose site is not easily accessible by everyone is limiting the number of stakeholders it can reach.
Companies that scored highest in accessibility include:
- Gallaher Group;
- Prudential;
- Centrica;
- HBOS;
- Intercontinental Hotels Group;
- Rolls Royce;
- BG Group;
- Friends Provident;
- Sainsbury (J);
- Kingfisher.
The Nomensa report Accessibility of FTSE 100 Company Websites includes a new league table and a comparative analysis of recent modifications made towards accessibility in FTSE 100 websites. The report also reveals the weaknesses in many companies’ approach to Corporate Social Responsibility.
To receive a copy of the Nomensa FTSE 100 Accessibility Report Update contact Caroline Risk on info@nomensa.com, or telephone 0117 929 7333.
About Nomensa
Established in 2001, Nomensa is the digital agency which specialises in perfecting online user experience. It combines usability, accessibility and strong web development skills to help public and private sector clients develop online strategies, be more inclusive and accountable.
Nomensa has a research based methodology that put people at the centre of its activities. Everything it does focuses on understanding the experience people have when using technology.
Nomensa works with FTSE 250 companies, Central Government Departments, Local Authorities and Councils, and leading Universities, as well as several other organisations in the finance, IT and charity sectors.
