Nomensa study examines the degree to which online accessibility in Central Government is being achieved.

Nomensa, the Usability and Accessibility consultancy, today publishes its Web Accessibility in Central Government report that assesses 28 central government websites against accessibility guidelines. The report shows that 78% of central government websites are achieving UK accessibility targets but only 57% meet the 'single A' minimum standard defined by the Cabinet Office e-Government Unit.

Accessibility is evidently an important aspect of web strategy for UK central government. However, with such minimal results in the 'double A' and 'triple A' standings, Nomensa believes there is significant scope for improvement. In some cases, accessibility has not been given due recognition, putting fundamental barriers in the way of many people accessing government services online.

The Cabinet Office Autumn Performance Report published in December details that 96% of government services will be available electronically by the end of 2005, with 75% of these services currently available.

Public sector departments that have placed accessibility at the forefront of their e-enabled services, are not only fulfilling a legal and moral obligation, but will also show great success in the take up of their online services.

Key findings of the report were:

  • 21% of sites fell below the basic accessibility rating of 'single A' - the minimum guideline standard for accessibility;
  • 57% achieved only a 'single A' rating, 7% of sites achieved a 'double A' rating and 14% of sites achieved a 'triple A' rating.

For all the public sector's effort to make its online services accessible; there's still a great deal to do. At a time when government expects all public sector websites to meet specific accessibility levels, it's vital to recognise what constitutes an accessible website and fully understand the degree to which online accessibility is already being achieved.

- Leonie Watson, Head of Accessibility, Nomensa

Notes to Editors

About the Report

The Web Accessibility in Central Government report, conducted by Nomensa, provides an accessibility analysis of 28 central government department websites checked against 10 criteria representing key accessibility principles.

The globally recognised benchmark for accessibility, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), offer three grades of accessibility based on the successful fulfilment of different criteria. Basic accessibility is recognised by the 'single A' grade, while 'double A' is given to those attaining an intermediate level of accessibility and those attaining optimum accessibility gain 'triple A' rating.

The results contained in the report are based on combined manual and automated accessibility testing carried out during the first week of November 2004. The report identifies techniques used to evaluate each site, the overall score each site achieved and a detailed analysis of the results produced. The report also presents a league table of results on a site-by-site basis.

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.

To receive a copy of Web Accessibility in Central Government, please contact: Caroline Risk:
T: 0117 929 7333
E: info@nomensa.com