Publishing accessible documents

We need to make our content accessible so that it can be accessed by as many users as possible regardless of health conditions or impairments.

What the law says

Content on public sector websites needs to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.2 so that we are compliant with the Equality Act 2010 and Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

Content that does not meet these guidelines can, and has, result in legal action.

Read more about consequences of inaccessible content in our ‘Accessibility legislation: what you need to know‘ guidance.

When you should make a document

Where possible, online content should be created as a page on a website, rather than as a document. This is because it is harder to make a digitally accessible document.

You should only use a document to share information when:

• if there is a clear user or business need, with evidence to support it
• when there is a legal requirement to have a formal document
• a specific audience needs a special format, like an Easy Read document

How to make an accessible document

Creating an accessible document can be time consuming, so you should take this into account when planning your workload.

If you need to create a document, you should follow the guidance on creating accessible documents on the Essex County Council Digital Manual.

When writing for the council, you should also follow our brand language guideline and house style guide.

You may find it helpful to follow the general guidance on publishing accessible documents on GOV.UK.

Document templates

You can use our Word document templates to help create branded accessible Word documents.

Join the Digital Accessibility Network (DAN)

For peer support when creating digitally accessible services and information, join the Digital Accessibility Network (DAN) on Microsoft Teams.