Accessible documents policy

This policy explains how accessible the documents the Independent Prevent Commissioner (OIPC) publishes on GOV.UK are.

This policy explains how accessible the documents the Independent Prevent Commissioner (OIPC ) publishes on GOV.UK are. It covers PDFs, spreadsheets, presentations and other types of document. It does not cover content published on GOV.UK as HTML, which is covered by the main GOV.UK accessibility statement.

Using our documents

The Independent Prevent Commissioner publishes documents in a range of formats, including:

  • PDF
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • CSV (Comma-Separated Values)
  • ODT (OpenDocument Text)

We want as many people as possible to be able to use these documents. For example, when we produce a document we make sure to:

  • provide an HTML option where possible
  • tag headings and other parts of the document properly, so screen readers can understand the page structure
  • include alt text alongside non-decorative images, so people who cannot see them understand what they are there for
  • avoid using tables, except when presenting data
  • write in plain English
  • use accessible colours with sufficient contrast
  • make document titles clear and meaningful
  • use descriptive link text so people understand the purpose of each link

How accessible our documents are

New documents we publish, and documents you need to download or complete to access one of our services, should be fully accessible.

We know that some older documents may not be fully accessible. For example, some of them:

  • are not tagged up properly, for example, they do not contain proper headings
  • are not written in plain English
  • contain images without a textual description
  • include complex tables

If you need to access information in one of these document types, you can contact us and ask for an alternative format.

What to do if you cannot use one of our documents

If you need a document we have published in a different format, please contact us:

Email: oipc@ipcommissioner.gov.uk

Please tell us:

  • the web address (URL) of the document
  • your name and email address
  • the format you need, for example audio, Braille, large print, Easy Read or accessible PDF

We will consider the request and get back to you within 10 working days.

Alternative formats available

On request, we can provide documents in the following formats:

  • large print (minimum 16 point)
  • audio (MP3 or other digital audio format)
  • Braille
  • Easy Read
  • British Sign Language (BSL) video (for key publications, where appropriate)

Reporting accessibility problems with one of our documents

We are always looking to improve the accessibility of our documents. If you find any problems not listed on this page or you think we are not meeting accessibility requirements, please contact us:

Email: oipc@ipcommissioner.gov.uk

Our team will look into your comments.

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 are not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service.

If you are in Northern Ireland, contact the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

What we are doing to improve accessibility

The Independent Prevent Commissioner is committed to improving the accessibility of our documents. We are:

  • publishing in HTML by default where possible, rather than PDF
  • updating document templates to meet accessibility standards
  • training staff on creating accessible documents
  • checking all new documents for accessibility before publication
  • reviewing and improving older documents as resources allow
  • following Government Digital Service accessibility standards and guidance

Contact us about accessibility 

If you have any questions about the accessibility of our documents or need information in an alternative format:

Email: oipc@ipcommissioner.gov.uk

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