Accessibility Confident Accreditation

Accessibility is now a governance, risk and compliance issue, not just a technical challenge when building websites and apps.

Many organisations need to show regulators and other stakeholders that accessibility is built into how digital services are planned, designed, procured, delivered and improved.

Accessibility Confident Accreditation provides an independent assessment of how effectively accessibility has been embedded across your organisation. It helps you identify where risks remain and what needs to change to make accessibility part of business as usual.

It gives senior leaders, compliance teams, digital teams and procurement stakeholders reassurance and clear evidence that accessibility is being managed in a structured way.

Make an enquiry about becoming Accessibility Confident

Why organisations choose Accessibility Confident Accreditation

Many organisations run accessibility audits or invest in training for their teams. But accessibility failures can create legal, regulatory, operational and reputational risks.

The challenge for many organisations managing these risks is trying to understand how well accessibility is built into business as usual across teams, suppliers and projects.

Accessibility Confident Accreditation offers a recognised, independent way to address those risks:

• Identify governance gaps before they become larger issues.
• Support board, risk committee and executive reporting.
• Provide evidence for regulators, auditors and procurement teams.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to accessibility improvement.
• Reduce the likelihood of accessibility becoming a compliance issue.

Supporting compliance and regulatory confidence

Accessibility is becoming an increasingly important issue for boards, compliance teams and regulators. Regulators such as the Financial Conduct Authority increasingly expect organisations to demonstrate that accessibility risks are being identified, monitored and managed.

Accessibility Confident Accreditation provides independent evidence that accessibility is supported by clear governance, leadership and continuous improvement.

The five accreditation levels

Each level of accreditation indicates progress towards an industry-leading approach to accessibility. 

• Accessibility Starter - we know where to start;
• Accessibility Aware - we're building this into our roadmaps;
• Accessibility Confident - we are embedding best practice;
• Accessibility Champion - we are being recognised by customers and our inustry peers;
• Accessibility Leader - we are taking a lead in developing best practice.

What the assessment covers

Our process is built around five key diemensions that identify the progress you have made and the next steps on your journey:

• Vision: How does digital accessibility support key organisational goals such as business growth, customer care or risk management?
• Leadership: How is accessibility linked to senior ownership, governance, accountability and board-level commitments?
• Processes: How well is accessibility built into delivery and governance processes across teams?
• Capability: Do your teams have the skills, knowledge and support they need to deliver products and services that meet your strategic objectives?
• Procurement: How is accessibility considered when buying and managing third-party digital products and services?

What you get

Our highly experienced consultants work with key stakeholders to review your current position. They are familiar with regulatory and reporting requirements and can adapt the assessment to support your strategic priorities, whether that is risk reduction, stronger governance, customer outcomes or competitive advantage.

They will work with you throughout the process, giving you opportunities to review findings, provide additional evidence and respond where appropriate. You will receive:

• An independent assessment of your current position that can be aligned to the requirements of regulators and other stakeholders.
• A summary report with findings and recommendations.
• Evidence of accessibility governance and maturity.
• Visibility of risks and improvement opportunities.
• A framework for continuous improvement.
• An accreditation badge for external communications.

How the process works

• Complete a structured self-assessment.
• Provide supporting evidence.
• AbilityNet reviews your submission.
• Consultants discuss findings with your team.
• You receive an accreditation level and report.

How this differs from an accessibility audit

• An audit assesses a website or app.
• Accessibility Confident Accreditation assesses how accessibility is managed across your organisation.

The focus is long-term accessibility performance, not a single digital product.

Speak to us about becoming Accessibility Confident

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required. If the form isn't visible, please email us at sales@abilitynet.org.uk and we'll respond promptly to help with your enquiry.

Why choose AbilityNet?

• More than 25 years of accessibility expertise.
• Founded by IBM and Microsoft.
• Founding member of the International Association of Accessibility Professionals.
• Trusted by financial services, public sector, education and enterprise organisations.
• Specialists in accessibility strategy, governance and compliance.

Frequently asked questions about Accessibility Confident

What is Accessibility Confident Accreditation?

An independent assessment of how accessibility is embedded across your organisation.

Who is it for?

Large organisations that want stronger governance, reduced risk and greater confidence in accessibility delivery. It's especially valuable to businesses operating in regulated sectors such as fiancial services.

How does it help with compliance?

It identifies gaps in governance, processes, capability and procurement that could increase accessibility risk.

Can it support conversations with regulators?

Yes. It provides independent evidence of accessibility maturity and governance that can support discussions with regulators, auditors and stakeholders.

How does it support FCA-regulated organisations?

It helps organisations assess whether accessibility is being managed consistently across digital services, supporting customer outcomes and vulnerable customer objectives.

How does it support AI adoption?

It helps ensure accessibility is embedded into governance and decision-making as new technologies and AI-enabled services are introduced.

Make an enquiry

Speak to an AbilityNet consultant about Accessibility Confident Accreditation and how it can help reduce accessibility risk, strengthen governance and support compliance objectives.

Related services

• Accessibility Audits
• Accessibility Certification
• Accessibility Consultancy
• Accessible AI Consultancy
• User Testing with Disabled People