Accessible Procurement Guide: How to Include Accessibility in Procurement Processes
Organisations increasingly rely on third-party websites, software, platforms and digital services. If accessibility is not considered during procurement, organisations can introduce compliance risks, create barriers for disabled users and face costly remediation work later.
Download this guide for AbilityNet research with practical advice from accessibility leaders at Google, Funka, the University of Westminster and Disability:IN. It helps organisations make informed purchasing decisions, assess suppliers and embed accessibility throughout procurement processes.
This guide shares practical advice from leading accessibility experts on how to make better buying decisions from the start.
This report gives you:
- Perspectives from accessibility leaders at Google, Funka, the University of Westminster and Disability:IN
- Why accessible procurement matters and how it reduces business risk
- Practical guidance for evaluating suppliers and their accessibility commitments
- Advice on embedding accessibility into procurement processes and organisational culture
How this guide will help you:
- Build accessibility into procurement decisions from the start
- Choose suppliers with greater confidence
- Reduce legal, compliance and user experience risks
- Avoid costly accessibility issues before contracts are signed
- Hold suppliers accountable through procurement and contract requirements
- Learn how leading organisations are making procurement a driver of accessibility
Get your free guide
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required. If the form does not display, email enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk and we will send the report in an accessible format.
Frequently asked questions
We've answered some of the questions we receive about accessible procurement and our guide (click to expand).
Accessible procurement is the process of ensuring that digital products, websites, software and services meet accessibility requirements before they are purchased. By building accessibility into procurement decisions, organisations can reduce risk, improve user experience and avoid costly remediation work later.
Accessibility helps reduce legal, compliance and user experience risks. It also helps organisations avoid introducing inaccessible third-party systems and services.
Many organisations use Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as a benchmark when assessing digital products and services.
Look for evidence such as accessibility statements, accessibility testing processes, accessibility roadmaps, conformance reports and a willingness to address accessibility issues.
This guide is designed for procurement professionals, accessibility specialists, digital teams, compliance professionals and anyone responsible for buying digital products or services.
AbilityNet provides accessibility consultancy, audits, training and strategic support to help organisations build accessibility into procurement and digital transformation processes. Explore AbilityNet's accessibility consultancy services.
Need help embedding accessibility?
Would a short, exploratory conversation with our experts help you understand your digital accessibility priorities?
Chat to us in a no‑pressure discussion about where you are now and what typically helps next.
Speak to our accessibility consultants