Inclusive and accessible communications
Government information should be as inclusive and accessible as possible, because it really does matter and it is our duty under the Equality Act 2010. In the Government Communication Service (GCS) we all have a role in making our communications inclusive and accessible.
This page sets out the standards we should all strive to meet, with guidance on how to create inclusive and accessible content.
- Our legal duties
- Inclusive communications template
- Accessible by default resources
- British Sign Language guidance
- Standard wording for communications briefs
- Further learning and resources
- Join the accessibility community
Our legal duties
Learn more about your duties as a government communicator under the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation.
Inclusive communications template
The following document sets out considerations for inclusive communications, and accessibility standards which all GCS communications content must meet, including links to guidance on how to do so. It also helps you to think through how you can make your content inclusive to different audiences, so that it has a wider and more effective impact.
Accessible by default resources
The GCS Innovation Lab has created a range of resources to raise awareness on the importance of accessible digital communications, in collaboration with GCS members and experts in accessibility and disability, from across the Civil Service. These resources have been created to accurately reflect access issues and suit the needs of GCS communicators.
Check out and apply the accessible by default resources
British Sign Language guidance
In 2022, the British Sign Language (BSL) Act became law, meaning that British Sign Language is a recognised language of the UK. The BSL Act states that BSL should be considered actively for any public announcement on policy or changes to the law, including:
- publication of plans, strategies, policy and other consultations and consultation responses
- press conferences
- social media and
- websites
This guidance helps government communicators, policy officials and others provide BSL bespoke content, translations and interpretation to those who need it.
For GCS Members
Read the British Sign Language Act guidance
Standard wording for communications briefs
This guidance gives government communicators suggested wording to cover issues around inclusivity and accessibility within internal or external communications briefs.
Further learning and resources
Learning about accessibility is a journey, not a project. Assistive technology is always evolving and communicators need to stay up to date with these developments so they can focus on the user needs.
Join the accessibility community
Anyone working within the UK public sector can join the accessibility community where you can ask questions about accessibility, develop your knowledge, and stay up to date with the latest developments.