Accessibility Statement
This accessibility statement pertains to this website and applies to all elements within it. The website serves as an information resource for recruitment to entrepreneurs, new startups, and existing businesses in Northern Ireland. One of its primary functions is to process inquiries submitted through the inquiry form, assisting individuals in discovering available support in their respective areas. The website is jointly managed by NIESS and Ardmore Group, with Ardmore Group responsible for hosting through Google Cloud Managed Hosting Services and sharing primary responsibilities for design, development, and content with NIESS.
Our Dedication to Accessibility:
The NIESS recognises the importance of website accessibility and is committed to enhancing the website’s accessibility status. By continuously striving to improve and address any accessibility issues, we demonstrate our dedication to inclusivity and equal access for all individuals, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Our commitment aligns with our organization’s commitment to Equal Opportunities, ensuring that no one faces discrimination based on various factors.
Accessible websites facilitate equal participation, ensuring that potential applicants with disabilities can access and navigate the site, explore job opportunities, and apply without barriers. We aspire to make this website accessible to as many people as possible. We encourage all users to explore options for optimizing their website experience, such as customising web browsers and access devices. Resources and information from organisations like AbilityNet, w3, and NI Direct are also available to assist users.
Accessibility Status:
We are actively working to enhance the website’s accessibility and are currently reviewing it for potential improvements. During this process, some users may encounter issues with certain website elements.
Contact for Accessibility Feedback:
We take responsibility for monitoring and continuously improving website accessibility. If you require information or wish to provide feedback on accessibility issues, please contact the relevant email address based on the website section you are interested in. When reaching out, please include the web address (URL) of the content in question, your name and email address, details of the issues you are experiencing, and any adjustments you may require. We will respond to your query promptly.
Enforcement Procedure:
We are committed to meeting users’ accessibility needs and addressing concerns. If issues persist after engagement, users have the right to seek recourse through the relevant authority. In Northern Ireland, website accessibility is governed by the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No.2) Accessibility Regulations 2018, which mandate compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland oversees and enforces compliance.
Compliance Status:
This website is partially compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA standards. Non-compliant features were identified during a preliminary review, which may affect users with visual, motor, or assistive technology accessibility profiles. These features include unique access key values, titled frame elements, sequential heading elements, labeled form elements, discernible link names, and sufficient contrast ratios between background and foreground colors.
Improvement Efforts:
The NIESS and Ardmore Group are actively investigating solutions to enhance website accessibility. We will engage with third parties possessing relevant expertise and aim to meet WCAG 2.1 AA standards in all future development. Existing content and functionality will also be addressed as needed.
Preparation of this Statement
This website was last audited in October 2023, and this statement was prepared in October 2023. Ongoing investigation work aims to provide further clarity on accessibility compliance, and this statement will be updated accordingly.