Measures to support accessibility

TWFRS takes the following measures to ensure accessibility of our website: 

• Include accessibility as part of our mission statement. 
• Include accessibility throughout our internal policies. 
• Integrate accessibility into our procurement practices. 

Conformance status

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) define requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. This website aims to conform with WCAG 2.2 level AA.  

Using our site

We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website.  

This means that you can: 

• Zoom in up to 200% without text spilling off the screen
• The text will reflow in a single column when you change the size of your browser window
• Navigate the website using just a keyboard

We’ve also made the website text as simple as possible to understand.

We also provide assistive technology, enabling all website visitors to customise their experience through a range of options to suit their online accessibility and language needs. 

The Recite Me toolbar provides text-to-speech functionality, fully customisable styling features, reading aids and a translation tool with over 100 languages, including 65 text-to-speech voices and many other features.

Known limitations

Whilst we try to maintain a high standard of accessibility on our website, there are some known limitations. These are documented below:

• A – F2 – Failure of Success Criterion 1.3.1 due to using changes in text presentation 
• A – H91 – Using HTML form controls and Links 

Accessibility Efforts & Disclaimer

We are committed to continuously improving our website’s accessibility. While we strive to ensure all content meets the highest standards, some areas may still need improvement. If you encounter accessibility barriers, please contact us so we can assist you and work towards a resolution.

Reporting Accessibility Problems with this Website

We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of our website. If you encounter content that you cannot access, then please contact us on the details below and we will provide you with an accessible alternative. 

Inclusion Team: Inclusion.Team@twfire.gov.uk /  0191 444 1500  

We aim to respond to any feedback within a suitable time, if a response is requested.

If you are not happy with how we have responded to the issue you have raised with us about the accessibility of our website, then please contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS). The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for ensuring websites meet accessibility standards. 

Third-party content and functionality

We may make use of third-party resources that embed content on our website. Wherever possible we will ensure these are conformant. 

We work with third-party providers to encourage accessibility, but we cannot guarantee full compliance with WCAG standards for third-party content.”

Technical Information About this Website’s Accessibility

Our organisation is committed to making its website accessible to all visitors, in line with regional regulations and we aim for conformance with the WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1) at level AA.  

Technical Specifications

Accessibility of this website relies on the following technologies to work with the particular combination of web browsers and any assistive technologies or plugins installed on your computer: 

• HTML 
• CSS 
• JavaScript 

These technologies are relied upon for conformance with the accessibility guidelines used. 

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

Our accessibility journey is continuing. We regularly review our website and its content to identify and fix known issues. We can do this by running a check of our website with the Recite Me Accessibility Checker. 

This statement is reviewed at least once a year and updated. It was last reviewed on 31.03.2025.