Accessibility  Appendix 1: Third-party accessibility statements

The University of Leeds is committed to making its third-party web content accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This accessibility statement applies to the University of Leeds Information Governance training system, hosted in the Learning Pool system.

The Learning Pool system comprises a Learning Management System (LMS) that hosts the training, and e-learning modules from the Learning Pool ‘Ready-made’ Libraries that have been customised by the University.

The training modules contain interactive components such as multiple-choice questions, horizontal scrolling, accordions and hot graphics. There are no audio, video or animated components.

Learning Pool’s own accessibility statements for its LMS and its ‘Ready-made’ Libraries can be read at the following locations:

• Accessibility statement for Learning Pool LMS
• Accessibility statement for Learning Pool ‘Ready-made’ Libraries

Compliance status

The University of Leeds Information Governance training system is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

We have identified the following accessibility issues with the e-learning modules and are working with the supplier to resolve these. The platform supplier recently undertook a separate, full, third-party digital accessibility audit and have been addressing issues that will address some or all these issues:

• On macOS using the VoiceOver screen reader with the Safari browser, it’s not always possible to tab to all interactive elements on a page. This doesn’t meet success criterion 2.1.1 Keyboard. Users affected are encouraged to rely on VoiceOver commands such as the ‘Move to next’ (VO key and right arrow key) and ‘Move to previous’ (VO key and left arrow key) commands in VoiceOver, or to use the Firefox browser.
• On iOS using the VoiceOver screen reader, having completed an action on a page the focus is in the wrong place. This doesn’t meet WCAG 2.2 success criterion 2.4.3 Focus Order. Users affected can request a text-only, Word transcript of the module content.
• Using NVDA on Windows 10 with the Chrome browser, course pages can’t be launched from the home page menu using the keyboard. This doesn’t meet WCAG 2.2 success criterion 2.1.1 Keyboard. Users affected are encouraged to use the Firefox browser as an alternative.
• There are broken ARIA references on the course home pages that may affect your understanding of the content. This doesn’t meet WCAG 2.2 success criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships; 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.
• There is an invalid ARIA attribute value on all course pages that may make it harder to engage with the content for some screen reader users. This doesn’t meet WCAG 2.2 success criterion 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value. Users affected can request a text-only, Word transcript of the module content.

Recommendations

Windows users

NVDA screen reader users are encouraged to use the Firefox browser due to the difficulties with using NVDA with the Chrome browser as noted under ‘Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations’.

Mac users

VoiceOver users are encouraged to use the Firefox browser due to the difficulties with tabbing around some parts of the content while using the Safari browser, as noted under ‘Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations’.

iOS users

Some parts of the training may be hard to access for VoiceOver users, as noted under ‘Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations’. These users may prefer a text-only, Word transcript. See the ‘Requesting and text-only, Word transcript’ section for details of how to request this.

Requesting a text-only, Word transcript

Please contact the IT Service Desk via the Request Catalogue using the ‘Log a General Request’ option if the accessibility shortcomings of the training system mean a text-only, Word transcript of the content of the Information Governance training modules would be more convenient for you. 

Requesting in this way allows a record to be kept of your engagement with the training. We can then manually mark the training as complete against your user record when you have later confirmed that you have read the transcript and questions.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 4 April 2022.

This statement for the University of Leeds Information Governance training system was prepared through automated and manual testing of the system by the University of Leeds. It was evaluated against all WCAG 2.1 AA criteria.

This statement was last reviewed on 20 December 2024.

Feedback and contact information

If you need information in the University of Leeds Information Governance training system in a format other than a text-only transcript, like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille, please contact the IT Service Desk:

• Web: Use either the contact form for people who cannot log in to the IT site or the contact form for people who can log in.
• Phone: Call the IT Service Desk on 0113 343 3333

Reporting accessibility problems

We’re always looking to improve web accessibility. If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, contact the IT Service Desk:

• Web: Use either the contact form for people who cannot log in to the IT site or the contact form for people who can log in.
• Phone: Call the IT Service Desk on 0113 343 3333

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

This accessibility statement applies to the University of Leeds ‘Falco’ chatbot. 

The core product behind the ‘Falco’ chatbot is ServiceNow Virtual Agent, which is controlled by its provider, ServiceNow. Some of the chatbot functionality and its content is controlled by the University. 

We want as many people as possible to use this chatbot. For example, that means you should be able to:

• Navigate most of the chatbot using just a keyboard.
• See text and interface items even if you have a type of colour-blindness. 

While we are working actively to resolve the accessibility issues with the chatbot where we can, AbilityNet has advice that may make our digital properties more usable in their current state.

The University of Leeds is committed to providing an inclusive environment, and to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and we are working to apply the relevant accessibility standards.

How accessible the ‘Falco’ chatbot is

We know some parts of the ‘Falco’ chatbot are not fully accessible:

• The chatbot can be very difficult to use via screen readers, particularly mobile screen readers such as iOS VoiceOver. 
• Some screen readers do not read all messages from the chatbot or read them in an incorrect order.
• Elements of the product (links, buttons, etc.) do not always have a clear purpose.
• Instructions and labels are not always clear, and we do not always provide context-sensitive help.
• Engaging with all parts of the chatbot via keyboard or touch-based gestures often requires moving focus backwards.
• The heading structure conflicts with the host page heading structure.

The chatbot is considered an alternative route to access information already available on the IT site on which it’s hosted. We recommend people who use assistive technologies consider using the IT site as normal or call the IT Service Desk on 0113 343 3333.

Feedback and contact information

If you need information from the chatbot in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille, please contact IT Services: 

• Web: Use either the contact form for people who cannot log in to the IT site or the contact form for people who can log in.
• Phone: Call the IT Service Desk on 0113 343 3333

We’ll consider your request and get back to you as soon as we can. Please also consider looking for the information via the main IT site.

Reporting accessibility problems with the ‘Falco’ chatbot

We’re always looking to improve the accessibility of the ‘Falco’ chatbot. If you find any problems not listed in this statement or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, contact IT Services with details of the issue you’ve identified:

• Web: Use either the contact form for people who cannot log in to the IT site or the contact form for people who can log in.
• Phone: Call the IT Service Desk on 0113 343 3333

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your concerns, you can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

Contacting us by phone or visiting us in person

If you have any specific questions, details for different sections of the University are listed on our contact page. 

Our Campus Directory is an accessible, text-based alternative to our interactive campus map.

More information about access to our campus is available in information for disabled visitors.

Technical information about the ‘Falco’ chatbot’s accessibility

The University of Leeds is committed to making its digital estate accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

Compliance status 

The ‘Falco’ chatbot is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances and exemptions listed below.

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

• An inappropriate heading level is provided to the End Conversation heading. One or more headings lack actual heading text. The topic list present in the All topics dialog is not marked-up as an actual list. People who are blind or have low vision may struggle to always understand what the chatbot is communicating. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A).
• The chatbot has a heading structure that conflicts with the surrounding page by using several Heading 1s and not appropriate consequent heading nesting. People who are blind or have low vision may struggle to always understand how the chatbot and page content relate. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A).
• Most content is presented in a meaningful sequence, except in the Chat window, the keyboard navigation sequence is incorrect. This can create difficulty people who rely on assistive technologies that read content aloud and those who cannot use a mouse or other pointing device. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (Level A).
• Response options may be presented to the user shortly before the agent responses that should precede it. This means screen readers announce content in a confusing order. This can create difficulty people who rely on assistive technologies that read content aloud. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 1.3.2 Meaningful Sequence (Level A).
• Content can be increased up to 200 percent without loss of content or functionality, but when fully zoomed some content remains off screen. People with low vision may not be able to increase text size and read all the information easily. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 1.4.4 Resize text (Level AA).
• The chatbot supports text spacing apart from on placeholder text in text fields. People with low vision and/or dyslexia may struggle to read this information. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 1.4.12 Text Spacing (Level AA).
• Keyboard focus is lost on invoking the Mimimize Chat Window button. After selecting an emoji in the relevant pop-up, there is no visible keyboard focus in the chat window. A focus indicator is not properly visible for some actionable items. People who rely on keyboard navigation may struggle to move around some parts of the chatbot. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 2.4.7 Focus Visible (Level AA).
• There are several ARIA role, label, and attribute issues, such as the aria-role description on elements not having a semantic role on "Good", "Neutral", and "Bad" UI controls. Users of screen readers, screen magnifiers, and speech navigation software, may find the correct information or operation isn't always clear. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A).
• Screen readers may announce the End Conversation dialog button as "Menu button Submenu" which is inappropriate. Users of screen readers, screen magnifiers, and speech navigation software, may find the correct information or operation isn't always clear. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A).
• Screen readers may not notify when the user toggles the ON/OFF state of the Notifications toggle button. Users of screen readers, screen magnifiers, and speech navigation software, may find the correct information or operation isn't always clear. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A).

Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations

PDFs and other office file formats 

Documents published before 23 September 2018:

The ‘Falco’ chatbot’s responses are based on the content already on the IT site. This means it may reference or link to PDF or other office file formats that were published before 23 September 2018.

Many of our older PDFs and Word documents do not meet accessibility standards. For example, they may not be structured so they’re accessible to a screen reader. This does not meet WCAG 2.2 success criterion 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.

The accessibility regulations do not require us to fix PDFs or other documents published before 23 September 2018 if they’re not essential to providing our services. 

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

Most of the chatbot experience is defined by ServiceNow, the supplier of the chatbot. We’ve been assured that ServiceNow is working on the non-compliances identified here and improvements are expected to be live in line with the planned release schedule of the wider platform versions. 

For the parts of the experience the University can control, we are actively making improvements. We hope to have all of these resolved by the end of 2025.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was first prepared on 29 July 2022. It was last reviewed on 20 December 2024. 

The core product behind the ‘Falco’ chatbot, ServiceNow Virtual Agent, was last fully tested on 7 April 2022. The test was carried out by ServiceNow. This test informs most of the non-compliance findings in this statement. 

For its testing, ServiceNow used the following evaluation methods:

• The product was evaluated using the most recent versions of multiple browsers (Chrome, Safari, and Edge Chromium).
• Assistive technologies used in the evaluation included NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver, as well as exclusive use of the keyboard to navigate and operate the product content and functionality.
• The evaluation process used a combination of automated checks as well as human testing/evaluation of specific workflows.
• ServiceNow’s findings are based on known conformance issues related to Virtual Agent. Other potential accessibility and usability issues may exist but are unknown at this time.

The University has also performed some simple, usability-based accessibility testing using assistive technologies (such as iOS VoiceOver and Voice Control, Android Talkback, and NVDA) that has provided additional non-compliances.

This accessibility statement applies to publications.leeds.ac.uk and has been adapted from a template provided by Digital Science.

The publications and research information database used at the University of Leeds is an instance of Symplectic Elements, supplied by Digital Science.

It is designed to be usable by as many Leeds researchers as possible. The text should be clear and simple to understand. You should be able to:

• zoom in up to 300% without problems
• navigate most of the website using just a keyboard
• navigate most of the website using speech recognition software
• use most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent 
• versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver).

AbilityNet has accessibility advice on how to adapt your device to meet your needs.

Non-accessible content

Some parts of this website are not fully accessible:

• Some user-generated files and previews of these files may be inaccessible
• This website has not been optimised for mobile devices, so may not behave in an accessible manner if viewed on such devices
• Some parts of this website that are restricted to administrative users may not be fully accessible. 

To minimise the risk of encountering non-accessible pages in Symplectic you should:

• use the desktop site wherever possible (Elements has not yet been optimised for mobile use)
• use the latest version of a modern browser, such as Chrome or Firefox.

Reporting accessibility problems with this website

If you have any issues with accessibility when using this system or encounter non-accessible content please contact Digital Science by emailing support@symplectic.co.uk, copying in research@library.leeds.ac.uk.

Digital Science may be able to provide the information on this website in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read and audio recording. 

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how Digital Science respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS). 

Technical information about this website’s accessibility

Compliance status

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances and exemptions listed below.

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.

Non-compliance with accessibility regulations. Issues that users could encounter whilst using Elements include:

• Elements presently has no ‘skip navigation links’ to get users directly to each page’s content. Thus, when using a keyboard to navigate, there are interactive page elements on every page that must be tabbed through sequentially before content that's unique to the page can be reached. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 2.4.1 (Bypass Blocks).
• Where a user interaction causes a dynamic change to a form, tab flow does not always take account of the new form component, making it difficult for a user to complete the form using a keyboard alone. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 2.4.3 (Focus Order).
• The datepickers we make use of in Elements, whilst navigable using a keyboard, use non-standard controls, which may make it difficult for users to select dates. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 2.1.1 (Keyboard).

Disproportionate burden:

• User generated content: Some of the content on this website is generated and uploaded by individual users and as a result may not be fully accessible. Reviewing and ensuring each item of content is fully accessible would be a disproportionate burden within the meaning of the accessibility regulations for both the person generating the content and those carrying out related administrative task. 
• Older pages: Some older pages on this website have multiple accessibility issues which can only be addressed through a full rewrite. Digital Science report that whilst each of these pages will ultimately be made accessible through the ongoing revision, ensuring that they were accessible by the time the accessibility regulations became applicable would have been a disproportionate burden.

Content that’s not within the scope of accessibility regulations:

• User generated content: Some of the content on this website is third-party content that is neither funded nor developed by Digital Science, nor under their control and is therefore exempt from meeting the accessibility regulations.
• Access-controlled parts: This website is not available to the general public and is exempt from meeting the accessibility regulations until such time it undergoes a substantial revision. Remaining content not meeting accessibility standards will be addressed incrementally on an ongoing basis.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared by Digital Science on 21 September 2020. It was last reviewed on 20 December 2024. As part of a substantial revision to this website, pages are being tested for accessibility as they receive attention. This statement is based on testing performed up to 16 January 2023. The test was carried out by internal teams.

This accessibility statement applies to the University of Leeds’ International Medieval Congress (IMC) submission portal provided by Confex.

The portal is developed and run by Confex with customisations requested by the University of Leeds. We want as many people as possible to be able to use this website. For example, that means you should be able to:

• Zoom in up to 400% without the text spilling off the screen.
• Listen to most of the website using a screen reader (including the most recent versions of JAWS, NVDA and VoiceOver).

While we are working actively with Confex to resolve the accessibility issues with the portal where we can, AbilityNet has accessibility advice that may make the portal more usable in its current state.

The University of Leeds is committed to providing an inclusive environment, and to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually improving the user experience for everyone, and we are working to apply the relevant accessibility standards.

How accessible this website is

• We know some parts of this website are not fully accessible:
• A ‘skip to main content’ link isn’t available on all pages. Where a ‘skip to main content’ link does exist it is styled so it isn’t visible to keyboard-only users but will be announced by screen readers. 
• Page titles aren't always descriptive enough to indicate to people where they are and what is available on the page. 
• There’s a lack of relevant headings on some pages. 
• Page headings aren't always intuitive. 
• There are unlabelled form fields and elements, and cases where labels are available for some assistive technology users but not all. 
• Although form and log-in entry errors are presented to the user, it may not always be clear how best to resolve these issues. 
• A menu in the Speaker Center isn't accessible by keyboard. 
• Text doesn’t always have high enough contrast against its background. 

Feedback and contact information

If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, contact the IMC team:

Email: Email the IMC team via imc@leeds.ac.uk explaining the issue you’re experiencing.

If you need information from the portal in a different format like accessible PDF, large print, easy read, audio recording or braille, or if you’re struggling to use the platform, please contact the IMC team: 

Email: Email the IMC team via imc@leeds.ac.uk explaining the issue you’re experiencing.

We’ll consider your request and get back to you as soon as we can.

Alternative accommodations for any users with disabilities who may find obstructions in the platform are outlined in the ‘What we’re doing to improve accessibility’ section.

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’). If you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

Technical information about this website’s accessibility

The University of Leeds is committed to making its website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

Compliance status

The portal has been tested against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standard.

This portal is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.

Non-accessible content

The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reasons.

Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations

• A ‘skip to main content’ link isn’t available on all pages. This means keyboard-based users won’t be able to bypass blocks of content that are repeated on some web pages. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 2.4.1 Bypass Blocks.
• Where a ‘skip to main content’ link does exist it is styled so it isn’t visible to keyboard-only users but will be announced by screen readers. This will make it harder for keyboard-only users to navigate the platform. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum).
• Page titles aren't always descriptive enough to indicate to people where they are and what is available on the page. This may make the browsing experience difficult for blind people, those with low vision, people with cognitive disabilities and those use voice navigation. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 2.4.2 Page Titled (Level A).
• There’s a lack of relevant headings on some pages. People who are blind or have low vision may struggle to always understand what the page is communicating. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A).
• Page headings aren't always intuitive. This can make things more challenging for screen reader users or those who have cognitive disabilities. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 2.4.6 Headings and Labels (Level AA).
• There are unlabelled form fields and elements, and cases where labels are available for some assistive technology users but not all. This may make it difficult for some assistive technology users to successfully submit information. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criteria 1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose (Level AA), 2.5.3 Label in Name (Level A), 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A).
• Although form and log-in entry errors are presented to the user, it may not always be clear how best to resolve these issues. This may make forms difficult to complete for screen reader users. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 3.3.3 Error Suggestion (Level AA).
• A menu in the Speaker Center isn't accessible by keyboard. This may mean the site isn't fully operable by people with no vision and those who rely on keyboard navigation/operation or similar. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A).
• Text doesn’t always have high enough contrast against its background. People with low vision may have difficulty reading some text. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA).

All WCAG 2.2 AA non-compliances will be addressed by the platform supplier, Confex, as soon as possible.

Disproportionate burden

There are no claims for disproportionate burden at this time.

Content that’s not within the scope of the accessibility regulations

Ambiguous labels in a third-party text editor

Parts of the submission process include a free, third-party text editor. The ‘undo’ and ‘redo’ buttons do not include adapt their labels to indicate what will be undone and redone by actioning them. This fails WCAG 2.2 success criterion 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value. However, as these buttons are part of third-party content that is neither funded nor developed by, nor under the control of, the University, the regulations don’t apply.

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

The University is working with Confex, the platform supplier, as it remediates its platform to address the non-compliances. Confex has assured us all issues will be addressed as soon as possible.

Anyone unable to submit a proposal within the platform can email the IMC team via imc@leeds.ac.uk for a Paper Proposal Word document. This mirrors the fields in the web platform. The IMC team will populate the information into the platform once the form is emailed back to them, and will ensure all the appropriate information is submitted, querying anything that doesn’t seem right.

Similar processes are available for any other forms inaccessible to a delegate (bursary applications, session submissions, etc.). 

For edits to submissions or personal details, delegates can email their corrections/changes to the IMC team.

Any delegates who cannot freely edit abstracts on the platform, can also email their changes to the IMC team who will make them on their behalf.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 27 March 2024. It was last reviewed on 20 December 2024.

This website was last tested in November 2023 against the WCAG 2.1 AA standard.

The test was carried out by Shaw Trust following an initial test in February 2023.