Introduction

Queen’s University Belfast is committed to ensuring that all websites published through the Web Content Management System (Web CMS) meet accessibility standards, in line with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018. Our target is compliance with Level AA of the latest approved version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

To support this, we use Siteimprove, a digital governance platform that provides automated checks for accessibility, quality assurance, and performance. The Web Support Team and the Digital Marketing Team in Queen’s Global manage Siteimprove to monitor and improve accessibility across the University’s main web channels.

The Accessibility module in Siteimprove is used throughout the content lifecycle, from development and publishing to ongoing review, to help ensure compliance. Reports generated by the platform highlight common accessibility issues that need corrective action. If you manage or maintain content in the Web CMS, access to Siteimprove will support you in keeping your website accessible, compliant, and user-friendly.

Roles and Responsibilities

The information below outlines who is responsible for what within the Web CMS to support accessibility compliance.

Design and Development - The Web Support Team and the Digital Marketing Team in Queen’s Global are responsible for ensuring that the assets provided by the Web CMS meet accessibility standards from both a design and functionality perspective. This includes some existing and all new system assets, such as Page Layouts, Content Types, Components, and Plugins.

Content Creation and Maintenance - Website Owners and Content Editors are responsible for ensuring that all content published on their website(s) via the Web CMS complies with accessibility guidelines. Content should be created and maintained in line with the provided Content Type and Accessible Content guidance. Siteimprove also helps to ensure website content remains accessible throughout the content lifecycle.

Accessibility Support

If you are responsible for owning a website or managing content within the Web CMS and need accessibility support, please log a call via the IT Service Desk. Our team will be happy to provide advice and guidance.

When logging your call, please include the following in the summary field: Web Support Team – Accessibility.