Digital accessibility policy

At Co-op we want to make sure that everyone can access digital services including Co-op websites, apps, communications and colleague resources.

We've set out our digital accessibility goals, processes and responsibility so that we can create a consistent approach.

We've also created our own digital accessibility guidelines to help us better understand the Web Accessibility Content Guidelines (WCAG) we need to meet and why.

How we make things more accessible

We need to consider digital accessibility at every stage of creating products and services at Co-op. And it must not end there. We need to constantly review and improve everything we build and develop.

We want to make sure there is responsibility for accessibility at all stages of product and service development.

Our accessibility responsibilities

Research

We will regularly research with disabled participants, including those who use assistive technology.

Content

We will:

create accessible content using the Co-op Experience Library guidance
support and educate others to write accessible content

Design

We will:

follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1
design in accessible ways using the Co-op Experience Library
discuss accessibility improvements in design reviews

Engineering

We will:

understand the importance of accessibility
code in accessible ways
perform basic testing
establish automated accessibility testing

Quality assurance

Our Quality Coaches will:

be involved in accessibility from the design stage
test key journeys with disabled people
support others to consider accessibility

Responsibility for accessibility policy

Our head of customer products, Lucy Tallon, has overall accountability for the accessibility of our products and services.

Everyone working in Co-op Digital, Technology and Data is accountable for working to this policy.

Awareness and support for the accessibility policy

We will:

provide regular training to make sure everyone involved in developing online products and services are aware of accessibility needs
make the accessibility policy easily accessible
encourage people to attend sessions to see how people use technology in different ways
create a network of people with an interest in accessibility to build and share knowledge

Help with accessibility

For help and support making our products and services accessible, contact accessibility@coop.co.uk.

This might include:

contacting the accessibility champion network at the Co-op
help with accessibility testing tools and access to people with access needs

Reporting and volunteering

If you find any accessibility issues please email accessibility@coop.co.uk.

We're always looking for volunteers with access needs to help us with our products. If you'd like to get involved, please contact matt.tyas@coop.co.uk.

Information on accessibility

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1

These are the standards developed by individuals and organisations around the world to create a shared standard for accessibility. Co-op needs to meet Level AA of these standards as a minimum and Level AAA wherever possible.

Equality Act 2010

This is the law that protects people from any discrimination that happened since 2010. Read the provision of service which includes digital services and therefore accessibility.

Co-op Diversity and Inclusion team

Co-op creates an environment where people respect and celebrate each other's individual differences. We embrace the talents, beliefs, backgrounds and abilities of all our colleagues. Find out how Co-op create an inclusive work environment for our diverse community of colleagues.