Accessibilty

This accessibility statement applies to the Highland Council Fostering website:

https://highlandfostering.co.uk/

Highland Council is committed to ensuring that this website is accessible to everyone. We want as many people as possible to be able to use our website regardless of ability, technology or the way they access the internet.

We are committed to continually improving accessibility and usability by following recognised accessibility standards and good practice.

Using this website

We have designed this website so that you should be able to:

• navigate most of the website using only a keyboard
• use the website with screen readers and other assistive technologies
• zoom in up to 400% without loss of content or functionality
• navigate the website on desktop, tablet and mobile devices
• understand information written in clear, straightforward language
• customise colours, fonts and contrast using your browser or operating system settings.

Compliance Status

This website is compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.2 Level AA.

The website has also been developed using many WCAG 2.2 Level AAA best practices to provide an enhanced user experience wherever reasonably practicable.

During our most recent accessibility review we identified two minor issues that do not affect the website’s compliance with WCAG 2.2 Level AA.

Known Accessibility Issues

Duplicate HTML IDs

During testing we identified a small number of duplicate HTML ID attributes within the page markup.

Although this represents a minor HTML validation issue, it is not considered a failure of WCAG 2.2 and is not expected to affect the vast majority of users or assistive technologies.

What we’re doing

This issue has been identified and will be corrected during our next scheduled website maintenance release.

Consent Management Platform

Within the cookie consent interface, some links open in a new browser tab without informing users beforehand.

This behaviour relates to WCAG Success Criterion 3.2.5 (Change on Request), which is a Level AAA success criterion.

The functionality is provided by a third-party Consent Management Platform and is outside the direct control of Highland Council and the website developers.

What we’re doing

We have raised the issue with the platform supplier and will implement any update or improvement as soon as it becomes available.

This issue affects only the cookie consent interface and does not impact the accessibility of the main website or its services.

Feedback and Contact Information

We are always looking to improve the accessibility of this website.

If you:

• experience difficulty using this website
• discover an accessibility issue not described in this statement
• require information in a different format such as large print, Easy Read or an accessible PDF

please contact us.

Email: fosteringduty@highland.gov.uk

Telephone: 01463 644460

We aim to respond to accessibility enquiries as quickly as possible.

Reporting Accessibility Problems

If you identify an accessibility issue, please let us know.

When contacting us, it is helpful if you can provide:

• the web page address (URL)
• a description of the issue
• the device and browser you were using, if known.

We value your feedback and use it to improve the website.

Enforcement Procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the accessibility regulations.

If you are not satisfied with our response to your accessibility concern, you may contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) for further advice.

Technical Information

Highland Council is committed to making its websites accessible in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This website has been assessed against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.2 Level AA and is considered compliant.

The website has also been developed using many Level AAA accessibility techniques where appropriate.

Accessibility Testing

Accessibility forms part of our ongoing website maintenance programme.

The website is regularly reviewed using a combination of:

• automated accessibility testing tools
• manual keyboard testing
• screen reader compatibility testing
• manual review against WCAG 2.2 success criteria.

Testing includes representative pages throughout the website, including navigation, content pages, forms and interactive features.

Third-party Services

This website makes use of certain third-party services, including a Consent Management Platform for managing cookie preferences.

Whilst we endeavour to select suppliers that meet recognised accessibility standards, we cannot directly modify the functionality of third-party systems. Where issues are identified, we work with suppliers to encourage timely improvements.

Ongoing Improvements

Accessibility is an ongoing process.

As part of our regular maintenance programme we continue to:

• review new content before publication
• improve page structure and navigation
• maintain keyboard accessibility
• review colour contrast and readability
• provide meaningful alternative text for images
• monitor website accessibility using recognised testing tools
• address any issues reported by users.

Preparation of this Accessibility Statement

This statement was prepared on 22 July 2026.

It was last reviewed on 22 July 2026.

The website was tested using a combination of automated testing tools and manual accessibility checks against WCAG 2.2 Level AA.

This statement will be reviewed annually or following significant changes to the website.