Accessing our website

We know how important it is for you to be able to access what you need online. Find out how we build our website to make sure anybody can use it.

Online accessibility

So much of what we need to know or do is online these days. To help you, we make sure our website is user friendly for everybody. This means that:

  • We use the W3C standards for HTML and CSS.
  • We are working towards AA level of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.1.
  • The Digital Accessibility Centre test how accessible our online content is. Their process includes over 800 hours of testing by disabled users. They also have experts who run manual tests.
  • Some documents are in PDF format and we'll tell you where this is the case. 
  • All our images have alternative text to describe them to you. This means that even if you can’t see the image, you can still understand what it means.
  • We use strong colour contrasts to make sure that text is clear to read.
  • We use plain English which is easy to understand. We avoid using jargon where we can and explain it when we can't.

While we do our best to make sure you don't have any problems using the website, we know that sometimes you might find things that cause you a problem. We are always working to get rid of these issues.

Useful information for screen reader users

You can use screen readers like JAWS or Zoomtext on our website on a desktop computer. We build our site with these in mind.

 

  • Every section on a page has a heading that your screen reader can identify.
  • We use descriptive link text that tells you what the link is for. If we can't, we'll include additional text before or after the link which can be picked up by your screen reader.
  • To access PDFs on our site with a screen reader, you'll need to make sure you have Adobe® Reader® version 5.0 or later.
  • If you find a PDF which cannot be accessed by your screen reader, please let us know. If we need to we can send you the document in a different format.
  • We do use some JavaScript. If you have this turned off because it causes problems with your screen reader, try updating your screen reader.  Or you can try using another screen reader, such as the free tool NVDA.

Specialist help and support

If you find it hard to use your device, AbilityNet can help. 

Their My Computer My Way website has lots of advice on how to make your phone, computer, or tablet easier to use. It has step by step guides on how to adapt your device to meet your needs.

AbilityNet also offer free help on how to use your devices if you have a disability. You can call them for free on 0800 269 545 if you would like more information.

Browser settings

JavaScript

We do use some JavaScript. Most of the time the website will work perfectly well without it, but occasionally JavaScript may be required. If you have it switched off, we’ll prompt you to switch it on when you need it. 

 

Browser updates

We’re always improving our site and adding new features. Sometimes that means things might not work properly if your browser is out of date. It’s also important to keep your browser up to date to protect yourself. 

If you need support with using your browser, such as changing the text size, find it at the links below:

Chrome

Firefox

Safari (Apple devices only)

Edge (Windows 10 only)

Internet Explorer

Our Mobile Banking app

Your app lets you manage your account without having to visit branch or call us. We try to make it easier for everyone to use it. 

  • iOS VoiceOver and Android TalkBack both work with our app, so you can still access it if you are blind or partially sighted.
  • We have a ‘show password’ option when you log in.
  • Touch ID and Facial Recognition allow you to log in without having to remember your password.
  • Some of the other accessibility features that are on most Smartphones will work when you use our app.
  • You can also send us a secure message if this is more convenient than speaking to us.

Discover how to use our app

Further support

Accessibility and disability support

More information on how we can support you.

Accessibility and disability

To use our Mobile Banking app you need to have a valid phone number registered to your account and be set up to manage your accounts using Internet Banking.

Our app is available to iPhone and Android users only and minimum operating systems apply, so check the App Store or Google Play for details. Device registration required. The app doesn’t work on jailbroken or rooted devices. Terms and conditions apply.