This accessibility statement applies to the Leeds Conservatoire public-facing website (leedsconservatoire.ac.uk)
Systems and services with separate accessibility statements
At Leeds Conservatoire, we also run several systems and services for our students and staff. Below we have included accessibility statements specific to each system.
Space
Space is the name of the virtual learning environment at Leeds Conservatoire.
View Space accessibility statement
MyPortfolio
MyPortfolio is the name of the e-Portfolio system at Leeds Conservatoire.
View MyPortfolio accessibility statement
Panopto
Panopto is the name of the audio-visual system at Leeds Conservatoire.
View Panopto accessibility statement
Life
Life is the name of Leeds Conservatoire’s online noticeboard.
View Life accessibility statement
CELCAT
CELCAT is the central timetabling and room booking software used at Leeds Conservatoire.
View CELCAT accessibility statement
EBSCO Discovery Service
EBSCO Discovery Service is the system used by the library to enable users to search physical and online resources held in the library catalogue.
View EBSCO Discovery Service accessibility statement
The Ambassador Platform
The Ambassador Platform is a third party messaging, chat and content platform embedded within our website, that students ambassadors, staff and graduates use to share information with prospective students and those interested in our courses. The accessibility statement below is on the third party provider's website and as such we are not responsible for its content or accuracy.
View The Ambassador Platform accessibility statement on the provider's website
Accessibility statement for leedsconservatoire.ac.uk
This website is run by Leeds Conservatoire. At the conservatoire, we want as many people as possible to successfully access our website and its content. We are actively working on refining and improving the accessibility of these services and will continue to update this accessibility statement as changes are made.
Browser compatibility
- Website:
- Desktop:
- Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge (latest versions).
- Mobile:
- Chrome, Safari (latest versions).
- Desktop:
- Content Management System:
- Chrome, Edge (latest versions).
Our Commitment to Accessibility
Leeds Conservatoire is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for as many people as possible. We aim to:
- Support adjustments to colours, contrast levels, and fonts through your browser or device settings.
- Allow zooming up to 400% without loss of content or functionality.
- Enable navigation of most of the site using only a keyboard or speech recognition software, including:
- Ensure links have sufficient title attributes, clearly detailing the links behaviour.
- Provide full access to the site's navigation menu using keyboard navigation.
- Provide logical tab order with visible focus indicators.
- Provide the ability to skip directly to a page’s main content using a “Skip to content” link.
- Ensure most content is accessible using screen readers such as JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver.
- Use clear, easy-to-understand language wherever possible.
We aim to go beyond the requirements of the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) Accessibility Regulations 2018, providing an inclusive online experience for all.
AbilityNet has advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.
Feedback and contact information - including requesting alternative formats
If you need content from this website in a different format, such as:
- Accessible PDF.
- Large print.
- Easy read.
- Audio recording.
- Braille.
Or if you’ve experienced any issues using the website, please contact us. We welcome your feedback.
- email [email protected]
- Tell us what content you would like as well as your preferred format
Please include:
- The content you need
- The format you require
- Your contact details
- Any other relevant information
We will consider your request and get back to you in 3 working days.
A map with directions to our building at 3 Quarry Hill is available via Google Maps. If you cannot view this map, email us using the information on our contact us page for directions.
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
Leeds Conservatoire is committed to making this website accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
What We’re Doing to Improve Accessibility
We are actively working to improve accessibility across the site. Our ongoing efforts include:
- Aligning with WCAG 2.2 standards
- Conducting regular audits using automated tools and manual testing
- Testing a representative sample of key page types (e.g. Homepage, Course Search, News, Events, Profiles)
- Providing training and support for content editors
- Promoting accessibility awareness among staff
How we tested our website
We conduct both manual and automated tests using:
- Axe Accessibility Checker and Colour Contrast Analyser
- Lighthouse for performance and accessibility diagnostics
- Keyboard navigation testing to verify usability without a mouse
- Screen reader testing to ensure headings, ARIA roles, and alt text are meaningful and accessible
Areas of improvement
We are addressing the following:
- Ensuring all heading tags (<h1>–<h6>) contain meaningful, visible content.
- Reviewing HTML structure so all content is within proper landmark regions (e.g. <main>, <nav>).
- Improving consistency and clarity of screen reader interactions.
Compliance status
This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standard.
Non-compliance with the accessibility regulations
Client designed content
This website relies heavily on client-generated content which we are unable to modify, and so the accessibility of this content cannot be guaranteed. Examples of this may be Image alternative text and hyperlink title attributes. Any images and or links that are not fully controllable by an editor, have automated defaults put in place to ensure hyperlink behaviour, and image alternative text is handled accordingly.
Third party tools, plugins and or injected content
Some features (such as maps, social media feeds, video players, and external forms) are powered by third-party services. These components are developed outside our control and may not meet the same accessibility standards as the rest of the site.
We aim to use accessible third-party tools where possible but cannot guarantee full compliance. Responsibility for accessibility lies with the vendors of these services. We continue to monitor and, where feasible, replace inaccessible tools with better alternatives.
What we’re doing to improve accessibility
Staff support and training
We provide guidance to all staff on creating accessible content.
Staff training and awareness of digital accessibility best practice is incredibly important to us at Leeds Conservatoire, and we are emphasising the development of staff knowledge in this area through:
- Digital accessibility awareness initiatives
- Support materials
- Staff training
- Accessible templates for digital documents
We are also providing guidance on the use of accessible language.
Preparation of This Accessibility Statement
- Prepared on: 7 November 2023.
- Last reviewed on: 23 May 2025.
- Website last tested on: 23 May 2025.
These statements were initially created by Leeds Conservatoire, and is maintained by Moriyama Ltd, who are responsible for ongoing development and accessibility improvements on the platform.
