Accessibility legal requirements
Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018
- Last reviewed
- 1 September 2026
The Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018 set accessibility requirements for public sector websites and mobile applications.
The Accessibility Regulations 2018 require public sector websites and mobile applications to be accessible to people with disabilities. They help ensure DfE products and services can be used by as many people as possible.
To meet these requirements, DfE websites and mobile applications must meet WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) at Level AA.
The regulations came into force on:
- 23 September 2018 for new and existing websites
- 23 June 2021 for mobile applications
Why it matters in DfE
As a government department, we must comply with the Accessibility Regulations 2018.
Building accessible products and services helps everyone use DfE services. It also improves usability, reduces support needs and helps create more inclusive services.
How to meet the regulations
You should use accessibility testing to check that your website or mobile application meets WCAG 2.2 at Level AA.
The DfE Accessibility and inclusive design guidance supports teams to develop the knowledge and skills they need to meet these requirements.
It includes:
DesignOps in DfE can also support teams to get an accessibility audit.
Content in scope
Examples of content types that must meet the regulations:
- all DfE products and services including public-facing websites and mobile applications, as well as internal intranet sites
- all PDFs, Word files or other downloadable documents published after 23 September 2018
Use the GOV.UK guidance for things you might not need to fix.