Accessibility statement for The Open University Career Site

The Open University is committed to making its websites and mobile applications accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

This accessibility statement applies to The OU Career Site.

We want as many people as possible to be able to use our websites and mobile apps, and accessibility is an essential part of our mission. On our Accessibility hub, you'll find everything you need to answer any questions you have about accessibility, whether you're a student or a member of staff.

To adapt the content to your needs or preferences you should be able to:

  • Change colours, contrasts levels and fonts.
  • Resize text up to 200% without impact on the functionality of the website.
  • Zoom in up to 400% without loss of information or functionality.
  • Navigate the website using just a keyboard.
  • tab to ‘Skip to content’ links at the top of the page to jump over repetitive information to the main  content.
  • tab through the content; the current location will be indicated by a clear visual change.
  • control the embedded media player to play audio and video materials.
  • Use a screen reader (e.g., Jaws, NVDA) to:
  • listen to the content of web pages and use any functionality on the page.
  • list the headings and subheadings in the page and then jump to their location on the page.
  • bring up a list of meaningful links on the page.
  • Use transcripts or closed captions with most audio and video materials.
  • Download learning materials in alternative formats (e.g., Word document, PDF, ePub, Kindle eBook).
  • If you have a print disability we provide SensusAccess to students, which is an automated service that converts files from one format to another, for example, PDF to text, audio, Word or Braille.
  • AbilityNet also provides advice on making your device easier to use if you have a disability.

Compliance status

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliances listed below.

Incorrect implementation of accordions:

Accordions, or expand/collapse menus, have not been correctly implemented. This prevents NVDA screen reader users from using hotkeys to navigate to the rest of the page while within an accordion. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A). This issue will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Error handling issues:

When completing certain forms, if some of the required fields are left blank and the form is submitted, a list of errors is displayed. These errors are not associated with or linked to the respective form fields they refer to. This makes it difficult for screen reader users to associate errors with appropriate form fields. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 3.3.1 Error Identification (Level A). This issue will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Ambiguous group labels:

Group labels used in some of the forms are not precise and do not provide a clear indication of the type of fields in the form. When a form is lengthy, precise group labels make it easier for screen reader and other assistive technology users to complete forms more effectively. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 3.3.2 Labels or instructions (Level A). This issue will be resolved by the end of July2025.

Combo box labels are verbose:

In some forms, all combo box labels are preceded by the phrase ‘more options for’.  This does not add value to the labels, and makes these labels verbose for screen reader users. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 3.3.2 Labels or instructions (Level A). This issue will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Lengthy forms not presented on multiple pages:

Some forms are lengthy but are not divided up into sections or presented on multiple pages. Users with cognitive impairments find it difficult to process a lot of information when it is presented on a single page. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A). This issue will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Combo box behaviour is non-standard:

In some combo boxes, on highlighting an option and pressing the tab key, the highlighted option is not selected. One has to additionally press the Enter key in order to select the highlighted option. This impacts screen reader and keyboard-only users. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 2.1.1 Keyboard (Level A). This issue will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

The search results page is inaccessible when using the NVDA screen reader if the search returns 0 results:

When a user using the NVDA screen reader performs a search  and the search returns zero results, the search results page area becomes inaccessible. As a result, NVDA screen reader users are unable to use hotkeys to navigate or interact with the search results page. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A). This issue will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

The Show/Hide password toggle button has inconsistent labels:

The Show/Hide password toggle buttons in some forms does not have a consistent and clear label and announcement that unambiguously conveys its current state, causing confusion about the selection status of the button. This impacts screen reader users. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A). This issue will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Checkbox issue:

When applying for a job, in the candidate profile, the declaration text is not programmatically associated with the 'I agree to the above statement' check box.  As a result, screen reader users are presented with the check box, but  without the statement they are agreeing to. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A). This issue will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Date picker issue:

The date picker in some forms is not accessible, and the date picker field is not associated with the correct label.  As a result, screen reader users are not able to use the date picker. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 3.3.2 Labels or instructions (Level A). This issue will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Missing group labels:

Related form input fields in some forms are not grouped together using a group label. This lack of proper grouping makes it challenging for screen reader users to understand the context of individual form inputs. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A). This issue will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Cookie modal issue:

The toggle buttons in the Manage Cookies modal that enable users to select or unselect optional cookies are not accessible to NVDA screen reader users. This fails WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A). This issue will be resolved by the end of July 2025.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 27 June 2024. It was last reviewed on 26 June 2024.

This website was last tested on 21 June 2024. The testing was carried out by the Accessibility and Usability Evaluation Team at The Open University.

The sample used for testing consisted of key screens and sample content from the career’s website. Manual testing was carried out on the sample content, and this included a review using the NVDA screen reader.

Feedback and contact information

If you find that a certain section of our website is not accessible and you can’t get access to the information that you need please use the Open University Accessibility Feedback Form to request support and we will ensure that you are provided with the information you require. You will need to provide your contact details and Personal Identifier if you are a student so we can get back to you. You should expect to hear back from us within 5 working days.

The OU is very experienced in meeting accessibility needs for our students. In many cases we are able to provide module and other study support materials in alternative formats for students who indicate a need for this when completing a Disability Support Form.

In addition, some module materials are available in different formats and can be downloaded from module websites. Students can contact their Student Support Team for advice.

If you are a student, or someone who has had contact with the University before, and have a complaint about the accessibility of our websites, you should raise a complaint via the complaints and appeals process. 

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 are based in the UK, and you’re not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).