GP Website Accessibility — Legal Responsibilities and Best Practices 2026

„Is my GP practice website accessible — and am I legally responsible?" That's a question many GP partners, practice managers, and healthcare professionals ask when they hear about digital accessibility regulations.

In this guide, we'll explain what GP practices must do to comply with accessibility laws, your legal responsibilities, and best practices for making your practice website accessible.

What are the legal requirements for GP websites?

GP practices are subject to two main laws requiring accessible websites:

1. Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act 2010 requires all service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. This includes making your practice website accessible to disabled patients.

Under the Equality Act, you must:

• Provide information in accessible formats
• Ensure your website is accessible to disabled users
• Make adjustments where needed

2. PSBAR 2018

The Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018 (PSBAR) applies specifically to public sector organisations — and GP practices are covered.

Under PSBAR, GP practices must:

• Meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA for all websites and mobile apps
• Publish an accessibility statement on your website
• Monitor your website regularly
• Update your accessibility statement annually

Who is legally responsible?

You are legally responsible — even if your website is developed and managed by an external supplier.

What does this mean?

• You must ensure your supplier meets WCAG 2.2 Level AA
• You must verify compliance through testing
• You are liable if your website is not accessible
• You must publish an accessibility statement

What if your supplier says they are compliant?

You cannot rely solely on your supplier's claims. You must:

• Test your website yourself
• Request accessibility evidence from your supplier
• Document your compliance efforts

What are the NHS England requirements?

NHS England provides specific guidance for GP practice websites:

1. WCAG 2.2 Level AA

All NHS websites must meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA. This includes GP practice websites.

2. User testing

NHS England recommends user testing with disabled users to ensure your website is accessible in practice, not just in theory.

3. Readability

NHS England provides guidance on readability. Your website content should be:

• Clear and simple — easy to understand
• Plain English — avoid jargon
• Well-structured — logical headings and paragraphs

4. Accessibility statement

You must publish an accessibility statement on your practice website.

What should GP websites include for accessibility?

1. Alternative text

All images must have descriptive alternative text for screen reader users.

2. Colour contrast

Text must have sufficient contrast (minimum 4.5:1) against the background.

3. Keyboard accessibility

All functions must be operable with a keyboard — not just a mouse.

4. Form labels

All form fields must have clear labels.

5. Heading structure

Use logical heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3, etc.) for content structure.

6. Skip links

Include a "skip to main content" link for keyboard users.

7. Readable content

Content should be clear, concise, and easy to understand.

What are the consequences of non-compliance?

1. Discrimination claims

Disabled patients can bring a discrimination claim under the Equality Act 2010. If successful, you could be ordered to pay unlimited compensation.

2. EHRC investigations

The EHRC can investigate and issue a non-discrimination notice.

3. CQC concerns

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) may consider accessibility as part of their inspections.

4. Reputational damage

Inaccessible websites can lead to negative publicity and loss of patient trust.

How to make your GP website accessible

Step 1: Scan your website

Use the free UK HHS checker to scan your healthcare website against WCAG 2.2 Level AA.

Step 2: Fix all violations

Follow the recommendations in the report to fix all violations.

Step 3: Publish an accessibility statement

Publish a comprehensive accessibility statement on your website.

Step 4: Conduct user testing

Test your website with disabled users to identify real-world issues.

Step 5: Review readability

Review your content for clarity and readability. Aim for plain English.

Step 6: Monitor and update

Monitor your website regularly and update your accessibility statement at least once a year.

Frequently Asked Questions — GP Website Accessibility

Internal links — GP Accessibility Resources