PSBAR 2018 — Public Sector Accessibility Regulations for NHS 2026

„What is PSBAR 2018 and how does it apply to the NHS?" That's a question many NHS managers, digital leads, and clinicians ask when they hear about accessibility regulations.

In this guide, we'll explain what PSBAR 2018 is, how it applies to NHS organisations, and what you need to do to comply.

📌 Quick Answer — PSBAR 2018 for NHS

PSBAR 2018 (Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018) requires all NHS organisations to make their websites and mobile apps accessible to people with disabilities. The regulations require WCAG 2.2 Level AA compliance, an accessibility statement, and annual monitoring. PSBAR applies to all NHS organisations, including Trusts, ICBs, and GP practices. It is enforced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

✅ Test your NHS website for PSBAR compliance

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

Free UK HHS Checker →

What is PSBAR 2018?

The Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018 (often called PSBAR) is a UK law that requires public sector organisations to make their websites and mobile apps accessible.

The regulations came into force on 23 September 2018 and are based on the EU Web Accessibility Directive. Even though the UK has left the EU, the regulations remain in force in UK law.

The regulations require all public sector websites and mobile apps to meet the WCAG 2.2 Level AA standard.

📊 PSBAR — Key Facts

Who must comply with PSBAR?

The regulations apply to all public sector bodies in the UK. For healthcare, this includes:

1. NHS Trusts

2. Integrated Care Boards (ICBs)

3. Primary care

4. Other NHS bodies

⚠️ Important — GP practices are covered

GP practices are considered public sector bodies under PSBAR. This means your practice website must be accessible and you must publish an accessibility statement.

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

What are the PSBAR requirements?

1. WCAG 2.2 Level AA compliance

All NHS websites and mobile apps must meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA. This includes:

2. Accessibility statement

Every NHS organisation must publish an accessibility statement on their website. The statement must explain:

3. Annual monitoring

NHS organisations must monitor their websites and apps on an ongoing basis. They must update their accessibility statements regularly.

What are the exemptions?

The regulations have several exemptions:

1. Disproportionate burden

If making your website accessible would be a disproportionate burden, you may be exempt. However, you must assess the burden and document your decision.

2. Archived content

Content that is archived and not used for live services is exempt.

3. Pre-2018 documents

Documents published before 23 September 2018 are exempt unless they are essential for active services.

4. Third-party content

Content that is not under your control (e.g., embedded social media) is exempt if it is not essential.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

1. EHRC investigations

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) can investigate your organisation and issue a non-discrimination notice. If you don't comply, they can take you to court.

2. Discrimination claims

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

3. Reputational damage

Accessibility failures can lead to negative publicity and loss of public trust.

4. Legal costs

Defending a claim can be expensive, even if you win.

How to comply with PSBAR

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: Monitor and update

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

Frequently Asked Questions — PSBAR for NHS

❓ What is PSBAR 2018? ▼

PSBAR 2018 (Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations 2018) is a UK law that requires all public sector organisations, including NHS organisations, to make their websites and mobile apps accessible to people with disabilities.

❓ Does PSBAR apply to NHS organisations? ▼

Yes. PSBAR applies to all NHS organisations, including Trusts, ICBs, and GP practices. All NHS websites and mobile apps must meet WCAG 2.2 Level AA.

❓ What is the technical standard for PSBAR? ▼

PSBAR requires WCAG 2.2 Level AA for all public sector websites and mobile apps.

❓ What are the exemptions? ▼

Exemptions include disproportionate burden, archived content, pre-2018 documents, and third-party content.

❓ What are the penalties for non-compliance? ▼

Penalties include EHRC investigations, discrimination claims with unlimited compensation, reputational damage, and legal costs.

🔍 Test your NHS website for PSBAR compliance

Free UK HHS checker — no registration required.

Free UK HHS Checker →

Internal links — PSBAR Resources

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