The UK Government is working on a business case for a digital accessibility career path in the digital, data and technology profession.
It is also taking steps that could increase the emphasis on accessibility in the procurement of digital products and services, according to Home Office minister Rachel Maclean MP (pictured).
She provided details in response to parliamentary questions from Vicky Foxcroft MP, the shadow minister for disabled people, on what the Home Office has done to on defining a cross-government accessibility profession as part of the National Disability Strategy.
Maclean said her department is working on the career path initiative with others and the Central Digital, Data and Technology Office (CDDO) in the Cabinet Office.
An outline proposal has been submitted to the CDDO’s profession management function and officials to meet in the coming weeks for discussions.
Scoping roles and framework
“In the meantime, work has begun to scope the roles and supporting framework in anticipation of approval,” she said. “This work will build on the work already done to establish a roles framework for digital accessibility professionals at the Home Office.”
She also responded to a question from Foxcroft on progress in improving digital products and services across the public sector, saying efforts are underway to make accessibility more prominent in procurement.
“Home Office officials have been working within the department to identify and trial improvements to how digital products and services are procured in order to recommend future cross government and cross public sector improvements,” she said.
“This has included model contract language, guidance for buyers and improved accessibility involvement in some procurement activity. We expect that throughout the next financial year we’ll begin work with the Crown Commercial Service to identify improvements through its frameworks and processes to improve the accessibility of procurement.”
