Accessibility standards
Accessibility assessor role
- Last reviewed
- 6 August 2026
Accessibility assessors provide expertise in accessibility and inclusive design across alpha, beta and live service assessments.
Why the role exists
As a government department, we need to make sure that our products and websites are accessible. We also need to make sure that we are compliant with accessibility regulations.
Although user research and design assessors can review how accessible a product or website is, it's not their main professional area of expertise. This is why we’ve introduced the role of the accessibility assessor to the assessment panel.
What the role does
The accessibility assessor works alongside the rest of the assessor panel with a specific focus on accessibility and inclusive design at alpha, beta and live phases.
Due to the limited number of accessibility assessors, there will not always be an assessor on every panel. They will assess large or complex products or websites.
Assessing accessibility
The accessibility assessor will take an in-depth look at all aspects of accessibility and inclusive design.
They will:
- check research includes users with disabilities and access needs
- ensure there is awareness of accessibility within all professions
- look for evidence of an accessibility audit plan, including details of budget, time and resource
- review accessibility statements (in draft or live), including a plan for when to iterate, and who will be responsible for this
- review planning or managing accessibility issues and prioritisation
Check Service Standard 5: Make sure everyone can use the service for detailed guidance for what they will look for by phase.
Become an accessibility assessor
If you're interested in becoming an accessibility assessor, email the Service Assessment Plus team at serviceassessment.plus@education.gov.uk to discuss the assessor training.