The UK Government access key system is referred to on a number of .gov.uk Government websites without any links to the actual specification.

This document is derived from information, given to HCI Data Ltd from the Libary at The House of Commons in 2010, in order to specify the .gov.uk access key system.

Access key systems

Access key systems are keyboard shortcuts introduced in HTML 4.0 which offer an alternative form of navigation of a website. These are intended to help users who have difficulty in using pointing devices like the computer mouse.

UK Government Access Key Systems

The minimum standard of accessibility for all public sector websites is Level Double-A of the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, version 1.0 (May 1999) or the equivalent in version 2.0 (December 2008). W3C is the World Wide Web Consortium.

Version 1.0 (para 9.5) requires that keyboard shortcuts are provided to important links. The standard gives as an example providing these using the "access key" attribute in HTML. Version 2.0 does not require the use of access keys, it is an advisory item and suggests a range of ways of improving navigation.

The recommended Government access key standard is set out in the Cabinet Office's May 2002 Illustrated handbook for web management teams:

S - Skip navigation
1 - Home page
2 - What's new
3 - Site map
4 - Search
5 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
6 - Help
7 - Complaints procedure
8 - Terms and conditions
9 - Feedback form
0 - Access key details

As an example of this in practice, the Direct Gov website sets out the following access key system:

S - Skip navigation
1 - Home page
2 - Newsroom
3 - Site map
6 - Help
7 - Complaints
8 - Terms and conditions
9 - Feedback form
0 - Access key details

Unfortunately, different browsers use access keys in different ways. In general you need to hold down a key or two, and then press the access key you want.

The site also sets out the keys that need to be used according to the browser and PC software that you are using.

According to the Government's Central Office of Information (COI), all new public sector websites must conform to these guidelines from the point of publication. The handbook for web management teams (see above) emphasises the importance of the Government having a consistent access key standard so that users do not have to learn new navigational skills each time. It also advises how the system should be advertised on the website:

When this navigational system is made available, it is important to inform your website users, as soon as they enter. Otherwise, users who are least able to do so will be faced with a mouse-dependent navigational system that could have been bypassed. Each page could display a message, e.g. "UK government access keys system"

Usually, on a public sector website home page there is an "accessibility" link and this details the access key system being used and different instructions depending on the browser and software that you are using. For example on the Direct Gov website, the accessibility link is at the top right hand corner of the home page (see www.directgov.uk). On the Cabinet Office website, the system is set out on the viewing advice page.