Accessibility

In branch

We are improving our branches to make access easier for everyone. Where possible, all of our new and refurbished branches have been designed with the following features:

• A permanent or temporary ramp
• Automatic or power assisted doors
• Interview rooms at ground level with access suitable for wheelchair users
• Counter positions at lower levels for customers who use wheelchairs and, in branches where this isn't possible, a writing table at a lower level
• All branches have lower level writing shelves

Cash machines

• Where possible, our newer cash machines have been installed at a height suitable for wheelchair access

In branch

We are improving our branches to make access easier for everyone. For example, we are improving lighting levels and fitting handrails to steps. Where possible, all of our new and refurbished branches have been designed with the following features:

• Automatic or power assisted doors
• Layout and signage designed with suitable colour contrast to assist our partially sighted customers

Cash machines

All of our cash machines have audible tone prompts after each key depression. The keyboards on our new cash machines also have the following features:

• Raised dot on the number 5
• Coloured keys for 'entry' and 'error'
• A depression in the middle of the keys making the keys easier to press
• We will be installing cash machines that can talk. A guide to using our cash machines is available in Braille, large print or on audio.

Correspondence

For customers with visual impairments we provide the following services free of charge:

• Statements and general correspondence produced in Braille, large print or on audiotape
• Brochures produced in Braille, large print or on audiotape
• PIN numbers provided in Braille

For you

We provide templates to help you write your cheques

For the website

Our website has keyboard shortcuts, these can be accessed on a computer by using the following keys on the following browsers:

PCs:

Microsoft Internet Explorer - press 'Alt' and letter, then press enter

Netscape - press 'Alt' and letter at the same time

Macs:

Microsoft Internet Explorer - hold down 'Control' key and then press letter

Keyboard Shortcut Action

H = Load home page

A = Load accessibility page

S = Skip to the main content of a page

• The website should work with the accessibility options in IOS and Android on Tablet and mobile
• The website should also work with all major screen reader software

In branch

• Hearing induction loops in all of our branches. In addition to providing fixed loops on some of our counter positions, all branches have a portable induction loop that is available for use in interview rooms
• We can arrange for an RNID Interpreter to be present for meetings free of charge, but please bear in mind this may require a few days' notice

By phone

• You can access our telephone banking services or apply for products using Text Relay via a Minicom number

For you

• We can give you signature stamps
• We can provide templates to help you write your cheques

For the website

• Our design allows for bigger buttons and links so you can use the website more easily. You can increase the font size to make the links/buttons larger