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Understanding Government Digital Service Accessibility Audits (GDS)

Public sector websites are being audited. Has yours?

The Government Digital Service (GDS) audits public sector websites and apps for accessibility on behalf of the Cabinet Office. If issues are found, you typically have 12 weeks to fix them before a case can escalate.

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Government website jobs page with an audit and checklist
Woman in a wheelchair viewing a council website on a laptop

Why it matters

Behind every check is someone trying to actually use the site: applying for a blue badge, booking a GP appointment, navigating with a screen reader. Disabled, elderly, and neurodivergent residents are most affected when it doesn’t work.

Key points you need to know about GDS audits

GDS checks public sector websites and apps against WCAG 2.2 AA

Most main sites have already been tested, and checks are now extending to secondary sites

If issues are found, organisations typically get 12 weeks to act before escalation

Responsibility stays with your organisation, even if a supplier built or manages the site

Published PDFs, forms, and policies are checked too, and are a common source of issues

Icon showing elements of a 12 week plan

The 12 week window

If a GDS audit finds issues, you’re not expected to have a perfect site by the deadline. According to GDS’s own monitoring report, none of the sites given a full audit were fully compliant, yet most cases closed with no further action because the organisation showed evidence of fixes made and a clear plan for the rest.

If the 12 weeks pass without meaningful action, the case can be referred to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), or the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI).

Get the 12 Week Compliance Planner

What happens if issues aren’t resolved

Referral to the EHRC or ECNI for formal investigation.
Public naming by the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO).
No documented evidence of checks, fixes, or a plan.
Disabled, elderly, and neurodivergent residents locked out of services.

Free resources to help you prepare

12-week compliance planner for the public sector showing a four-step process flow with icons (accessibility, warning, checklist, and settings)

12 Week Compliance Planner

A week-by-week plan for responding once a report lands.

Get the planner

Statement Thumbnail

Accessibility Statement Template

Your statement must state your compliance level, list known issues, and be reviewed at least annually. Get a starting point that reflects your actual position.

Get the template

Creating an Accessible PDF Checklist Thumbnail

Accessible PDF Checklist

Review your documents against the same standard as your site.

Get the checklist

The Public Sector Website Accessibility Checklist

Our Public Sector Website Accessibility Checklist provides a practical guide to help your organisation identify common accessibility barriers and take steps towards meeting accessibility regulations.

Get the checklist

Website Accessibility WCAG Checker

Free Website Accessibility Check

Run a free accessibility scan to detect any inaccessibility on your website and how to fix it.

Run a free scan

Promotional graphic for a Recite Me webinar titled “Public Sector: Is Your Website Putting Your Organisation at Risk?” taking place on 14 July, 2:00pm–3:00pm. Speakers are Chris Holloway, Head of Accessibility, and Martin Robertson, Director of New Revenue, with headshots displayed on the right.

Public Sector: Is Your Website Putting Your Organisation at Risk?

Watch the webinar now to see how GDS audits work and what progress looks like in practice.

Watch the Webinar