Accessibility Statement

The Government Actuary’s Department is committed to making its websites and files linked to them accessible, in accordance with the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
This accessibility statement applies to the GAD Factors Guidance Hub.

Compliance status

This website is partially compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines version 2.2 AA standard, due to the non-compliance and the exemptions listed below.

Non-accessible content

While we aim to ensure a high level of accessibility across all our content, the following areas are not fully compliant: The content listed below is non-accessible for the following reason(s):

• Mathematical formulae and symbols: Many of our documents contain mathematical formulae and symbols which are necessary for understanding and performing specific tasks related to the administration of Public Service Pension scheme member options. These symbols may not be fully accessible to screen readers or other assistive technologies. This content is essential and currently cannot be fully adapted without significantly affecting the integrity of the information. If you require this content in an alternative format, please contact enquiries@gad.gov.uk.
• Use of technical language: Some parts of this website use technical language and specialist terminology that is necessary for the subject matter and intended audience. This is particularly relevant for users in roles that require background knowledge in Public Sector Pension scheme administration. Where possible, we aim to explain terms or provide links to additional guidance, but not all content can be simplified without affecting its meaning or usefulness.
• Use of collapsible boxes: We use collapsible boxes on some pages to help reduce visual clutter and improve navigation, especially for longer documents. These are not currently fully accessible to keyboard and screen reader users. In future improvements of the website we will look to add the appropriate labelling and ARIA attributes. If you experience any issues accessing hidden content, please contact enquiries@gad.gov.uk.

Historic PDF documents have not been converted to be compliant since this is archived content not needed for current services.
In some cases, we have assessed that resolving these issues would be a disproportionate burden due to the complexity, cost, and specialist nature of the content. We remain committed to improving accessibility over time and ensuring that essential information is available in accessible formats when requested.

The Consolidated Factor Workbooks are not compliant, with the main limitations being:

• Perceivable: parts of the consolidated factor workbooks may not be easy to interpret with assistive technology because the layout and structure are optimised for specialist administrative use (for example complex tables and non-linear reading order may make use of a screen reader difficult).
• Operable: use of the consolidated factor workbooks may require extensive keyboard movement and may not follow a simple, predictable order.
• Understandable: the consolidated factor workbooks are a database of factors to be used by administrators alongside corresponding guidance notes. Therefore, as a document on its own or in the hands of non-administrators, the consolidated factor workbooks may not be understandable.

We have assessed that making the consolidated factor workbooks fully compliant with WCAG 2.2 AA would impose a disproportionate burden (as defined in the Accessibility Regulations) at this time. Our assessment considered:

• the resources required;
• the estimated costs and benefits, including
• the expected benefits to disabled users taking into account the frequency and duration of their use of the consolidated factor workbooks.

Because the consolidated factor workbooks are designed for a specific administrative purpose and are maintained to support that purpose, achieving full compliance would require significant redesign and re-engineering, to us and the administrative systems using them. The cost and impact of doing so is not currently proportionate to the expected benefit. We will review this decision at least annually, and sooner if the workbook is substantially changed or replaced.

Preparation of this accessibility statement

This statement was prepared on 24 July 2025.
The method of preparing this accessibility statement was a self-assessment done by the Government Actuary’s Department.
The statement was last reviewed on 11 June 2026.

Feedback and contact information

Please contact enquiries@gad.gov.uk if you wish to notify us of any compliance failures or to request information and content excluded from the scope of the Directive.

Enforcement procedure

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is responsible for enforcing the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018 (the ‘accessibility regulations’).
If you are not happy with how we respond to your complaint, contact the Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) - GOV.UK.