Accessibility Statement

Executive Grapevine International Ltd (EGIL) wants its websites, digital services, content and events to be usable by as many people as reasonably possible, including disabled people and people using assistive technology.

We use Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 Level AA as our target for digital accessibility. Our services do not yet fully meet that target, and this Statement explains the known barriers, our improvement approach and how to request help or a reasonable adjustment.

1. SCOPE

1) This Statement applies to EGIL-operated websites and digital services where it is displayed or linked, including HR Grapevine, Executive Grapevine, myGrapevine and EGIL event and virtual-event services.

2) It also explains our approach to accessibility for webinars, recordings, documents and live events.

3) Some services contain third-party technology, embedded media, advertising, event platforms, client material or links to external websites that EGIL does not fully control. We still seek accessible solutions, communicate requirements to relevant suppliers and provide alternatives where reasonably possible.

4) Legacy editorial archives, older documents and material created before current standards may contain more accessibility barriers than newly produced content. We prioritise remediation according to use, impact, risk and requests received.

2. CONFORMANCE STATUS

1) The EGIL digital services covered by this Statement partially conform to WCAG 2.2 Level AA. Partial conformance means that some content or functionality does not yet meet all applicable success criteria.

2) We do not claim full WCAG conformance unless the complete service and user journeys within scope have been assessed and the claim can be supported by current evidence.

3) WCAG is an important technical standard but does not address every accessibility need. We also consider clear language, cognitive accessibility, usability, reasonable adjustments and feedback from disabled users.

3. WHAT USERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO

1) We are working so that users can, where applicable:

(a) zoom and resize text without losing content or functionality;

(b) navigate menus, forms and interactive controls using a keyboard;

(c) identify keyboard focus and understand where they are on a page;

(d) use common screen readers and other assistive technologies;

(e) understand headings, labels, instructions and error messages;

(f) access meaningful text alternatives for informative images;

(g) use captions, transcripts or another suitable alternative for relevant audio and video; and

(h) complete authentication and other key tasks without unnecessary cognitive or physical barriers.

4. KNOWN ACCESSIBILITY BARRIERS

1) We are aware that some pages, components or content may have the following issues:

(a) some text, buttons or graphical elements may not meet minimum colour-contrast requirements;

(b) some informative images may have missing, incomplete or unsuitable alternative text;

(c) keyboard focus may be unclear, inconsistent or obscured on some interactive controls;

(d) some page regions, headings, lists, tables or controls may not use fully appropriate semantic structure;

(e) some forms may have incomplete labels, instructions, error identification or status announcements;

(f) some menus, pop-ups, consent controls, carousels, video players or embedded tools may be difficult to operate by keyboard or assistive technology;

(g) some older PDFs, documents, charts or infographics may not be fully accessible;

(h) some recorded or live video may not yet have complete captions, transcripts or audio description;

(i) third-party advertising, client content and event-platform features may not meet EGIL's target; and

(j) some mobile interactions may have small targets, require dragging or behave inconsistently with device orientation or magnification.

2) This list describes known categories and may not identify every individual occurrence. A current technical audit and issue register should identify affected URLs, severity, WCAG criterion, owner and remediation date.

5. TESTING AND REVIEW

1) We use a combination of automated checks and manual testing because automated tools alone cannot establish accessibility or WCAG conformance.

2) Testing should include representative pages and complete user journeys, keyboard-only operation, visible focus, zoom and reflow, colour contrast, form errors, headings and landmarks, alternative text and testing with commonly used screen readers.

3) We review accessibility when developing or materially changing templates, components, navigation, registration, account, payment and event journeys. We also review material third-party services before procurement or renewal where proportionate.

4) Accessibility testing represents the pages, technology, browser and assistive-technology combinations tested at that time. It does not guarantee that every user, page or later change will be barrier-free.

6. DIGITAL CONTENT AND DOCUMENTS

1) New editorial and commercial content should use meaningful headings, descriptive links, suitable alternative text, readable contrast and structured markup appropriate to the format.

2) Documents intended for broad or important use should be created in an accessible format where reasonably possible. When an older or third-party document is not accessible, users may request the information in a suitable alternative format.

3) For prerecorded audio and video, we aim to provide captions, a transcript or another suitable alternative according to the nature of the content, the audience, the platform, rights and reasonable-adjustment requirements.

4) Machine-generated captions and transcripts may contain errors. Important names, terminology and meaning should be reviewed where practicable, particularly for paid, instructional or high-profile content.

7. WEBINARS AND VIRTUAL EVENTS

1) Registration pages should provide a clear way to tell us about an accessibility requirement or contact us privately.

2) Depending on the event and the adjustment requested, support may include accessible joining instructions, keyboard-accessible platforms, captions, transcripts, materials in advance, alternative formats, additional breaks or another reasonable arrangement.

3) We ask for as much notice as reasonably possible because some adjustments, including British Sign Language interpretation, live captioning or conversion of complex material, require external availability and preparation. A late request will still be considered and will not be rejected solely because a stated notice period was missed.

4) Recording and on-demand availability depend on the event format, participant permissions, confidentiality, copyright and the Booking Form. Where a recording cannot be supplied, we will consider whether another reasonable alternative can be provided.

8. LIVE EVENTS AND VENUES

1) EGIL considers accessibility when selecting and planning venues, including step-free access, accessible toilets, seating, hearing support, lighting, acoustics, signage, transport information and emergency arrangements where relevant.

2) Accessibility varies by venue and event. The event page or joining information should describe confirmed arrangements and provide a contact for individual requirements rather than assuming that one solution works for everyone.

3) Possible reasonable adjustments may include reserved or flexible seating, space for a wheelchair or mobility aid, companion or personal-assistant arrangements, dietary and allergy information, accessible materials, hearing support, a quiet space or assistance with arrival and orientation.

4) We will discuss requirements respectfully and request only the information reasonably needed to understand and arrange the adjustment. Health and disability information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

5) Where EGIL does not control the venue or a third-party service, we will work with the provider and the attendee to seek a reasonable solution. Responsibility is not avoided merely by referring the person to the supplier.

9. FEEDBACK ALTERNATIVE FORMATS AND ADJUSTMENTS

1) If you encounter a barrier, need information in another format or want to discuss an adjustment, contact [email protected] or telephone +44 (0)1707 351451.

2) Please tell us, where possible, the page, document, event or service involved; the problem encountered; the format or adjustment that would help; and how you would like us to reply. You do not need to provide a diagnosis.

3) We aim to acknowledge an accessibility request within five working days and provide a substantive response or progress update within ten working days. Complex adjustments may take longer, and we will explain the position and expected timescale.

4) We do not charge disabled users for a reasonable adjustment. If the exact adjustment requested is not reasonable or possible, we will discuss whether an effective alternative is available.

10. RESPONSIBILITY AND IMPROVEMENT

1) The Board and senior leadership team have overall responsibility for accessibility. Product, design, technology, editorial, events, client-delivery and procurement teams are responsible within their work.

2) EGIL shall maintain a prioritised accessibility improvement record covering material barriers, affected services, user impact, ownership, target dates, dependencies and completion evidence.

3) Priority is given to barriers that prevent access to core content or completion of important journeys, affect many users, create a safety or legal risk, or have been raised through direct feedback.

4) Accessibility requirements should be included in relevant briefs, procurement, design acceptance, content workflows and quality assurance rather than addressed only after launch.

11. UPDATES TO THIS STATEMENT

1) We review this Statement at least annually and after a material platform change, accessibility audit or significant change to our services.

2) The effective date appears at the top. Material changes to the conformance position, known barriers, contact route or adjustment process should be reflected promptly.

Executive Grapevine International Ltd

Registered in England & Wales: 2789779 | VAT: 6259453 20

Gate House, Fretherne Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6NS, United Kingdom | +44 (0)1707 351451

Last reviewed by: Helen Fish, Director, 11 September 2026