Back

Access Keys

Access keys are shortcuts intended to help users who have difficulty in using pointing devices such as a mouse.

This website uses the UK government access key system and the following information details each of the keyboard shortcut commands available to you.

  • [S] Skip to content
  • [a] Access Key Details
  • [1] Home Page
  • [8] Privacy Policy
  • [9] Feedback

Pages marked with an asterisk* are only available once you have logged in.

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.

How to use access keys in different browsers

Browser type How to use access keys.
Internet Explorer Hold down the ALT key and the access key to focus on the link you require. Then press enter to navigate to the selected page.
Firefox 2 & 3 Hold down the SHIFT key and the ALT key and then press the number of the access key.
Firefox 1.5 Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key.
Google Chrome Hold down the ALT key and press the number of the access key.
Safari Hold down the CTRL key and the OPTION key then press the number of the access key.
Opera 9 Hold SHIFT and the ESC key and the list of access keys will appear.

Zooming

The site has been designed to be as easy to use as possible but we recognise that some people may like to enlarge the site to make it more comfortable to read.

There are different methods to enlarge the site and/or text on individual browsers. Below you will find information on how to zoom in or out of a website when using the latest version of two most popular web browsers; Internet Explorer and Firefox.
Please note that older versions of these browsers may not be support the use of keyboard short cuts or have the ability to increase/decrease image sizes.

Zooming with keyboard short cuts

  • To enlarge the site size press and hold the CTRL key and then press the + key.
  • To reduce the site size press and hold the CTRL key and then press the – key.

Zooming via the browser

This can also be achieved via the browser options. Below are details on how to do this:

  • Internet explorer

    1. Select the Page drop down menu from the command bar.
    2. Now select the Zoom option.
    3. You will now have the options for resizing the site in the browser.
    How to resize a website in Internet explorer

  • Firefox

    1. Select the View from the tool bar.
    2. Now select the Zoom option.
    3. You will now have the options for resizing the site in the browser.
    How to resize a website in Firefox

More details on website accessibility can be found on the BBC web site