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  • Present information correctly, clearly, timely and in plain English. We aim to reduce jargon and clearly explain what certain words or phrases mean where required
  • Ask our lay reader panel to review information before it is printed to ensure it is clear and easy to understand. We will adapt our communications based on feedback from lay readers. To become a lay reader, please call the Communications and Engagement Team on 01928 303030
  • Produce Easy Read communications materials as standard and offer communications materials in alternative formats upon request

Information/engagement in alternative formats

  • If you need our information in large print / different coloured paper or text - we can get that for you
  • If you need our information in braille - we can get that for you
  • If you need our information recorded onto a tape - we can get that for you
  • If you need our information in an alternative language - we can get that for you
  • If you need an interpreter - we can get that for you
  • If you need access to a hearing loop - we can get that for you
  • If you need access British sign language - we can get that for you
  • If you need help and support to get to our events - we help you with that
  • We want to make our events as accessible as possible, including information we share about the event.
  • Engaging with disabled people: An event planning guide

To find out more, simply contact the Communications and Engagement Team on 01925 303030 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Making health and social care information accessible

From 1 August 2016 onwards, all organisations that provide NHS care and / or publicly-funded adult social care are legally required to follow the Accessible Information Standard. The Standard sets out a specific, consistent approach to identifying, recording, flagging, sharing and meeting the information and communication support needs of patients, service users, carers and parents with a disability, impairment or sensory loss.

pdf Five steps to accessible information

As CCGs, we have adopted NHS England’s Principles of Participation:

  1. Reach out to people rather than expecting them to come to us and ask them how they want to be involve, avoiding assumptions
  2. Promote equality and diversity rather than encourage and respect different beliefs and opinions
  3. Proactively seek participation from people who experience health inequalities and poor health outcomes
  4. Value people’s lived experience and use all the strengths and talents that people bring to the table, working towards shared goals and aiming for constructive and productive
  5. Provide clear and easy to understand information and seek to facilitate involvement by all, recognising that everyone has different needs. This includes working with advocacy services and other partners where necessary
  6. Take time to plan and budget for participation and start involving people as early as possible
  7. Be open, honest and transparent in the way we work: tell people about the evidence base for decisions, and be clear about resource limitations and other relevant constraints. Where information has to be kept confidential, explain why
  8. Invest in partnerships, have an ongoing dialogue and avoid tokenism: provide information, support, training, and the right kind of leadership so everyone can work, learn and improve together
  9. Review experience (positive and negative) and learn from it to continuously improve how people are involved
  10. Recognise, record and celebrate people’s contributions and give feedback on the results of involvement: show people how they are valued

Being accessible

pdf MS Teams guide for pcs and laptops

pdf MS Teams guide for smart phones and tablets

pdf Notes on digital meeting etiquette