B Corp web accessibility requirements: what organisations need to know

The new B Corp standards(this will open in a new window) have raised the bar for businesses that want to demonstrate they’re creating positive impact.

As part of the Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) Impact Topic(this will open in a new window), organisations are now required to assess the accessibility of their public-facing website. It’s a recognition that inclusion doesn’t stop at the workplace (workplace systems are also covered) – it should extend to the digital experiences customers, service users and the public rely on every day.

For organisations working towards B Corp certification, accessibility is no longer simply good practice. It’s a clear opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to equity and inclusion through tangible, measurable action.

What is B Corp?

B Corp certification(this will open in a new window) recognises businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. Certified B Corps are assessed on how they create value for all stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities and the environment, rather than focusing solely on profit.

The updated standards replace the previous points-based approach with seven mandatory Impact Topics, each designed to embed responsible business practices into the way organisations operate. Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) is one of these topics, encouraging businesses to identify and remove barriers that prevent people from participating fully in society.

Digital accessibility is a practical example of this principle in action.

Why web accessibility matters

Your website is often the first impression people have of your organisation. If someone can’t access information, buy a product or use a service because your website isn’t accessible, they’re being excluded from engaging with your business.

Accessible design is about equity rather than simply equality. Different people interact with digital services in different ways, whether they’re using a screen reader, voice control, keyboard navigation, screen magnification or other assistive technologies. An accessible website ensures everyone has an equivalent opportunity to complete the same tasks, regardless of disability.

Improving accessibility also benefits many other users, including older people, those with temporary injuries and anyone accessing your website on a mobile phone or in challenging environments.

What does B Corp require?

The JEDI standards require companies to assess the accessibility of their public-facing website, as well as internal-facing systems.

To meet the requirements, the assessment must:

• Confirm conformance with the latest version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) at AA or AAA level;
• Be carried out by an internal or external accessibility specialist;
• Include manual testing rather than relying solely on automated tools; and
• Include feedback from people with disabilities.

These requirements reflect an important reality: automated accessibility checkers are useful, but they only identify a proportion of accessibility issues (approx. 30%). Expert review and testing with people who have lived experience of disability provide the insight needed to understand how accessible a website really is.

Demonstrating your commitment

Meeting the B Corp requirement shouldn’t be viewed as a one-off exercise. The strongest organisations treat accessibility as an ongoing part of how they design, build and improve their digital services.

Independent accessibility audits, regular reviews, testing with disabled users, accessibility statements and staff training all provide evidence that accessibility has become embedded within your organisation rather than being considered only at certification time.

This not only supports your B Corp journey but helps create better digital experiences for everyone who interacts with your organisation.

How User Vision can help

At User Vision, we’ve been helping organisations create more accessible digital services for over 25 years.

Our accessibility assessments are closely aligned with the expectations of the B Corp standards. We combine automated analysis with detailed manual testing by experienced accessibility specialists and can incorporate research with people who have disabilities to provide genuine insight into real-world accessibility.

Accessibility isn’t just about meeting a standard. It’s about ensuring everyone can participate equally in the digital world.

Whether you’re preparing for B Corp certification or looking to strengthen an existing accessibility programme, we’ll help you understand where barriers exist, prioritise improvements and demonstrate your commitment to inclusive digital experiences.