Foyles app accessibility statement

Published by Waterstones Booksellers Limited

This accessibility statement applies to the Foyles mobile application, available on iOS and Android platforms.

Using the Foyles app

We want as many people as possible to be able to use this app. That means you should be able to:

  • Navigate the app using a screen reader or keyboard

  • Use VoiceOver (iOS) or TalkBack (Android) to access interactive elements

  • Move easily through the app using consistent layout and navigation

  • Navigate without relying solely on colour or visual cues

We’ve also worked to keep the language simple and the layout clear.

If you have a disability, you can find guidance for your using the accessibility controls on your device at Apple’s help pages or on Android’s help pages.

How accessible this app is

We know that parts of this app are not fully accessible.

As of 26 June 2025, the app has not yet been formally audited against the W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1. Therefore, we cannot confirm full compliance with all success criteria. However, accessibility is a priority for Waterstones Booksellers Limited, and we are actively working to make ongoing improvements to the Foyles app.

We are currently identifying and addressing issues as part of an internal review and development process. Our aim is to improve compatibility with assistive technologies and meet the requirements of WCAG 2.1 AA over time.

Please note that both Apple and Android platforms offer native accessibility features that enhance the mobile experience. While WCAG guidelines were originally developed for websites, this app uses native accessibility tools to help ensure a consistent and usable experience across devices.

Feedback and contact information

If you find any problems not listed on this page or think we’re not meeting accessibility requirements, contact us using the details below.

We will consider your request and get back to you in ten business days. If you feel that we have not dealt with your request and would like to raise a complaint, please follow the process as set out in this link https://www.foyles.co.uk/help/complaints.

Enforcement procedure

If you contact us with a complaint and you are not happy with our response, contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS).

Reporting accessibility problems

If you encounter an issue that is not listed in this statement, or you believe we are not meeting accessibility requirements, please contact us at: [email protected]

We’ll consider your feedback carefully and aim to respond within 5 business days.

Technical information about this app’s accessibility

Waterstones Booksellers Limited is committed to improving the accessibility of its mobile applications, including the Foyles app, in line with the W3C’s Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1.

This app is partially compliant with WCAG 2.1 AA. We are in the early stages of assessment and enhancement, and a full audit has not yet been completed.

Non-accessible content

We are aware that some features of the app currently do not meet accessibility standards. These include:

  • Text and non-text contrast: In some areas, text and interactive components may not meet minimum contrast requirements.

  • Text resizing: Certain content may not resize properly when larger text settings are applied.

  • Non-text content: Some images and icons may be missing or have incomplete alternative text, making them inaccessible to screen readers.

  • Labeling of interactive elements: Some controls and buttons may not be clearly labeled for screen readers.

  • Target size: Some interactive elements may be too small to meet touch target standards.

  • Screen reader support: There are areas where focus management and announcements may be inconsistent.

We are actively investigating and prioritising fixes for these issues and will update this statement in due course..

Disproportionate burden

At this time, we have not made any claims of disproportionate burden under the regulations.

What we’re doing to improve accessibility

We are currently conducting internal assessments of the Foyles app and tracking accessibility issues through our development cycle.

While the Foyles app has not yet been audited by a third-party, we are aligning our improvements with accessibility best practices and the standards used in the audit of the Waterstones app.

We plan to carry out a formal audit and begin implementing improvements in phases starting in late 2025.

Preparation of this Accessibility Statement

This statement was prepared on 26 June 2025. It will be reviewed and updated as improvements are made and as new accessibility information becomes available.