Inclusivity guide

Create content for and about people in a way that is inclusive and respectful

This guidance will help you understand:

• how to create content for different audiences
• some of the things that can alienate the people you're creating content for

Check with your users how they want to be described and test your content with them.

Writing about disability and difference

The word 'disabled' is a description not a group of people. Use 'disabled people' not 'the disabled' as the collective term.

However, many deaf people whose first language is BSL consider themselves part of 'the deaf community' - they may describe themselves as 'Deaf', with a capital D, to emphasise their deaf identity.

Avoid medical labels. They say little about people as individuals and tend to reinforce stereotypes of disabled people as 'patients' or unwell.

We do say things like:

• people living with a disability, or disabled person
• people with diabetes
• wheelchair user

We do not say:

• afflicted by
• suffering from
• victim of
• confined to a wheelchair
• handicapped
• diabetic person
• mentally ill
• sick or diseased person

Mental health

We do not describe people as mentally ill.

We do say:

• mental health condition
• mental health problems

Use the language that your users do

If you're unsure which terms to use to write about disability, ask people who have a disability.

Do not let uncertainty draw out your content. Be direct but sensitive.

Ethnicity, religion and nationality

Follow the guidance on writing about ethnicity from the Race Disparity Unit on GOV.UK. Be as specific as you can.

Use "ethnicity", not "race".

Use "ethnic minorities", not "BAME" or "BME".

Age

It's usually unnecessary to refer to people using age-related descriptors like "young" or "old". Think about it first. 

If you do, use: 

"older people" never "the elderly"

"younger people" not "the young" or "millennials"

Gender

Question if you even need to say what gender a person is.

Forms

Do not make gender a compulsory field on forms.

Professions

Use neutral, non-gendered terms for professions. Avoid patronising language.

Examples:

"businessperson" not "businessman, businesswoman"

"firefighter" not "fireman, firewoman"

"police officer" not "policeman, policewoman"

"people" not "guys"

"women" not "girls" or "ladies"

Pronouns

If you know someone identifies as male or female, use 'she', 'her' or 'he', 'his'. Otherwise use 'they', 'their'. When in doubt use their name, or if you're in contact ask them. 

Example:

"someone in a red coat walking their labrador" not "a man in a red coat walking his labrador"