Accessibility Principal Consultant

AbilityNet; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accessibility consultancy in Greater London is seeking an Accessibility Principal Consultant to oversee complex accessibility programs and mentor junior consultants. The role involves providing high-level consultancy, delivering expert audits, and advocating for inclusive design. An ideal candidate will have significant experience in accessibility consultancy and strong leadership skills. This position promotes a collaborative environment and offers opportunities to drive innovation through thought leadership.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in accessibility consultancy, including audits and user research.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Confidence using various assistive technologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical consultancy for accessibility.
• Deliver expert audits and user testing.
• Mentor mid-level and junior consultants.

Skills

Accessibility consultancy

Leadership

Communication

Assistive technologies

Quality assurance

Risk management

Job description

As Accessibility Principal Consultant, you’ll set the standard for excellence within our consultancy team. You’ll act as a strategic partner to key clients, guiding them beyond compliance and helping embed accessibility at the heart of their digital strategy. You’ll oversee complex accessibility programmes, mentor consultants, and drive innovation through thought leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-level strategic and technical consultancy, advising on wireframes, design systems, and organisational maturity.
• Deliver expert audits, user testing, and training for complex or high-risk projects.
• Support commercial teams in scoping projects, developing proposals, and managing technical escalations.
• Research emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) in accessibility and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) updates, and share insights with the team.
• Represent AbilityNet at conferences, webinars, and through white papers and articles.
• Mentor mid-level and junior consultants, supporting their professional growth.
• Lead internal development initiatives to align the department with business strategy.
• Deliver bespoke consultancy work and support the Head of Consultancy and SMT (Senior Management Team) with team activities.
• Ensure quality assurance across all deliverables.

About You

You’ll be an expert in digital accessibility, with deep knowledge of standards (WCAG and EN 301 549) and legislation. You’ll be confident communicating technical requirements to a range of stakeholders, from developers to executives. You’ll have experience leading complex projects, building consensus, and coaching others. You’ll be passionate about removing barriers and advocating for inclusive design.

Skills and Experience Required

• Significant experience in accessibility consultancy, including audits, user research, and training.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to manage complex testing activities and define strategies for large programmes.
• Confidence using a range of assistive technologies.
• Experience with quality assurance and risk management.
• Ability to work collaboratively and foster a culture of trust.