Error summary

An error summary let’s users know about form validation errors by displaying all problems in a single location at the top of the form.

It helps users quickly identify what went wrong and provides direct links to the specific fields that need correction.

Use the error summary every time there’s a required field and the user hasn’t met the validation criteria on the form.

Avoid the error summary component when:

• there are no form validation errors
• you need to let users know about service disruption or general information
• showing warnings that don’t prevent form submission

For system-wide issues or service announcements, use a notification banner above the page content.

For the heading, always use ‘There is a problem’ (without a full stop). This is a Heading 3 displayed as a Heading 4.

Then provide the error message which has been set for each field, as a red link on it’s own line, without a full stop.