VF-Sidebar: Search Bar — Replace `vf-sidebar` Layout Class with `vf-grid`

[archibald-ebi]

Summary

Replace the soon-to-be-deprecated vf-sidebar layout utility class with vf-grid in the core search bar component. This is part of an ongoing effort to deprecate vf-sidebar, which has been superseded by the vf-grid component.

---

Background / Context

The vf-sidebar utility class is being deprecated as vf-grid now covers its functionality and aligns with current layout standards. The core search bar component currently uses vf-sidebar for its layout and is present across a wide range of corporate sites. This migration must be completed before vf-sidebar can be fully removed.

For more context, see #2345

---

Affected Sites

The search bar component is present on the following sites:

• ebi.ac.uk (main corporate site)
• ebi.ac.uk error pages (404, 500)
• competency.ebi.ac.uk
• EBI Academy — Training Courses (WordPress)
• EBI Academy Catalogue
• EBI People
• stable.visual-framework.dev
• embl.org

---

Acceptance Criteria

• The search bar component no longer uses the vf-sidebar class
• Layout is replaced with vf-grid and renders correctly on the component in VF and across all affected sites
• Visual output of the search bar is identical compared to the current implementation
• No regressions in appearance or behaviour across breakpoints
• Changes comply with VF component release and implementation procedures
• Passes an engineering and design QA review
• Upon completion of the above, begin deprecation procedures

---