Communications Team

James Hall,Web Development Officer (GBC)

How Gedling BC are aiming for the stars

Why do we need communications?How We Started

• Identified a need for change

• New CMS• Full time Web Officer

• Partnership formed with RBC and NSDC

• Won funding from NIEG

Why do we need communications?GBC, RBC & NSDC Partnership

Why do we need communications?What We Have in Nottinghamshire

• Number of similar sized and populated authorities

• Aim to work together and improve

• Web Managers Group, Customer Service Group, PR Group

Why do we need communications?Research & Review

• Review past BC reports

• Visit ‘best practice’ sites

• Full review of all systems

• Created online website consultation

• Built up contacts of residents focus group

Why do we need communications?Research & Review

So we have current web users views, is that good enough?

In a word, No!

Why do we need communications?Research & ReviewWhat is @socitm’s BC looking at?

InformationLinks elsewhereCurrencyNews valueE-mailTransactionsParticipation

Use of A to Z listUse of search engineNavigationUse of location AccessibilityResilience

Why do we need communications?Putting it into practiceLook & Feel

• Admit there are problems

• Listen to visitor views (Internal / External)

• Design one/two option(s)

• Show to editors, senior management and SMALL group of cllrs (cross party)

Why do we need communications?Putting it into practiceContent & Navigation

• Full content review

• Current / missing subjects

• Currently have 1700+ pages built in a hidden navigation

• Down to 700 pages with new navigation

• Do the Google test

Why do we need communications?Putting it into practiceHomepage

• Task & service powered

• New promotions area

• Search engine prominent

Why do we need communications?Putting it into practiceTasks & Services

• Identified key (top) tasks using customer statistics

• Web stats, phone call and face to face volumes

• Evolve – Tasks will change

• User test, user test, user test

Why do we need communications?Putting it into practiceHomepage & Tasks

• How does your user browse tasks

• Think from start to end

• Confidence

Why do we need communications?AccessibilityThink of Everyone

• People use websites in many different ways

• Chrome & Firefox have many plugins to help test

• Don’t rely on automated testing

• GBC Looking to test using people within the borough

Why do we need communications?In Summery

• Consult with authority’s population

• Build relationships with other LAs

• View and talk to best practices

• KISS

• User Test, User Test, User Test

Why do we need communications?Remember…

The website is for them,not us!

Why do we need communications?Thank You For Listening

James HallWeb Development OfficerGedling Borough Council

e : james.hall@gedling.gov.ukp : 0115 901 3666

t : @horlix