Better connected 2009: a snapshot of local authority websites

Produced by: Socitm Insight

Type: Reports

The structure of this report follows the criteria for high-quality local authority websites that develop the ideas that websites should be 'useful, usable and used' (Version 2 of that framework published in Better connected: aiming high, December 2005).

Section 1 Introduction

We introduce the key features of the survey, including its purpose, the process we follow, the ranking system and the 'useful, usable and used' framework that we use for assessment.

Section 2 National policies and direction

We offer an overview of national policies, initiatives and legislation that will have a strategic impact on the development of websites in the next three to five years.

Section 3 Overview of this year's results

We provide the national picture in terms of overall rankings (ie excellent and transactional sites). This is followed by our Top 20, our analysis by types of council, our view of improvement trends and, finally, an examination of some of our favourite sites.

Section 4 This year's results - useful content

We describe the detailed analysis of the results, focusing firstly on content. We report here on five scenarios of typical visitors searching for information content, and then examine other aspects of content such as currency of information, use of links, provision of services, response to e-mail and the practice of participation.

Section 5 This year's results - usability

The second stage of the results focuses on ease of use. This covers ease of finding, use of navigational aids such as A to Z lists, search engines and locational data, general navigation, accessibility, readability and, finally, technical resilience. All these points contribute to the usability of a local authority website.

Section 6 This year's results - usage

Our third perspective is focused on usage. Switching from the product to the customer, we examine different aspects of the demand side, highlighting trends in take-up and visitor feedback. We provide the latest information about internet access, visitor usage, satisfaction and behaviour , culminating with advice about better marketing.

Section 7 Moving forwards

We look back at how well councils have improved the content of their sites. Using important findings from some of our supporting surveys, we then look forwards to what councils might do in applying new technology to make sites more usable and better used

Section A new strategic approach

The financial crisis puts the spotlight on self-service. Here, we provide a blueprint for the way in which public sector websites should respond to this challenge over the next five years.

Section 9 Conclusions

This year's report

The Main report (184 pages) is available now as an electronic version and as a printed report from 20 March 2009.

The Full results report

(240 pages) is an expanded version only available electronically. It has the same structure as the Main report, but contains much greater detail in the three central sections, plus three extra appendices.

We have sent to each fully-paid up local authority subscriber to Socitm Insight more detailed analysis of the results of the accessibility testing supplied by the RNIB. This was sent to the nominated contact, who may well not be the web manager, or even in the same section or directorate . If as the web manager, or member of the web team, you would like a copy sent direct to you, then e-mail insight@socitm.net and we will send it by return.

Here, subscribers to Socitm Insight can download the summary of the results of the main survey, together with supporting material as follows:

An index of all council references as examples of good practice and entries in top lists, etc
A summary of the accessibility results from RNIB
A summary of SiteMorse results on technical performance
A summary of Hitwise results on market share of take-up
A 'pdf' version is available of the Main report.

Insight subscribers receive the material free of charge

The charge for Non Insight subscribers and Socitm members (who don't subscribe to Insight) are :

Better Connected 2009 price list
Package All prices displayed below exclude VAT. Add to basket prices include VAT.	Report
Insight subscribers	Free
Non Insight subscribers - Socitm members	£395
Non Insight subscribers - all other organisations	£415
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