Website Development

We listen to what you tell us.

There are a variety of factors that impact on how we develop the council website: industry standards, government requirements, the council's own corporate culture and of course, comments from users.

In 2004 an RSVP survey on council communications contained a series of questions based on user experience of the council website. The results of this survey were published just as we were about to begin redeveloping the site. Some of the suggestions we were already addressing, but others made us stop and think and prompted us to include them in the redesign.

Since then we have recieved a lot of comments and suggestions about the site, as well as new guidelines as to how local authority sites should be developed.  As a result, we've rebuilt the site, moved some areas around, incorporated a new design and added some new features we think will benefit you. 

Here are some of the changes - some are in response to suggestions you've made, others to the changing industry and some due to technological advances.

What we did or plan to do

System Upgrade

We've upgraded the current Content Management System we're using to a newer version.  Not only will it make it easier for us to add and update information, it will also make the site a lot more accessible.

Redesign

We've completely redesigned the site in line with current industry thinking and web standards guidelines.  What this means is the site should work better in whatever browser you prefer and again, it will improve accessibility.

Forms

While we have a fair number of online forms, we have many more PDF downloadable forms.  We plan to redress the balance somewhat and convert as many downloadable forms to e-forms making it a lot easier for you to complete and submit.

Where I live

We've listened to requests from residents about helping them find information related to where they live a lot more easily.  As a result, we plan to look at introducing a postcode search that would give you easy access to specific information to do with where you live, and not just Chester wide information.

Navigation

We've tidied up the navigation quite a bit.  Although we're restricted in what top level categories we need to provide, we know we can improve the organisation of the structure below those levels.  Hopefully you'll see the navigation tightened up and a lot more logical with the information you want much easier to find.

 

  

What we did in our last rebuild

You said: A good search facility is imperative

What we did: We joined with other councils in Cheshire to develop a Cheshire wide search engine that searches all of the local authority sites in the region.  So if you look for council tax information in Chester but then want to know more about Council Tax in Crewe, you can just click on the Wider Cheshire tab and see that information too.

 

You said: Add more information

What we did: We created three totally new sections Advice and emergencies, Health and Education and a News and views section. As a result we offered lots more information and not just council related information but general advice on the subjects you asked for. Now finding your nearest doctor or a school Ofsted report can all be done through the council site.

 

You said: The site should be easier to navigate

What we did: We adopted local government national standards for structure and made it much easier to find the information you're looking for. No matter where you are on the site you should now always have access to the homepage and all of the other top level categories.

 

You said: The site should be more accessible

What we did: We worked hard to make sure the site meets the highest possible accessibility standards, and as a result have achieved the WCAG AA rating. We've also provided an all text version of the site and an 'easy print' option.

 

You said: It should be easier to find information in the A to Z

What we did: As with the search option, the A to Z now ties in with other local authorities in the area.  So if you're using our A-Z to look for specific school information, you'll find you're actually pointed to the right section on the Cheshire County Council website.

 

You said: let me know when the pages have been updated

What we did: We added a subscription service to key pages and information. All you need to do is click on the subscribe link and add your email address. When that particular page is updated, you'll automatically receive an email letting you know.