Better connected 2010

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 3 of that framework published, September 2009).

Important

The report and supporting files for download appear at the bottom of this page. The file 'Headline results for public use' is available to all. All other files are restricted to employees of organisations that are paid up subscribers to Socitm Insight. Individuals need to be registered personally on this website to access the material.

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 our new system for ranking sites, based on stars (one star to four stars). 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 six common topics that might interest typical visitors searching for information content, and then examine other aspects of content such as use of links, currency of information, 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, 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 Next stage in evolution of council websites

Having analysed in detail the current state of council websites, and how they are being used, we now turn to some important challenges in the next stage of their evolution as councils face the reality of being committed to self-service. Two challenges in particular stand out: how to manage web tasks and how to use different ways of communicating online.

Section 8 Development of last year's strategic approach

Last year we provided a blueprint for the way in which public sector websites should respond to the challenge of making self-service work in the next five years. Here, we develop that blueprint further in responding to these two new challenges.

Section 9 Conclusions

This year's report

The Main report (208 pages) is available now as an electronic version and as a printed report from 22 March 2010. For subscribers only, there will be a Full results report available by 15 March. This will be an expanded version (270 pages approx) only available electronically.

The Full results report

(270 pages approx) 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 four 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:

• A 'pdf' version is available of both the Main report and the Full results version
  
• An index of all council references as examples of good practice and entries in top lists, etc
• The accessibility results from RNIB
• A summary of Sitemorse results on technical performance
• A summary of Hitwise results on market share of take-up
• Supporting surveys:
  • sample e-mail test,
  • top tasks
  • phone contacts
  • mobile devices
  • severe weather (with questionnaire used).
• Results of survey from rest of public sector of other organisations who subscribe to Socitm Insight
• Presentation of key messages (Sections 1, 2, 3 and 7 of main report)
  

Insight subscribers receive the material free of charge.

Open data

One of the key messages in this year's report is the importance of promoting open data. As an example we are publishing for the first time the headline results of our assessments (Appendix 1 of our main report) to make them available for re-use (non-commercially) under the terms of this licence.

Non-subscribers

The charge for non-Insight subscribers, including Socitm members whose organisations do not subscribe to Insight are given below.

Better connected 2010 price list

All prices displayed below exclude VAT. Add to basket prices include VAT.	Main report
Insight subscribers	Free
Non Insight subscribers - Socitm members	£395
Non Insight subscribers - all other organisations	£415
Back copies of the annual survey may be available (subject to stock) call 01604 497774 or email enquiries@socitm.net for details
(Please read the terms and conditions of sale before ordering) A VAT invoice will subsequently issued for all sales.
Pay on invoice (quoting a PO reference)	Order Now
Pay by credit card (using our online shop)	Buy Now

Licence conditions

Socitm holds copyright to the content and images on this website and database rights to the structure and relationships of the data.

The Better connected 2010 headline results data is available under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA licence which allows sharing and reuse for non-commercial purposes. However, Socitm must be attributed as per the attribution notice below. If you wish to use the information without attribution you must contact us for a licence.

If you do reuse the information, it would be great if you could let us know by e-mailing insight@socitm.net.

Attribution

In order for people to trace the information back to its source, we require attribution in the following form:

• Use of any data must be accompanied by a hyperlink reading "from Socitm Insight" and linking to www.socitm.net/betterconnected.
• If you are making the information available via your own API ,you need to make sure your users comply with these conditions.

Please contact insight@socitm.net if you would like to request additional data or wish to vary the licence terms.

Socitm is based in England and these terms are subject to English law and to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

Last modified: 13th April 2010