Website services
Better connected
The purpose of the Better connected report is to highlight good practice in the development of local authority websites, based on extensive, evidence-based research.
Run annually since 1999, the Better connected survey covers all 433 local authority websites in the UK (plus others belonging to Socitm Insight subscribers in the public sector). For Better connected 2011, a total of 482 websites were examined.
During November and December, a team of reviewers carries out a structured survey with around 130 questions that test the usefulness and usability of local authority websites. A series of shorter surveys on specific topics follows, supplemented by additional sets of data supplied by partner organisations.
Websites are assessed and ranked according to their performance in the survey and awarded from one to four stars, with four stars being the top rank.
The Better connected report is published in March and is available free of further charge to Better connected subscribers. Others may purchase the report from this website. Headline results are available to all, free of charge, following registration on the Socitm website.
Criteria used for the Better connected assessment and information about other policies and procedures for the report are published at http://www.socitm.net/downloads/download/387/better_connected_2011
