In what is said to be the largest project of its kind to date, COI will publish comprehensive figures on the cost quality and use of government websites by June 2010. The decision by COI to appoint ABCe, the UK industry owned not for profit body, offers significant savings for the UK taxpayer, claims the government.
Recent COI guidance has created a common framework for government departments to measure the cost effectiveness, use and performance of their websites.
All central government departments will be required to provide their usage figures for auditing. Departments must ensure that every website planned to be open on 1 April 2010 has an audit schedule ending no later than 31 December 2009.
A consistent set of measurements for unique users/browsers, page impressions, visits and durations of time spent on sites will underpin the audit. These industry-agreed standards will, for the first time, accurately assess how much central government sites are being used.
ABCe’s work will provide greater transparency and confidence in the figures which will be used by government to manage performance and investment in digital media. The audit will also help to improve accountability of website owners.
To improve user satisfaction a usability tool kit for departments who are developing new, or refreshing existing government sites, is also now available from COI.
This forms part of a suite of new materials and guidance developed in conjunction with the Cabinet Office and the Power of Information Task Force.
COI Board Director for Interactive Services Alex Butler said: “We are determined to drive up the quality of government websites to ensure they offer excellent value for money for the taxpayer, and a better user experience."
“COI has a key role to play in ensuring government can connect effectively with citizens and business online.”
Jerry Wright (pictured), Chief Executive of ABC, said: “We are pleased to be working with a government department setting an example to the industry. This audit ensures openess, transparency and accountability and, demonstrates a commitment to delivering web traffic data that is independently verified to the UK industry-agreed standards.”
The audit is, in part, a response to a Public Accounts Committee recommendation for reliable data on the volume and use of central government sites. It is also being driven by a desire for COI to provide greater accountability for its own investment in digital media.
