Chichester District Council - Delivering A Customer Focused, Top Task Awarded Winning Website

Online, March 22, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Socitm, the Society of IT Managers in the public sector, publish the annual Better Connected 2013 report into the usability and performance of 433 local authority websites. The best performing sites, like Chichester District Council, have taken a top task approach that "simplifies, de-clutters, reduces the number of menus, and make things easier to use".

Chichester District Council, who have their websites powered by GOSS iCM (intelligent Content Management), were mentioned by the reviewers for their overall top task approach.

The reviewers praised the provision of top tasks on the website. "This council has really considered applying the top tasks concept... [top tasks] were reliable, well presented and I liked the 'recommended' feature... [top tasks] were clearly presented with useful summaries".

The reviewers also mentioned specific elements of the website such as applying for a job: "This is a really good section that was easy to move around and find what I was looking for." And for finding out about the local swimming pools, "Easy to find and very good information".

Harvey Monaghan, Web Manager, Chichester District Council added: "We are delighted that the Council website has been recognised for its top task approach to delivering services digitally. The team have worked really hard with GOSS Interactive to create a customer focused website. We are now reviewing our current channel usage so that we can move more service delivery to lower-cost channels and improve uptake and service provision."

Rob McCarthy, CEO, GOSS Interactive added "This isn't just about rewarding nice looking sites. This is about making it as easy and accessible for UK citizens to get all the information, forms and advice that they need from their council, quickly and simply, 24/7. In the process local authorities can potentially save over £1M each, which is a huge win-win in these difficult economic times. GOSS Interactive is already helping our clients deliver their future digital strategy, including mobile websites, in preparation for Better Connected 2014."

GOSS Interactive has been delivering GOSS iCM Web Content Management and website publishing software for over 10 years. Today it powers major corporations and public sector organisation's website and is the market leader in use by over 60 of the 433 UK local authorities.

In the report over 76% of GOSS clients either increased or maintained their previously high scores. Additionally over 58% of clients have been rated amongst the highest in the country, receiving 4★ or 3★