The National Audit Office based on research by a team from the
London School of Economics Public
Policy Group et de Oxford Internet Institute of the University of Oxford
published Friday 13 Juli a report : “Government on the Internet 2007”
“The report to Parliament 'Government
on the internet: progress in delivering information services online' looked at
the progress made by government in delivering services and information online
since the NAO last reported in 2002. Government organisations spend some £208
million on websites each year. Usage of the main government websites has risen
over time and some sites are widely and repeatedly used. For example 78 per
cent of Jobcentre Plus online service users visited its sites at least once a
week. However, the study reports a number of areas where departments and
agencies could improve value for money in the provision of online information
and services.”
It could be useful to get the same study
on the wensites of the domain .europa.eu
Some recommendations from this report:
- To inform their investment decisions, all departments should commit
to carry out regular channel research, to create and publish a formal
channel strategy and to set out an implementation plan that is regularly
updated.
- Criteria should be devised for helping departments and agencies to
judge the correct level of investment in websites and transactional
services.
- Require departments to report annually on costings for information
and services online according to a common methodology.
- Given the scale and complexity of Directgov, a framework should be
put in place to ensure regular, independent reviews and challenge
functions to identify risks and assess how effectively these are being
managed.
- Collect and analyse usage data and ensure that such data feeds directly
into the design of government websites.
- Maximise the visibility of government websites to search engines
and carry out usability testing to make sure users can find the
information they need within sites once they find them.
- In order to make information quicker and easier to find, the
Cabinet Office, in conjunction with departments, should develop a strategy
to identify and promote best practice within and across government search
facilities.
- Ensure websites meet accessibility and usability criteria: no
government website should go online if it does not meet required
accessibility standards.
Annual Reports should outline what actions have been taken to make web services and online information as useable as possible for all customers. Departments should attempt to assess the range of ‘reading ages’ of their users and design their web materials accordingly. - Departments should develop their strategies for dealing with
intermediaries, including formalising channels for online interaction with
intermediaries, more funding of intermediaries to support citizens wishing
to learn how to use online services, and publicising the availability of
the provision.
Sources:
National Audit Office: Government
on the internet: progress in delivering information and services online
National Audit Office: Government
on the Web II ( dec 2006)
Treasury: Service
Transformation: a better service for citizens and business, a better deal for
taxpayers (dec 2006)
Cabinet Office: Transformational
Government, Enabled by Technology (nov. 2005)
eGovernment Research: supply of services for "multi-channel delivery strategies and sustainable business models for public services addressing socially disadvantaged groups"
(Deadline: 01/10/2007) The subject of the contract is to provide a thorough analysis and proper assessment of the current state of the art of main actions at Member States level related to the Inclusive eGovernment area, including guideline principles and practice. In addition, the study will identify, define and reach consensus on a multi-channel service delivery strategy that would support more effective and efficient delivery of public services to socially disadvantaged groups. Finally, on the above basis, the study will produce a possible range of sustainable business models that would support a more effective and efficient delivery of public services to those citizens at risk of being left behind by the information society.
Contact: [email protected]
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/egovernment_research/calls/index_en.htm
Posted by: Commission dg INFSO e-Inclusive | August 17, 2007 at 08:24 PM
EU Questions on .eu 14/08/2007
It's been weeks now that I meant to summarize several Written Questions by Members of the European Parliament. Thanks to Stéphane, whose recent post made me realize how late I was!
• How much did it cost to the Commission to switch from .eu.int to .eu? The Commission does not know. …
• See other WQ ans Answers on http://domaine.blogspot.com/2007/07/eu-questions-on-eu.html
Posted by: Ced Man | August 17, 2007 at 10:30 AM