Award-winning local authority website uses Foviance to improve its usability
London, UK, 2 February 2009 – Foviance, the expert in customer experience, has been selected by East Sussex County Council to test their website and provide usability recommendations. As part of ongoing improvements to online services, this study aims to make their information more accessible to East Sussex residents and other web visitors.Childcare services and help for older people are amongst the key areas of the Council’s website, receiving over 1.5 million visitors a year, which will benefit from the research.
The Council chose Foviance after reviewing a number of other suppliers. After initial testing, they will provide coaching to key Council staff members so they can continue running usability exercises independently.
Rachel Smith, Web Services Manager of ESCC said: “Although our site has been recognised as one of the best Local Authority websites in England, we cannot be complacent and we constantly strive to improve accessibility and services for residents. The usability testing and coaching is part of our ongoing efforts to fulfil our commitments to local residents and make our services more accountable.”
Paul Blunden, CEO, Foviance, said: “We help a range of businesses improve the online customer services they provide. Local authorities have a responsibility to ensure best practices and equality in digital service delivery. Applying usability techniques to the website ensures that ESCC is fulfilling its obligations to deliver the highest standards possible to its residents.”
Press Coverage:
GT: Award-winning local authority website improves accessibility
By Government Technology, February 5, 2009
Experian QAS: East Sussex improves website to ensure best practice
By Experian QAS, February 4, 2009
PublicTechnology.net: E. Sussex County Council plans to improve website customer service & usability
By Public Technology.net, February 4, 2009
eCoComa Web Consultant: E. Sussex County Council plans to improve website customer service & usability
By PublicTechnology.net, February 4, 2009
Netimperative: East Sussex Council hires Foviance to improve web service
By Netimperative, February 3, 2009
ResponseSource.com: East Sussex County Council appoints Foviance to improve online customer service
By Prompt Communications, February 2, 2009
SourceWire: East Sussex County Council appoints Foviance to improve online customer service
By Prompt Communications, February 2, 2009
Notes to editors
In 2008, the East Sussex County Council website was one of only four local authority websites to receive an ‘excellent’ rating from the Society of IT Managers (SOCITM).