Hillingdon Council has won the website accessibility award at The Good Communication Awards 2010, in recognition of its online content, navigation and usability for visitors and residents.
With help from web specialist, GOSS Interactive, Hillingdon.gov.uk is built on GOSS iCM (intelligent Content Management) system, and features clear instructions for users, well coded forms, an effective and simple site structure and good colour contrast. In acknowledgement of its commitment to delivering valuable technology in the public sector, GOSS specifically designed Hillingdon's website to enable users to access information and use interactive services quickly and effectively, and the team at Hillingdon have used GOSS iCM to make several enhancements and improvements since the site was installed.
Websites that are managed with GOSS iCM incorporate strict World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards for web templates, ensuring each page meets the criteria required, and pages are structured to allow quick access to users requiring Braille or British sign language users.
Users are also able to access online tools to make reading easier through the site, such as Browsealoud software, on-screen buttons to adjust text size and a full help guide.
Stephen Cross, E-communications Manager at London Borough of Hillingdon, comments, "These awards are highly regarded in the public sector and we're delighted to win the website accessibility award. Winning highlights the extensive work that GOSS has undertaken and we're very proud that our site has been recognised for accessibility excellence in public sector digital communications."
Rob McCarthy, CEO at GOSS Interactive adds, "It is a privilege to have been a part of Hillingdon achieving its communication goals and we congratulate them on their win. The GOSS iCM platform has proven itself to the perfect solution for Hillingdon - the site communicates effectively with residents, is user friendly and encourages interaction with its visitors."
