The Isle of Man Government is re-launching its website next week in the first major platform release of the transformation initiative which aims to put customer needs first.
Improved styling for the website has been developed with a more customer-focused design as part of the Council of Ministers Agenda for Change.
The new design provides access to services without the need for people to know which government department provides the service, and is aligned to the Chief Minister’s stated aim of a “smaller, simpler government based on providing essential services in a sustainable, cost-effective and efficient manner, using new options for service delivery where appropriate.”
The Chief Minister said:
‘The new design provides a modern shop window for government services and information. It is a stepping stone towards achieving our aim of having 80% of our key services online by 2015. Realisation of that vision will generate significant savings in terms of reducing administration costs and increasing convenience for customers. The new website is vital for the ongoing modernisation of services provided by all departments.’
The new-look Gov.im website has been developed in a way which allows for ongoing, low-cost development and changes to content and structure. This means that government can easily adapt the site, responding quickly to customer or internal feedback.
So while the main structure of site will remain, users may see lots of small improvements over time. This approach ties in to a broader strategy for the digital delivery of public services and integration into the wider government services that will come over time.
It replaces the current site, which was built in 2003, and has a fresh, modern feel with user friendly navigation. Much of the existing website content has also been reviewed to ensure it is clearer and free of jargon.
This new-look site is a key step in government’s transformation programme to enable more services and information to be provided online. It is aimed at offering customers the convenience of carrying out their business with government online when it suits them.
The website now has an improved search facility and displays the most-used services on the home page.
Users should not notice any interruption to service during the switchover. Initially the new website will include all departmental content with links provided to other public service information and branded sites such as visitisleofman.com
The new look website was launched as a beta site in October 2012 with the address https://cf.gov.im and has been developed under the Transforming Government initiative, for whom the focus remains on improving customer access to government services through three channels – digital, in person and by phone.
How the website functions is under continuous review and feedback is welcomed to help government best meet the needs of its customers.
