New Content Structure for ECO Webpages - August 2008
NOTICES TO EXPORTERS - 2008/16 - 23 JULY 2008
Over the past few months, you may have noticed a variety of changes and updates to the Export Control webpages on the current BERR website. At the same time we have been undertaking a fundamental review of the information provided.
This review has involved the following stages:
- Questionnaire drafted, distributed and responses analysed (approximately 60 responses received)
- Feedback on proposals sought and communicated from EGAD Awareness Sub-Committee members
- 11 Card Sorting Exercises conducted getting direct user feedback on potential site re-organisation - the card sorting exercises included participants from ECO staff, HMRC and industry.
- Informal feedback from ECO staff and industry including observation of current website usage
- Review of website statistics
Proposed new content structure
From this process we have identified a proposed content restructure of the Export Control webpages comprising the following main (left hand navigation headings):
Latest News and Updates
Beginners Guide to Export Controls
UK Strategic Export Control Lists
Rating Enquiry Service
Sanctions and Embargoes
The Licensing Process
Licences
Licensing Advice and Resources
Compliance and Enforcement
Training and Seminars
Performance Reports and Statistics
Legislation and Policy
About the ECO
A-Z Index (of Export Control)
Contact the ECO
The proposed content restructure is based on the following rationale:
- Aim to make key links more obvious and upfront at top level (right hand link structure).
- Opted for broad level approach with more folders at top level (rather than narrow approach) with potential headings that are clearer.
- Quick and consistent links to ECO's IT licensing system, SPIRE, the Checker Tools and to the Notices to Exporters across the ECO webpages (as far as possible).
- The main navigation links are ordered in a way that is logical and orientated to exporters ways of thinking - for instance, we propose moving the Licences section and the Control List to the top level.
- Introduction of A-Z Index of ECO content.
We would also like to point out that these changes are not proposed to change the fundamental layout of the screens, so the current basic page layout and structure - eg in terms of link format and page layout - will remain when the site is relaunched in the autumn (see below). This is because the ECO pages a positioned within the wider BERR website structure and templates which govern all section layouts.
Overall BERR website redesign
You should also be aware that a redesigned version of the BERR website is due to be launched in September 2008.
The new site will have a slightly different architecture as well as a new homepage and top-level navigation menu designed to give users a better overview of the site upon arrival.
ECO’s pages currently sit within the Europe & World Trade section of the site (where they are due to remain). The structure of the EWT section will not change. However all the main group sections (EWT, Energy, Business Sectors etc) will be grouped together under a top level menu button labelled ‘What We Do’.
Changes
We will be making the changes to the ECO pages over the next few weeks during August 2008 so that the new structure can be incorporated as far as possible into the planned wider BERR website redesign.
Please be aware that deep level links will be affected by these changes as a result of some pages being repositioned in the hierarchy and because of the impact of top level BERR website changes.
Comments
Your comments and feedback on the website are always welcome. For instance you might have opinions about the order and structure of the pages, headings or any other general comments or questions.
Please send your comments to either: web.comments@berr.gsi.gov.uk or alternatively:
Edwina Wontner
Information and Website Manager
Business Development and Awareness Unit
Export Control Organisation
Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
Tel: 020 7215 4948
Email: edwina.wontner@berr.gsi.gov.uk
This notice is for information purposes only and has no force in law. Please note that where legal advice is required exporters should make their own arrangements.
Export Control Organisation
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
23 July 2008
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