If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s how important digital services can be. Throughout lockdown, many of us turned to government websites to access important information, apply for payments, and book appointments.
It is therefore imperative that these websites are functional and responsive. GovCMS is a platform designed to help a web development company build government sites that meet compliance obligations and provide seamless user experiences.
What is a CMS?
Before we delve too deep into the world of GovCMS, let’s talk a little bit about what a CMS actually is.
CMS stands for content management system. A CMS is a type of software that is designed to make website development simple and secure. Prior to the invention of CMS platforms, developers were forced to create websites entirely from scratch. This was a very time consuming process. The level of user interactivity and functionality we expect today was near impossible for developers to achieve without the help of the structured framework provided by a CMS.
Fast forward to today and you will find that a significant proportion of the internet’s websites have been built using a CMS platform. Many people mistakenly assume that using a CMS is a sort of cheat way of developing a website. The reality couldn’t be further from the truth. There would be very few (close to zero) professional developers today who don’t make use of this technology.
It is not only web developers who benefit from CMS platforms. One of the main advantages to using this software is that it makes it incredibly easy for website owners to make quick changes to their site. Creating, updating, and deleting content only requires the push of a few buttons, rather than an in-depth knowledge of coding and web development.
It might help to know exactly how a CMS functions. Essentially, the software is made up of two separate components, which can be thought of as the ‘front-end’ and the ‘back-end’. The back-end is the engine room of your website. It is where you can make changes, upload new content, and change everything from the font to overall colour scheme. These changes are then pushed through what is known as the ‘content delivery application’, creating the front-end of your site, or what your visitors see and interact with.
GovCMS Explained
Technology has many advantages, not least of all the fact that it has made many of our daily tasks far easier. Whether you are searching for information, paying for a service or wanting to book an appointment, the ability to do so online is a huge advantage.
However, websites don’t always function the way they should. If your website is offering an essential service — such as important government payments — it’s crucial that it is both responsive and accessible.
GovCMS is the solution. The platform arose in 2013, when the Department of Finance was upgrading their website and needed a new content management system. At this point in time, government sites had been created using many different CMS platforms. There was no continuity between websites and development agencies found they were facing the same problems, over and over again. Thus, GovCMS was born.
GovCMS aims to help web developers create secure, functional websites that deliver seamless services. They do this by providing both resources and a community of skilled developers who understand what it takes to build a government website. Typically, websites that provide government services must meet very strict standards. These relate to privacy, security, and accessibility, and they exist to ensure that all people can access the information they need. GovCMS has simplified the process of building a government website and has helped developers understand the compliance measures that must be met.
The platform itself runs on Drupal software and the GovCMS website outlines that there are currently 334 sites that have been built using the platform.
Guide to Working with a Web Developer
Not all web development teams have approval to build GovCMS websites. If you’re a government agency looking to build a new website or upgrade on your existing one, ensure that your partnered Drupal development agency is an approved supplier.
Other than that important matter of compliance, there are a few other key factors that should be considered when deciding on a web development team.
Ask to see the company’s portfolio of finished projects. While no two websites are alike, you want to make sure that the team has the experience and level of skill required to create a website that meets your needs.
Of course, it’s important to discuss matters of cost and timeline. Keep in mind that quality work does come at a cost — if the company is offering a price or schedule that seems too good to be true, you may end up with a final product that does not meet your expectations.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to meet face to face with a web development company before making your final decision. You will be working very closely with these people — ensure that you get along on a personal level and feel that they conduct business in a professional manner.
By working with the right team, you’ll be well on your way to creating a government website that truly helps people access the information and services they need.