How we manage content (our proposition)
This proposition statement sets out what kinds of content we do publish and what we don’t. It is based on the GOV.UK proposition.
This proposition statement has been produced with our main essex.gov.uk website in mind. To be useful it needs to be detailed, and the detail means that it won’t be applicable for every site and service.
Having a clear content proposition is an important part of getting set up to manage content well and make effective decisions. Whenever a new site or instance of content is being created, the default position should be that this content proposition will apply. If it does not, then exceptions to this proposition should be discussed and documented.
What content goes on essex.gov.uk
We create content where there is a clear user need, backed up by evidence. The content should also meet one of the following criteria:
Council services
It is something that can only be done with Essex County Council, for example:
- reporting a pothole
- applying for a school place
- joining Essex Libraries
- booking an appointment to register a birth
Information and guidance about Council services
It is official information about something ECC do, to help people better understand how to engage with a service and self-serve more effectively where possible, for example:
- how to make an effective request for support from children’s social care
- what documents you need to send when applying for a Blue Badge and how to send them
- who qualifies for home to school transport
Sector specific guidance
It is sector specific guidance that aligns with a policy intent linked to user needs, for example:
- guidance for schools on developing a travel plan
- guidance on how to hold a team around the family (TAF) meeting and understanding need
- guidance on business advice provided by ECC Trading Standards
Policy and involving people
It helps us be transparent, engage with people, explain policies clearly and fulfil legal obligations, for example:
- information about our spending and financial performance
- information about policies and strategies and how they are being implemented (e.g., Everyone’s Essex)
- getting people’s feedback, for example through consultations
- blogs on the essex.gov platform explaining openly what the council does
Responding to major events
It shows what the council is doing to respond to major issues and incidents that have a direct impact on the lives of the people of Essex or have significant public interest, for example:
- information about our response to COVID-19
- information about support for Ukraine and our Homes for Ukraine scheme
- information about severe weather events
Helping users follow the law
It helps people and businesses meet their legal obligations, for example:
- registering a death
- making a planning and development application
- understanding rights and responsibilities when teaching a child at home
Support schemes
It helps people find and access council-funded support schemes, for example:
- advice for businesses
- support with making your home more energy efficient
Business opportunities
It’s a service or information helping to create or promote business opportunities in Essex, for example:
- the Buy with Confidence trader approval scheme
- opportunities to provide the council with goods and services and how to bid on a contract
- information about inward investment to support business expansion and investment in Essex
Campaign activity and raising awareness
The replatforming of essex.gov.uk will enable us to provide a separate platform to support campaign activity. In case of major events, this can also include some limited campaign activity published directly on the main essex.gov.uk site.
What content does not go on essex.gov.uk
Organisations independent from the council
Content and services supplied by organisations that are separate from the Council, including:
- NHS
- emergency services
- academic institutions with ac.uk domains
- organisations and companies that are not publicly owned and do not provide services to the council
Advertising or other activities for commercial purposes
Content, advertising or services which give a commercial advantage to an external company or organisation.
General advice
General advice content for people, businesses and specialists unless it both:
- has a clear user need
- offers guidance or a recommendation related to a specific policy area for which we are responsible