Web Guidelines - after Jan 2006

January 1 2006 marks the date when all Public Service websites are expected to comply with the Government Web Guidelines. The State Services Commission recently hosted a forum for Public Service agencies to clarify what this means for the agencies and to map out an agreed course of action for the next 2 years.

While all agencies have worked hard to improve the usability and accessibility of their websites, there is still much to be done. Agencies can use the Self Audit Checklist to accurately determine the degree of compliance of their website or sites and report back to the SSC by April 2006.

In June 2006, the SSC will compile a report on the results of this round of self-assessment and make it available to the agencies and other interested parties. Later in the year, the SSC will commission an independent accessibility audit of all Public Service websites and make this report available before the end of the year.

Those agencies that have non-compliant sites can request assistance to prepare a development plan that will allow them to meet their obligations within the shortest possible time. The policy for seeking exemptions is also available on the e-government website.

As part of the continuing round of review of the Guidelines, in the first half of 2006 the multi-agency working group will complete the first draft of the new version of the Government Web Guidelines. This will be made available for consultation in the latter half of the year and Version 3 will be published in January 2007.

For more information: www.e.govt.nz/standards/web-guidelines