Celebrating the successful launch of our new website
Our new website successfully went live on 16 June, marking a major milestone in our digital transformation journey and providing a modern digital front door to council services.
The launch followed months of collaboration across our council, with colleagues designing and improving content, migrating pages, creating better user journeys and testing the site.
Importantly, the website launched on time, with no disruption to services and a seamless experience for our communities.
Delivering better outcomes for residents
The new website makes it easier for residents to find information and access services online, supporting our ambitions for digital-by-default services, greater efficiency and more sustainable ways of working. Early feedback suggests these improvements are already making a difference.
One resident said: "The new website looks great, but what I really like is how easy it was to get to my destination page. The user journey is so much better. Bravo!"
Another commented: "Very clear and easy-to-follow website instructions – even for an old person like me who hates doing stuff online!"
Project reflections
Strategic Change Team Manager, Nicky Aitken said: “We feel the key to our success has been communication and collaboration. Building relationships with the web editors from the early stages has been key to keeping them informed on what is happening and what was required of them. Forging a strong relationship with transparent and regular communication with our supplier Big Blue Door has also been invaluable.”
Feedback from the Web Strategic Oversight Group (WebSOG) has been highly positive, with members describing the new website as cleaner, clearer and easier to navigate. The project was recognised for being delivered on time, highlighting the strong partnership and collaboration between the project team, web editors, and our supplier Big Blue Door as a major factor in achieving a successful transition.
A member of the WebSOG said: “The Web team were really helpful and always available for support which was much appreciated.”
Training and support was also received positively by the team, indicating a preference for in-person training and protected leaning time to get to grips with the new system and create the new website. Overall, feedback so far has been positive and constructive, with further benefits likely to be realised through continued support, in-person training and ongoing content reviews.
A collaborative success
This achievement reflects the dedication of colleagues across our organisation. Thank you to our Departmental Web Editors, Web Strategic Oversight Group, IT, Strategic Change and Customer Services teams, and delivery partner Big Blue Door, whose expertise and commitment helped make the programme a success.
Special thanks go to Laura Hall (Web Manager), Nicky Aitken (Team Manager Strategic Change), Raymond McGill (Service Manager and Project Sponsor), and Megan Waddell (Change Manager) - this project would not have been possible without their leadership, expertise and commitment to improving digital services for our residents. Thank you!
Continuous improvement
The new website has been designed to evolve. As residents and colleagues continue to use the site, we will identify opportunities to make content clearer, improve user journeys and refine how information is organised.
The Web Team will continue to monitor website performance, analyse feedback and usage, and make ongoing enhancements to navigation and content. We encourage staff to share feedback from customers and services. If something isn't easy to find, a page title could be clearer, or a customer journey can be improved, please contact your departmental web editors or contact the Web Team at webteam@eastlothian.gov.uk.
Next steps
Over the coming months, the Web Team will continue to support our network of Web Editors and provide training for new Web Editors, while working with LocalGov Drupal community to take advantage of future enhancements and innovations.
The project team will also develop a case study to capture lessons learned and gather feedback from both colleagues and residents, helping to shape future improvements and showcase the benefits delivered through the programme.
Together, we've delivered a website our residents can be proud of, a platform our services can build upon, and a digital foundation that will support East Lothian for years to come. Thank you again to all involved!