Accessibility and user experience improvements: Slough Borough Council's website project

Slough Borough Council has embarked on an inspiring journey to enhance accessibility and user experience through a website transformation project with Jadu. This blog post outlines some of the achievements of the project, including Slough Borough Council’s impressive rise on the Silktide index and the implementation of a new translation service to better serve its community. The council has seen a huge improvement in providing an inclusive and seamless online experience for its residents.

Huge results on the Silktide Index

Accessibility and user-friendliness are at the centre of Slough Borough Council’s digital strategy. In November 2020, amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, the council launched its new website www.slough.gov.uk. In December 2023, the council saw a jump of an astonishing 235 places on the Silktide index, securing an impressive 8th place in the category of UK local councils. This meteoric rise is a testament to their unwavering commitment to providing a better online experience for their residents.

Improved translation services

One of the standout features of the revamped website is the improved translation element. Understanding the diverse demographics of Slough, the council recognised the importance of breaking language barriers. Previously tucked away in the footer as a single-page translation option, the translation service has been strategically relocated to the top of the website, ensuring easy access for users seeking information in their preferred language. Slough Borough Council has also gone a step further by introducing a whole website translation feature in partnership with Jadu. This empowers residents to navigate the entire website seamlessly in their chosen language, fostering inclusivity and accessibility.

Enhanced online customer journey

The My Account area of the website (powered by Jadu), is a vital touchpoint for residents, and is being enhanced to ensure an accessible, easy-to-navigate, and easy-to-read customer journey. The council's dedication to user experience improvement extends beyond the surface, with efforts including:

•     Thorough checks for broken links
•     In-depth analysis and improvements to the user experience
•     Precision in guiding users to their intended online destinations
•     Careful review of the number of clicks required to reach desired locations, allowing for more efficient signposting.

Slough Borough Council understands that successful digital transformation is based on aligning with the needs and preferences of the community it serves and has future aims to increase engagement with Slough residents to gain feedback and ensure continuous development of the site.

Commitment to accessibility and compliance

Accessibility champions have emerged within the council's team, a testament to their dedication to creating an inclusive digital space. They are working diligently to ensure that the website meets the 2.2 compliance standards and are determined to achieve a 100% compliance rate.

Jadu's reports and built-in accessibility tools have been instrumental in this journey, providing invaluable insights into the website's accessibility and compliance status.

Future plans

Slough Borough Council are actively exploring additional Jadu solutions to further reach and engage with their diverse community. The translation component, given the town’s diversity, is already gaining traction, and is hoped to be of continued benefit to the community. The council also hopes that through continued collaboration with Jadu, that they will see improved access to information for residents and create seamless digital user journeys for all.  

Slough Borough Council's accessibility and user experience improvements continue to be a large part of its digital strategy as the council continues its journey towards a more inclusive and user-centric digital landscape.