wp58d72788.png
wpe077e8b8.png
wp26f9c1be.png
wpec3644e8.png
wp1d2daacd.png
wp9b003be8.png
wp646dc676.png
wp72eb9a4b.png
wp649a08b6.png
wpf640b029.png
wp9ac34f51.png
wp49f18645.png
wp713e167e.png
wp884e34d2.png
wp4f4e2ad3.png
wp7086692c.png
wpc86aa88f.png
wp4b8e7b91.png
wp787a026a.png
wp07cf83a4.png
wp00a39834.png
wp2b34ab4e.png
wp036650a2.png
wpadc61a03_1b.jpg
wpb6da1028.png
wp09d777cf.png
wpfcdec70a_1b.jpg
wpb72fd86f.png
wp88ee89dd.png
wp7d6f8d6f.png
wp2e1302b2.png
wp1fb7806d.png
wp2ac5ac25.png
wp2d1bb868.png
wp614c9bee.png
wp9db4846b_1b.jpg
wp27df20e9_1b.jpg
wpcebab02f_1b.jpg
wpd87cad6e_1b.jpg
wp317071e2.png
wpb7a1e344.png
10th August 2007
Humanitarian Assistance Unit

DEVELOPMENT OF AN HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE INFORMATION WEBSITE

 

Background:

 

The recent NAO report “Review of the experiences of UK nationals affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami” and the Government lessons learned from 7th July bombings published on 22 September 2006, exposed the need for public access to immediate information following an incident.

 

We have consulted with groups and voluntary organisations who agree that there is a clear need for simple, practical advice in the immediate few hours following an incident, as well as information in later weeks about longer term support services.

 

The site will serve as 2 functions:

 

Function One:  will provide practical information immediately following an incident. To include - Casualty Bureau/FCO information line number, any official government advice.

 

Function Two: will provide information on longer term support, useful contact details and the role of different support organisations available.

 

Hosting:

 

We are currently in discussions with Directgov, the government central website for information. Directgov have been encouraging Departmental websites to house more content onto their own pages and is now focusing more on branding the site and encouraging more users.

 

The Directgov website link is below:

http://www.direct.gov.uk

 

There are a number of benefits to doing this:

 

 It is an existing site that already houses some useful information on Humanitarian Assistance as well as relevant topics which would be housed on our website (compensation, travel advice, bereavement advice)

 A natural site to access “Government” information (was accessed by public looking for information in the immediate aftermath of 7/7)

 Information can be updated very quickly

 The pages can be accessed in many ways i.e. we can create a web address to according to the name of the incident www.direct.gov.uk/tsunami

 Information can also be accessed by the directgov address – any emergency incident will be given “homepage” status for the immediate aftermath

 A number of related Departments are already housed on directgov (likely more will follow given their intention to reduce Government sites).

 

Content:

 

Function One

We propose that Function one would simply be a boxed area on the main homepage that would inform the users of the incident – it would provide

practical information. Example below:

 

Function Two:

We propose that function Two contain key categories, including:

 

 PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE

 FINANCIAL ADVICE

 EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

 

 

Following feedback from some of the survivor groups, it was also suggested that we try and incorporate information for friends and family of those involved in incidents, and information on media handling.

 

The development of the site is very much in its infancy and we are very keen to engage with stakeholders on the types of information we need to cover, and how this information would need to be presented to ensure that it is both accessible and relevant to our audience.

 

Below are some of the considerations we have come up with for the initial planning of the site, the list is by no means exhaustive.

 

o Headings on the main homepage may include: UK incidents & Overseas incidents.

o Managing expectations – it must clearly state what the website can and cannot offer.

o Should not include duplication of information from other sources  - however could include a summary of information then the link to the source of information

o Consider splitting the site according to the audience

o Include information on how the UK responds to emergencies

o Have a “virtual” assistance centre – with telephone numbers

o Include an A-Z index -  including a links page

o Create a “one stop shop”

o Identify needs “if you are reading this in the first 24 hours of an incidents, 48 hours, one week etc

o Explain how Government is responding to the incident

o Recognise diverse needs after an emergency