New Service website climbs the accessibility rankings

The Service launched its new website just over a month ago following a project which saw its creation and development brought in-house.

Since the site's launch, the Silktide index for accessibility has been updated and we are very proud to have moved into second place compared to other fire and rescue service websites.

The project team were given the challenge to create a new site from the ground up, that fitted the requirements of a modern fire and rescue service whilst also being mobile-friendly and accessible to its service users. These latest results show the great strides that have been made.

Following the news, Area Manager Damien West said: “Making sure that our website is accessible to our communities, workforce and partners is vitally important to ensure that we can engage with them, educate, and share information.

“I am proud of the work undertaken on the new website, which has meant that we are now one of the leading Services in the UK in terms of accessibility. The changes have meant new ways of working and some adjustments to how we do things, but this result shows that those changes have been worthwhile and ultimately means we can deliver better services to our communities.

“My huge thanks to everyone involved in this development and the hard work that has gone into making us one of the top fire and rescue services in this area.”

Website Officer Alex Skennerton who developed the site also said: “This is a great result for the Service and shows its commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.

“Working on the new website has taught me a lot and I’m very proud of what we have achieved.

“This however is not the end; work has already begun on improving the site further both in terms of what it offers service users and its accessibility. I hope to one day reach the number one spot.”