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Media releases > A new website for VSO
(7 September 2004)
International development charity VSO has re-launched its website www.vso.org.uk. The new website aims to be more user-friendly and accessible than ever.
VSO is the charity that instead of sending money or food to developing countries, sends people to share their skills and knowledge. The website is the first point of enquiry for 70% of applicants, so needs to be informative, up-to-date and easy to use.
Information about placements, what is required from applicants, and application forms are now easier to access, as is information for youth placements and how to support VSO through attending events or raising money. There is more information on VSO’s awareness campaigns on HIV and education, which is an important part of the charity’s work.
As an international charity, the internet is especially important for keeping all volunteers up-to-date, from training materials for volunteers before departure to the returned volunteers network which connects over 17,000 volunteers in 140 countries. The new website provides the chance for volunteers to stay in touch with the organisation and with other volunteers.
One of the challenges for VSO's small in-house web management team has been to structure the site so nothing is more than three clicks from the homepage, and with several hundred pages of information that is no mean feat!
The website is also designed for maximum accessibility for visually impaired people.
Mark Proctor, web manager for VSO says:
We've tried to ensure that the site is as accessible as possible. The result is a much clearer format and more user-friendly pages. There's always more that can be done, however, and we'll continue to look at accessibility issues, refining and improving things where we can.
As well as overhauling the structure and design of the website, a further challenge for the web management team is to help make the content itself as compelling and engaging as possible.
Ben Gilman, VSO's web officer, comments:
We'll be working closely with key stakeholders over the coming months, providing tips and training on writing for a web audience and generally helping colleagues make the most of what is a huge communication opportunity for us. Editors' notes
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