LocalGov Drupal web development for UK councils

A complete solution for UK councils looking to move their websites to the LocalGov Drupal platform.

Over 50 UK councils have already adopted LocalGov Drupal. It is the open-source content management system (CMS) built specifically for local government. It has a shared component library, strong accessibility foundations, and a growing community of councils contributing to continuous improvement.

The LocalGov Drupal community estimates the platform can reduce the cost of building a new council website by up to 80 percent. That is compared to a fully custom build.

Invuse is a specialist LocalGov Drupal delivery partner. We guide you through the full transition, from discovery and gap analysis to accessible design, content migration, user testing and launch. Our delivery is aligned to the GDS Service Standard and the LocalGov Drupal community approach. Our services are available via G-Cloud.

Stage 1 - Research and Discovery

What's Included?

Step 1:

Scope and planning workshop

We begin with a collaborative workshop to define the scope, objectives, and key requirements for your new website. This session helps align all stakeholders and sets the foundation for a successful project by identifying goals and priorities.

Step 2:

Review of website and pre-existing research

Our team conducts a thorough review of your existing website and any previous research or user feedback. This step identifies current strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, ensuring we build on a solid foundation of knowledge.

Step 3:

Data and analytics review

We analyse your website’s data and user behaviour to uncover insights about how visitors interact with your current site. This helps us understand what works well, what needs improvement, and how we can optimise the user experience.

Step 4:

In-depth content and Information Architecture Analysis

We evaluate the current content and structure of your website to identify opportunities for improvement. This includes a content migration assessment: mapping your existing content to the LocalGov Drupal content model, identifying what can be migrated, what needs rewriting, and what should be retired.

Step 5:

Stakeholder and SME Engagement

We engage with key stakeholders and subject matter experts to gather insights and requirements, ensuring that the new website reflects the needs and objectives of all internal parties.

Step 6:

End User engagement and baseline testing

Our team conducts user engagement sessions and baseline usability testing to gather feedback directly from end users. This process helps identify any pain points or barriers that users currently face.

Step 7:

LocalGov Drupal gap analysis

We perform a gap analysis to identify any discrepancies between your current website capabilities and the features provided by the LocalGov Drupal platform. This analysis informs our strategy to customise and enhance your new site.

Step 8:

Present findings and roadmap recommendations

We compile all insights and findings into a comprehensive report and recommendations roadmap, outlining a clear path forward for your website redevelopment, including proposed timelines, priorities, and next steps.

Stage 2 -Design, Develop, Test and Repeat

What’s included?

Step 1:

Sprint planning and define specifications

We kick off the development phase with sprint planning sessions to define the specifications for each stage of the project. Our agile approach ensures development remains aligned with your objectives and adapts to any changes or feedback.

Step 2:

UX prototypes with brand guidelines

Our design team creates UX prototypes that adhere to your brand guidelines, ensuring the website is visually appealing and aligned with your organisation’s identity.

Step 3:

Website development

We develop your website using the LocalGov Drupal platform, incorporating all agreed-upon features and functionalities.

Step 4:

Support in creation of IA and content

We assist in creating a new information architecture and help develop content that is clear, concise, and aligned with best practices in accessibility and user experience.

Step 5:

Web and mobile functional testing

Our team performs thorough functional testing across all web and mobile platforms to ensure the site works seamlessly on all devices and browsers.

Step 6:

User and accessibility testing

We conduct rigorous user and accessibility testing to ensure that the website meets WCAG 2.2 AA standards and provides an inclusive experience for all users, including those with disabilities.

Step 7:

Delivery of training programme

A complete training programme for your team, covering how to manage the new website, create accessible content, and use the features of LocalGov Drupal effectively. We also provide ongoing support to help with any questions or challenges.

Step 8:

Creation of 3, 6 and 12 month roadmap

A strategic plan for ongoing development and optimisation of your website over the next year, including regular reviews, updates, and improvements to keep your website running smoothly and meeting your community’s needs.

Deliverables and benefits you’ll receive

Comprehensive research and discovery report
A detailed report that summarises everything we found during the research and discovery phase. This report includes feedback from stakeholders and users, an analysis of your current website’s content and structure, and a gap analysis comparing your current platform to LocalGov Drupal.
Clear roadmap and recommendations
A practical roadmap that outlines the steps to move your website to LocalGov Drupal, including timelines, priorities, and key tasks. It also offers specific recommendations to improve the website’s usability, accessibility, and content management.
User-centred website design and prototypes
UX prototypes and design concepts for your new website, created according to your brand guidelines and tested with real users. These designs focus on making a website that is accessible and easy to use for your community.
Fully developed LocalGov Drupal website
A fully functional website built on the LocalGov Drupal platform, tailored to your council’s needs. The website will include all agreed features, be optimised for web and mobile, and meet all accessibility and usability standards.
Account management
A dedicated account manager who will be your main point of contact throughout the project and beyond. They will provide ongoing support, and ensure everything stays on track and aligns with your council's goals.
Continuous improvement and KPI monitoring framework
A robust framework designed to support the continuous improvement of your website. This includes the identification of key performance indicators (KPIs) that are crucial to monitoring the success of the site. The framework provides a structured process for regularly reviewing performance, gathering user feedback, and making iterative improvements. It also includes tools and methodologies for tracking progress and reporting on KPIs to ensure ongoing alignment with your organisational goals.