Assertion 10 is part of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return process for smaller authorities. It focuses attention on digital and data management, including how councils manage their online presence, records, information and digital systems.
Why Assertion 10 Matters
Parish, town and community councils are expected to manage digital information properly. This includes making sure website information is accurate, records are handled responsibly and online content is managed in a clear and consistent way.
What This Means For The Website
From a website point of view, councils should make sure important information is published clearly, kept up to date and managed through the correct process. This may include meeting dates, agendas and minutes, finance documents, councillor details, council contact details, noticeboards, defibrillators, policies and other public information.
The Clerk's Role
The Clerk is usually responsible for keeping standard council website content up to date through the website admin panel. Easy Web Sites Ltd provides the website system and support, but the council remains responsible for the accuracy, approval and suitability of the information it publishes.
Accessibility And Documents
Council website content and documents should be prepared with accessibility in mind. Public sector websites should meet WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility requirements, and councils should take care when publishing agendas, minutes, finance documents, policies and other files online.
Practical Checks For Councils
- Keep meeting dates, agendas and minutes up to date.
- Check councillor details, contact details and council information regularly.
- Make sure finance documents and statutory notices are uploaded in the correct place.
- Use clear file names for uploaded documents.
- Check that documents are the correct approved versions before publishing.
- Review website content regularly so outdated information can be removed or replaced.
When To Contact Easy Web Sites Ltd
If the Clerk needs extra help with a standard admin panel update, email admin@easywebsites.co.uk with the website address, the section being updated and a clear description of the support needed.
If the request involves a layout change, new functionality, a technical issue or development work, email changes@easywebsites.co.uk.
Important
This article is general website support guidance. Councils should check their own governance requirements, auditor guidance and sector advice when confirming what they need to publish and retain.