Web site

The ESF bid will be published online at the Siesta web site. Relevant ESF requirements will form the basis of a prototype site so that key targets will be met over the next nine months.

Contribution from SRCC outlined as an on-going commitment to host elements of the Siesta web site and discussion forums.

Primary purpose of the site is to be the first-stop access to a broad range of information sources across the region. Developing the site will be a changing, expanding and adapting process based on a prototype or first draft.

A key part of the site will be managed so that content is reviewed, evaluated and priotorised. This wll be a jointly managed area with a steering group, expected to come out of the Siesta board.

Content

A first draft of the site will be online for the launch events. This will include:

• Simple self-publishing - creation of content about communinty groups online (not necessarily requiring web development skills)
• Informal "chat" areas - to enable easy routes into online discussion for new-comers. This could be general, or topic specific.
• Signposting to useful content
  This would work at three different levels
  • A basic link
  • A commented link (comments provided by link target)
  • A longer "page" information summarising link or links for a particlular organisation. This would be more appropriate for larger groups.

  Examples of such linking would be to existing databases, e.g. ESCIS, Health Authority

• Siesta News as an example of a news service.
  This will link with the work of the database group.
• Managed areas with experts on-hand - SRCC
• Online Libraries and respositories of useful content - ESBHHA
• Locallity-based events calendar - Eastnet
• Signposting - ESBHHA and ESCC info services
• Workshop summaries from training events - FIP

Site structure

BT will assist in implementation of monitoring and feedback mechanisms for the prototype site to feedback into development and online data managment

Once sufficient online content has been developed, then other partners will be brought in as part of the feedback process. Development will continue online.

Final consideration of the organisation of content for the launch of the site will be made in consultation with relevant task groups. This content will be supplemented with published information from individual groups and collaborative projects when appropriate.

Site hosting

Although the site location is not essential, the descision will be based on

• Sustainability. The site should continue to be affordable and hosted as part of the exit strategy.
• The more data that is held on one physical site, the easier it is to share functionality (e.g. search mechanisms)
• Participants would need to feel comfortable about issues of ownership. (e.g would it be appropriate for a community group-only discussion area to be hosted by the local council?)

Site name

eSussex, with associated web address www.esussex.org.uk is recommended to the full board to be adopted as the name of the online project. This fits both with modern expressions (email, ecommerce etc.) and clearly indicates that the project is aimed at EastSussex. Org indicates that it is a non-profit initiative

Next meeting

1st Sept