Unified Solutions helps GMB build a 21st
century website, to drive online recruitment and introduce
cost saving efficiencies
GMB is a campaigning trade union with almost 600,000
members working in every part of the economy. Their work is mainly
focused on protecting members in their workplaces and
growing the number of GMB members in order to strengthen the
Union's power. One in every 32 people at work in the UK is a member
of GMB and GMB is organised in 34 of the UK's biggest 50
companies.
Although GMB has had a web presence for
several years, the old site is supported by a bespoke CMS, which is
no longer fit for purpose. GMB needs a new website in order
to provide a platform for more initiatives which will generate
revenue, increase membership and streamline services.
Information management experts Unified
Solutions have been selected to design, develop and deliver a new
website for the union by mid January 2010.
The GMB have made a strategic decision to
utilise the Alterian WCMS (Immediacy) as the platform for the
re-development of their website. Part of the reason for
selecting the Alterian Immediacy WCMS is its familiar, MS
Word/Outlook-style user interface which will enable staff to get
started editing content quickly, with the minimum of training.
Content can be authored using MS Word and MS Excel, meaning they
can simply drag and drop content into the WCMS when it is ready for
publishing.
GMB regard their website as an essential tool
for recruiting new members as well as retaining existing members.
The use of the Internet by members has increased significantly,
since the original site was built. The ability to provide online
joining is now an essential prerequisite and has proved how
cost-effective online transactions can be. The ability to capture
essential membership data will assist the union to understand the
needs of their membership better.
The scope of the project covers a full Unified
Solutions InSite™ Methodology which will guide GMB through the
process of identifying their target audience groups, users’
interactions with the website through to building a simple but
engaging site structure into a full refresh to the look and feel of
the website.
New additions will be RSS feeds to and from
the site, the creation of engaging areas to promote video,
podcasts, audio and photos, and a new site search which can index
all web pages and attached documents identifying the most relevant
results using standard search technology.
The project has been split into two distinct
parts; one is the re-design and identification of functionality and
integration of a standard site with the Alterian/Immediacy CMS and
the other of developing functional elements, split into several
phases.
The new site will give members instant access
to all membership materials and the ability to sign up renew or
edit membership details online. With the increased levels of
internet access and the cheap availability of high speed broad band
connections, the union will positioned for the 21st
century.
To find out more about this project and others
like it contact Sales on 01753 775050 e-mail sales@unified.co.uk