British Computer Society to Award Best MP Websites
31 May 2007
To underline the integral role that IT now plays in parliamentary communications, the British Computer Society (BCS) has launched the first MP Website Awards programme.
The new BCS MP Website Awards will seek to spotlight and applaud MPs who the Society believes have best used their websites to passionately communicate their political platform. However, judging criteria will also mark MPs on sites that effectively engage with their constituents and are perceived to present the world of politics, particularly to young people, in an exciting and dynamic manner.
Websites will be judged according to three categories:
- Design
- Engagement
- Accessibility
There will also be an award for the MP whose website is selected as overall winner and is considered to be an outstanding example of the very best incorporation of all three qualities.
Judges will be looking for MP websites that successfully engage and excite, yet usefully inform with honourable purpose. In addition, judging criteria will take into account ease of navigation, accessibility and effective use of modern media techniques such as blogs, pod or video casts and instant messaging.
Initial appraisal of all available MP websites will take place during June and a shortlist of the best will then go forward to be judged by an independent panel drawn from the BCS and representatives from the national political media. The winners will be announced at a special Westminster reception in November.
According to BCS chief executive David Clarke, "IT now offers the world of politics the ability to present itself in a more exciting and communicative form. Today's computer technology enables ministers and MPs to engage with constituents and voters in a two-way dialogue that enhances the democratic process. If used creatively, and with IT processes that are familiar to young people, it will also attract and persuade more of them to take a keener interest in the political process which is surely vital for the safeguard of our democracy."
For further information www.bcs.org/mpawards
