Severnside’s new website brings new features

Published by Matt Critchley for Severnside Housing in Housing and also in Communities

Severnside Housing has launched a new user-friendly website, designed to be more accessible and easier to use.

The new site is clearly laid out, colourful and straightforward. It includes new features such as an events calendar which lists forthcoming activities, events and training sessions, as well as an easier to use jobs section. Useful features from the old site have also been added, including functions to report a repair or pay rent online.

The site was designed in consultation with residents, after listening to what they liked and disliked about the old website. Residents wanted to see a clear and simple layout which was colourful and easy to navigate.

Consultation sessions, combined with web analytics, identified the most frequently visited pages, which all now have links directly from the homepage.

Other functions will be added over the coming months, including a secure customer log-in, where residents can view their rent account and the progress of any reported repairs, as well as the ability to complete, save and submit forms online.

The site can be visited at www.severnsidehousing.co.uk (the same address as the earlier version).

Matt Critchley, Marketing and Communications Manager at Severnside, said: “We met with residents through our Access to Services Focus Group to find out what they liked and disliked about the old site and what worked and didn’t work. Resident told us they wanted a clear and easy to use layout, with quick links from the homepage to the most frequently visited pages.

“The new site takes account of these requirements, and feedback from both customers and stakeholders has been very good. It also includes a link to Severnside on Twitter, where you can keep up to date with our latest news and information.

“Over the next few months we will be adding lots more services, including secure log-ins so residents can view their rent account details, and a Facebook page.”