2.3c Clearance of Web sites

Procedure

Step 1

For clearance of a Web site (new or redesigned), an e-mail must be sent to OCP (Web-Clearance@fao.org) from the officer responsible for the programme/project, requesting that the Web site be published on the Internet. The test URL must be included in this e-mail. It is also advisable that all the necessary technical officers, chiefs etc. are sent a copy of this e-mail.

Non-staff employees or external companies delivering a Web site or information system should also provide, in writing, confirmation that the site or system complies with the FAO Web Quality Assurance Checklist.

Step 2

OCP reviews the Web site at the test URL and compares it with the FAO Web Quality Assurance Checklist.

Step 3

If necessary, OCP sends its comments and observations to the requesting technical officer so that the Web site can be amended accordingly. Department/Division amends.

Step 4

OCP gives approval. Web site published on the Internet.

Sample E-mail

To: Web-Clearance@fao.org

Cc: OCP-Registry; [technical officers, chiefs, etc.]

Subject: Request for clearance of [title] of Web site

______________________________________________________

We would like to request the clearance of a new Web site on [title of Web site].

The site has been reviewed for conformance with the FAO Web Quality Assurance Checklist for the clearance of Web sites, available at http://intranet.fao.org/en/informationresources/policy/waicfram/en/standards/index.html

The Web site can be viewed at [test URL].

[Closing and signature]

 

Minimum level of clearance required

Clearance is obviously required from senior management (chiefs and directors) before a Web site is published. Clearance can also be given by an officer responsible for the programme/project (e.g. GIEWS, EMPRES, GTOS, etc) or the Information Technology Officer.

Please note that responsibility for this type of clearance lies exclusively with FAO technical departments and not with OCP.

Ensure that accessibility issues for different types of users (including search engines) are addressed, see Tips on Improving Web Accessibility for more information.

Non-FAO domains

The FAO Web Quality Assurance Checklist applies all Web sites on FAO server, the only exception being the FAO corporate look and feel (see 5.3a Corporate visual identity).