Maintaining school website compliance requires expert support and up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements. In 2024, the landscape continues to evolve. To gain insights into the current state of school website requirements, we surveyed participants of the “School Website Compliance in 2024 Workshops” held throughout the past year. This blog post summarises the survey findings.

A big thank you to everyone who attended our workshops throughout the year.

School Website Compliance 2024 Survey Overview

The survey aimed to gather information on participants’ confidence levels on a range of areas. These included objectives, challenges, and areas of interest regarding school website compliance in 2024. A total of 164 respondents completed the survey, which provided valuable feedback that will help shape future training and resources.

Confidence Levels in Website Compliance

One of the key areas explored in the survey was the confidence level of participants in maintaining website compliance. Participants were asked to rate their confidence on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest.

Confidence Levels Results

Most respondents rated their confidence as moderate to high, with ratings of 3 and 4 being the most common. Thus, many educators and administrators feel reasonably confident in their ability to maintain compliance. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement and a significant need for additional support and resources.

Workshop Objectives and Expectations

Participants were asked what they hoped to gain from the workshops. The responses varied widely, but several key themes emerged. These themes reflect the participants’ main objectives and goals.

Key Themes for Workshop Objectives

Our analysis revealed the following key themes:

1. Requirements: Many respondents want to understand the specific requirements for compliance, which emphasises the need for clear and detailed guidance.
2. Updates: Participants prioritise staying updated on recent changes and upcoming requirements, reflecting the dynamic nature of compliance standards.
3. Changes: Participants expressed a need to be informed about recent changes in compliance regulations to keep their websites up to date.
4. Guidance: There is a demand for comprehensive guidance to help schools navigate the complexities of website compliance.
5. Best Practices: Some respondents are looking for best practices and examples from other schools to improve their own compliance efforts.
6. Tools and Resources: Although mentioned less frequently, there is interest in tools and resources that can help maintain compliance more efficiently.

Common Challenges in Maintaining School Website Compliance in 2024

The survey also sought to identify participants’ common challenges in maintaining website compliance. Several recurring themes emerged, highlighting the areas where schools and trusts struggle the most.

Key Themes for Common Challenges

The analysis revealed the following key themes:

1. Compliance Itself: The most frequently mentioned challenge was compliance itself. Many schools find it difficult to meet compliance standards consistently.
2. Keeping up to Date with Changes: Participants highlighted changes in compliance requirements as a significant challenge. They emphasised the need for regular updates and clear communication.
3. Understanding Requirements: Understanding and implementing specific compliance requirements was another common theme. This indicates a need for detailed guidance and support.
4. Update Websites: Keeping the website updated with the latest compliance information was a noted difficulty. This points to the dynamic nature of compliance standards.
5. Seeking Guidance: There is a demand for comprehensive guidance. Schools need help to navigate the complexities of maintaining compliance.

Sentiment Analysis

The overall sentiment of the responses was neutral to slightly positive, with participants expressing their struggles but also a willingness to learn and improve.

Topics of Interest for Future Workshops

To ensure that future workshops are as relevant and useful as possible, the survey asked participants what topics they would like to see covered. The responses highlighted several key areas of interest.

Key Themes for Topics of Interest

The analysis revealed several key themes:

• Requirements: Participants frequently mentioned the need to understand specific compliance requirements. They emphasised the importance of clear and detailed guidance.
• Compliance: Ensuring overall compliance is a top priority. This indicates a continued need for comprehensive training and resources.
• Changes: Many respondents want to stay informed about changes in compliance regulations. Keeping up-to-date with the latest standards is crucial.
• Updates: Regular updates on compliance information are highly valued. They help schools stay current and avoid falling behind.
• Guidance: There is a demand for detailed guidance. Schools need help to navigate the complexities of compliance and implement necessary measures effectively.
• Examples: Participants are interested in seeing examples of best practices and successful compliance strategies from other schools.
• Tools: Practical tools and resources that aid in maintaining compliance are also in demand. This indicates a need for actionable solutions.

Sentiment Analysis

The overall sentiment of the responses was positive. Participants were clearly interested in gaining knowledge and tools to improve their website compliance efforts. Therefore, we have updated our plans and enhanced our offerings accordingly.

Conclusion and Action Plan

The survey findings provide valuable insights into school website compliance in 2024. While many participants feel moderately confident in maintaining compliance, there are clear areas needing additional support. Based on your feedback, we have formulated the following action plan for the coming academic year:

You Spoke, We Listened: Our Action Plan for School Website Compliance in 2024 and Beyond

Based on your invaluable feedback, we are committed to implementing the following actions in the coming academic year to support school website compliance better.

Continue to provide Clear and Detailed Guidance:

• Develop comprehensive guides that clearly outline compliance requirements.
• Update all blogs with the latest guidance and follow a set structure in the coming months.
• Provide workshops with practical examples and best practices to help schools implement compliance measures effectively.

Offering Regular Updates:

• Provide regular updates on changes to compliance standards and requirements through newsletters and webinars.
• Schedule dedicated training sessions to keep educators and administrators informed of the latest developments.

Developing Practical Tools and Resources:

• Create and distribute tools and resources designed to help schools maintain compliance more efficiently.
• Resources will address common challenges such as time constraints and the need for consistency across multiple schools.

Tailoring Workshops to Participant Needs:

• Tailor future workshops based on your feedback, focusing on the most relevant and pressing topics.
• Ensure that workshops cover the latest compliance information and provide practical implementation strategies.

By focusing on these actions, we aim to enhance our support for school website compliance significantly. We are dedicated to ensuring every school and trust has the resources and knowledge necessary to meet the latest standards and requirements. Together, we can navigate the complexities of website compliance and achieve excellence in our educational environments.

Actions for Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts

To navigate the evolving landscape of school website compliance, schools and multi-academy trusts should take proactive steps. Here are key actions you can take based on our findings and recommendations:

1. Stay Subscribed for the Latest Updates:
   • Subscribe to our newsletters and updates to receive the latest information on compliance standards and regulations. Staying informed will help you keep up with changes and ensure your websites meet the necessary requirements.
2. Join Our Workshops:
   • Participate in our workshops to gain practical insights and learn from experts. Our sessions cover a range of topics, from best practices to the latest compliance trends. Engaging in these workshops will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain compliance effectively.
3. Utilise Our Resources:
   • Take advantage of the comprehensive guides and resources we provide. These materials offer clear and detailed guidance on compliance requirements and help you implement the necessary measures with confidence. Our tools are designed to address common challenges and streamline the compliance process.
4. Engage with Our Training Sessions:
   • Join our dedicated training sessions to stay up-to-date with the latest developments. These sessions are tailored to keep educators and administrators informed, ensuring that you are well-prepared to handle new compliance standards and regulations.
5. Provide Feedback and Tailor Future Engagement:
   • Share your feedback with us to help shape future workshops and resources. We are committed to tailoring our offerings based on your needs, focusing on the most relevant and pressing topics. Your input is invaluable in ensuring that our support aligns with your challenges and objectives.

Following these actions, schools and multi-academy trusts can better manage their website compliance efforts. We aim to provide the support and resources you need to navigate the complexities of compliance and achieve excellence in your educational environments. Stay connected with us, and together, we can ensure that your school websites are compliant, up-to-date, and effective in meeting all regulatory standards.