The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) have recently launched their next generation website. I’ve been leading the development, working closely with the union and designers to help ensure the new website is modern and meets the needs of members.
The new site uses the latest version of the Drupal Content Management System (CMS), Drupal 9. This is a powerful, enterprise class open-source system, and is much better suited to more complex sites than most CMS solutions. Drupal powers websites including the TUC and NEU as well as other those for other high-profile organisations, such as NASA, TESLA, Harvard and the Economist.
As with many unions, one of the biggest challenges is the amount of online content. Union websites are usually information-centric, and the FBU is no exception, providing a range of information to members and the public. There are about 5,600 pages of content, and so making it easier to navigate was a key objective.
Older content with low amounts of views have been archived and removed, and the navigation has been completely redesigned to better reflect the needs of visitors.
The search has also been improved. The in-built Drupal search has been modernised recently, and we’ve also used algorithms and advanced configuration to make it as effective as possible.
Work on the design was critical, with the new website using the latest standard of responsive design to make sure it displays well on small screens as well as the larger, higher resolution screens increasingly being used on desktops.
One key aspect of the FBU site are the resources. The FBU publishes member circulars, publications, and detailed pay rates. There are also numerous forms (both downloadable and online) and an archive of union policies from past conferences. A dedicated resources section aims to make these easy to find, with filters for topic, region/nation and campaigns.
Campaigning is an important part of the FBU’s work, and we’ve revamped how campaigns are handled on the site. This is illustrated by the recently launched DECON campaign. For three years the FBU has been working with the University of Central Lancashire to understand the links between fire contaminants and cancer. The FBU’s DECON campaign offers training and advice to help protect firefighters and their families from harmful contaminants.
We hope you find the website easy to use and informative. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please get in contact with the FBU Press Office.
