RM1043.8-1-GENERAL OSTEOPATHIC COUNCIL - WEBSITE REBUILD

Description

Pre-market engagement n/a Work done so far 1. Website Project Scoping Report: Comprehensive overview of the project’s objectives, scope, and key considerations. (attached) 2. Website Strategy: Detailed strategic approach to the website’s role in achieving organisational goals.(attached) 3. Website Content Strategy: Guidelines for creating and managing website content effectively.(attached) 4. Website Specification and Requirements: Functional and technical requirements.(attached) 5. Design concept: Showing how the evolution of the existing CPD design can be applied. (in development) Which phase the project is in Not applicable Existing team - Project Sponsor: Director of Education, Standards and Development - Project Leads: Head of Communications, Engagement and Insight, and Senior Digital Communications Officer - Project Manager - IT Manager - Wider communications team - Designer Address where the work will be done The work can be delivered remotely. However, it may be helpful to occasionally get together in person for certain activities - to be mutually agreed. GOsC offices are Osteopathy House, 176 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 3LU. Working arrangements The work can be delivered remotely. However, it may be helpful to occasionally get together in person for certain activities - to be mutually agreed. GOsC offices are Osteopathy House, 176 Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 3LU. All travel and subsistence will require prior approval Provide more information about your security requirements: No security clearance needed Latest start date 2025-09-17 Enter the expected contract length: 2 years Extension period: 1 year Are you prepared to show your budget details?: No Provide further information: While we are not disclosing a specific budget at this stage, suppliers should be aware that value for money and pragmatic delivery are essential principles for this project. We are seeking a cost-effective solution that prioritises stability, usability, and efficiency over innovation for its own sake. We encourage the use of well-established, off-the-shelf tools, components and design patterns, and invite suppliers to take advantage of existing assets or code if possible. The General Osteopathic Council is focused on achieving meaningful improvements in user experience and internal workflows without over-engineering or bespoke development where standard functionality can meet the need. Confirm if you require a contracted out service or supply of resource Contracted out service: the off-payroll rules do not apply Summary of work The work is: Consolidate 4 websites into a single WordPress website. Add and improve features and functionality. Implement a refreshed look and feel. Integrate into Salesforce CRM. Provide ongoing hosting, maintenance and support. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) currently operates four websites, each serving different user groups and functions: • osteopathy.org.uk – The primary public-facing website. It provides information about osteopathy, GOsC’s regulatory work, and access to the public register of osteopaths. The site includes sections for patients, the public, osteopaths, and students. • o zone (Registrant Portal) https://ozone.osteopathy.org.uk/ – A secure portal, intended for registered osteopaths to manage their professional status. This includes CPD guidance, registration renewals, and personal information updates. The o zone is essential for ensuring osteopaths’ compliance with GOsC regulations. • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) https://cpd.osteopathy.org.uk/ – A WordPress site, this platform is dedicated to osteopaths’ professional development. It allows them to access CPD resources, case studies and how-to guides. • Osteopathic Practice Standards (OPS) https://standards.osteopathy.org.uk/ – Another WordPress site, this site provides access to the standards of osteopathic practice, guidelines and case studies. Although the site’s purpose is clear, there is potential for further improvements to make the content more interactive and engaging, and to improve the user journey by integrating this content into the main website. Based on feedback from our users and staff, we know that the current websites, while functional, require consolidation (into a single website), simplification and modernisation to meet evolving user expectations and align with best practices in accessibility, usability, and content management. Where the supplied staff will work No specific location (for example they can work remotely) Who the organisation using the products or services is About the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). The primary purpose of the regulation of health professions is to ensure the safety of patients and the public. GOsC regulates the practice of osteopathy in the United Kingdom. The statutory duties of the GOsC are outlined in the Osteopaths Act 1993. By law, osteopaths must be registered with the GOsC in order to practise in the UK. The overarching objective of the GOsC is the protection of the public this involves the pursuit of the following objectives: a. protecting, promoting and maintaining the health, safety and well-being of the public; b. promoting and maintaining public confidence in the profession of osteopathy; and c. promoting and maintaining proper professional standards and conduct for members of that profession. To meet those objectives, the GOsC does the following: a. keep the Register of all those permitted to practise osteopathy in the UK; b. work with the public and osteopathic profession to promote patient safety and set, and monitor the maintenance and development of standards of osteopathic training, practice and conduct; c. assure the quality of osteopathic education and ensure that osteopaths undertake continuing professional development; d. help patients with any concerns or complaints about an osteopath and have the power to remove from the Register any osteopaths who are unfit to practise. The GOsC is a registered charity in England and Wales (1172749). Osteopaths are primary healthcare practitioners. This means that they are able to undertake an initial consultation with any patient. This includes taking a case history, performing an examination of the patient, formulating a differential diagnosis and undertaking treatment where appropriate. Osteopaths are trained to refer patients to other healthcare professionals when they are not the most appropriate professional to manage an underlying condition (although they may still provide treatment to the individual referred). Why the work is being done The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) plays a crucial role in ensuring public and professional confidence in osteopathic care in the UK. As part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen trust, champion inclusivity, and embrace innovation, the redevelopment of the public-facing website, osteopathy.org.uk, has been identified as a key priority. This project forms part of the wider strategic aim to improve user experience, enhance transparency, and align the GOsC’s online presence with its core values. The GOsC's strategy outlines a vision of being an inclusive, innovative regulator trusted by all. Redeveloping the public website supports all three core priorities in this strategy: • Strengthening trust: The website is a key touchpoint for osteopaths, patients, students, and the general public. It should be a trusted source of information that is reliable, easy to navigate, transparent, and user-focused. • Championing inclusivity: A modern website must meet the needs of all users, including those with disabilities, diverse language needs, and varying levels of digital literacy. • Embrace innovation: By incorporating modern web technologies and design principles, the website reflects GOsC’s commitment to innovation. Features such as interactive content, video explainers, and enhanced search functionality demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to digital engagement. The business problem you need to solve Based on feedback from our users and staff, we know that the current websites, while functional, require consolidation (into a single website), simplification and modernisation to meet evolving user expectations and align with best practices in accessibility, usability, and content management. 1. Design: a) Implement a new website design that evolves from the current CPD website. Initial design concepts will be provided to guide the implementation. 2. Development of Key Functionalities: a) o zone – Registrant Portal: Deliver a secure portal where osteopaths can manage their registration, practice details, and access resources. Integrate o zone to the existing Salesforce CRM (CRM expected to be delivered by September 2025), leveraging the existing integration or establishing a more optimal solution. b) Register Search: Create a publicly accessible, reusable directory component to search for registered osteopaths, with potential applications for other directory needs. c) Forms: Develop dynamic, accessible forms to handle key processes like registration, fitness-to-practise submissions, and more. d) Search: Implement advanced search functionality, including filtering, relevance tuning, synonym recognition, and tailored experiences for public and logged-in users. e) Modular Content Management: Enable flexible updates with a robust CMS (WordPress) that supports scheduling, media optimisation, and version control. 3. Content Strategy and Design: a) Review and optimise the website’s information architecture to ensure content is easy to find and navigate. b) Conduct a comprehensive content audit and content migration to the new site. 4. Testing and Deployment: a) Conduct a small amount iterative usability testing during early development to ensure user-centric design and validate core features. b) Plan and execute a smooth content migration and website launch to minimise disruption to users and stakeholders. First user type: Users are defined in the Website Strategy document (ocds-pfhb7i-66228-GOsCWebsiteStrategyv1.0.docx). Please see User Stories and Requirements spreadsheet (ocds-pfhb7i-66228-Userstoriesandrequirements-Websiteandozonev1.1.xlsx) for all user stories.