This policy applies to all components of the Academy’s web presence and digital channels including social media services and mobile/web-based applications, irrespective of whether these are provided in-house or externally.
It also applies to all business areas of the Academy and other organisations that are a part of, or owned, managed and staffed by the Academy, or run by funding awarded under the auspices of the Academy, irrespective of whether the content resides on Academy infrastructure, or otherwise.
Web presence: The Academy’s web presence includes any online information or service representing all or part of Academy including, but not limited to, websites, blogs, social media networks, web-based applications, mobile applications and media.
Designated technology stack: The designated technology stack is a list of all tools and technologies used to run an application, including back-end and front-end components. The Academy’s technology stack is defined below.
Domain register: Digital Pacific
Server infrastructure and hosting provider: Digital Pacific or Pantheon
Content Management System: Drupal
Customer Relationship Management: Salesforce
Email marketing: Campaign Monitor
Risk-based approach: A risk-based approach is to ensure that measures to prevent or mitigate issues are commensurate to the risks identified, the likelihood of occurrence, and the impact of an occurrence.
Content will be conveyed clearly and unambiguously, using plain English and in a tone appropriate to the audience and consistent with the image and reputation of the Academy. Technical terms will be briefly explained (either in-text or in a glossary) and acronyms and abbreviations only used where it is clear what the letters represent.
Content will be delivered in an appropriate format for its intended audience.
Dynamic content will be accurate and up-to-date, and removed when no longer relevant.
Historical content that includes a date of publication, such as newsletters, media releases and reports, will only be altered if the nature of the alteration or revision is made clear to anyone viewing the content.
All digital content will comply with all copyright requirements applicable to the content, which includes compliance with the Copyright Act 1968.
All digital content will comply with the Academy’s privacy statement, which includes compliance with the Privacy Act 1988.
All digital imagery will be used appropriately and not misrepresent the purpose or focus of the imagery. Imagery will be of the highest quality wherever possible. It will not be used if an objection is raised by the copyright owner or the image subject/s. Imagery will not portray individuals/subjects as vulnerable or in a demeaning or sexual way, with special attention paid to imagery of children/child subjects.
The Academy’s web presence will utilise Drupal as the content management system and Campaign Monitor as the email marketing software in order to help maximise accessibility, sustainability, flexibility and maintainability across the Academy.
All Academy-related web presence and content, whether from core activity or externally-funded projects, must be developed and hosted on the Academy’s designated technology stack in order to help maximise accessibility, sustainability, flexibility, maintainability and to promote economies of scale. Exceptions can be granted by the Chief Information Officer (CIO).
All staff or contractors initiating a new web presence or new functionality within an existing web presence or digital channel or social media account/page/profile must refer to the CIO for guidance and obligations concerning adoption of the technology/platform, security, privacy and accessibility requirements.
Academy-owned and managed websites that are currently external to the Academy’s primary website will be required to develop a plan for migration to the designated technology stack by June 2021, unless granted an exception by the CIO.
The Academy web presence will utilise secure sockets layer (SSL) certificates for website and data security. It will follow best practice security and privacy standards for protection of information collected from or about individuals.
The Academy is morally and legally obliged to make information and services accessible to all web users, including those with disabilities or impairments, and will take a risk-based approach in working to meet or exceed WCAG 2.0 AA standards.
On request, the Academy will supply content in an appropriately accessible format as an alternative to the content published on digital channels within ten working days of receiving the request.
All staff or contractors contributing to or utilising the Academy’s web presence must refer to the Digital & Publishing manager for guidance and obligations concerning adoption of branding and marketing.
Publishers of web content/managers of social media accounts must maintain familiarity with current AAS branding guidelines and web standards including maintaining currency and accuracy of content, complying with accessibility and privacy obligations, and writing content in such a way that is appropriate for the target audience.
Communications and Outreach is responsible for content oversight, branding, marketing, overall written or provided content quality and social implementations across the Academy’s web presence and digital channels including social media services, emailing lists and mobile applications.
The CIO is responsible for determining the information architecture, technical implementation, accessibility and visual design of the user interface (UI), and user experience (UX). They are also responsible for maintaining acceptable service standards, ensuring our web presence conforms to industry best practice and privacy policies, and managing legal liability.
All Academy staff have a responsibility for protecting and maintaining the reputation for the Academy.
Disability Discrimination Act 1992
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A04426
Copyright Act (Cwth) 1968
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C1968A00063
Privacy Act (Cwth) 1988
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Series/C2004A03712
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0
https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20
| Policy contact | Chief Information Officer - Andrew Hood |
|---|---|
| Approval Authority | Chief Operating Officer - Melissa Abberton |
| Date Approved | 19/02/2019 |
| Date of Commencement | 19/02/2019 |
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