Gateway to digital administration: new website is online

The district of Waldeck-Frankenberg has redesigned its website - and now presents itself with a more modern and clear online offer. At the same time, it is creating the conditions for citizens to be able to flexibly apply for many of the district administration's services online with just a few clicks.

The district's old website, which had become very outdated, is now history. "We want to offer our citizens a comprehensive range of information on the latest technical level, which we are constantly developing further," says District Administrator Dr Reinhard Kubat. "Little by little, further application procedures will be digitised and gradually integrated into the new site. It is our gateway to digital administration - and to an even better service for citizens.

Citizen-friendliness as a goal

A cross-departmental team from the Public Relations, Culture, Sponsorship and Partnerships and Information Technology and Digital Administration departments implemented the project - and was supported by technical experts in various subject areas from the administration and the Hessian regional computer centre ekom21 GmbH. Citizen-friendliness is the top priority: During the conception and implementation, the project team therefore focused on the citizens and, through this change of perspective, always kept in mind which information could be particularly relevant for the people in Waldeck-Frankenberg - and thought about how this could be prepared in a comprehensible and target group-oriented manner.

Digitalisation is advancing

This includes, among other things, the digitalisation of application procedures, which the district is already steadily advancing: By the end of 2022, it will also be able to provide many services offered by its administration in digital form. The new website sets the course for this. This would hardly have been possible with the previous website. The aim is to make it easier for applicants to apply. In parallel, many other processes are being digitised - whether digital invoice management or electronic file management. "The digitalisation of our administration is progressing - not in spite of the Corona pandemic, but because of it," the district administrator continues.

Among other things, you can already register your car online, reserve licence plates, register for events or apply for BAFöG and advance maintenance payments for single parents. The online application options are currently being expanded step by step. The district is also integrating a database from the state of Hesse: legal bases, descriptions of benefits and information on documents to be submitted are updated by the state, for example when laws change. For the people in Waldeck-Frankenberg, this information was then refined and prepared again. In this way, frequently asked questions from citizens can be answered in advance.

In addition, topics relevant to citizens and general information about the district are to be found even more quickly. A central search function, which is prominently integrated in the upper section of the page, contributes to this. Whether it's Corona figures, building applications or finding jobs: Similar to Google, you can enter your search term there - and it will take you to the corresponding content page, the service you are looking for or the desired contact person. In addition, there is detailed information on the work of the committees, advisory and service offers for a good life in Waldeck-Frankenberg or the district itself as a business location and tourism region number one in Hesse.

Feedback is very welcome

"We are all learners in the digital design process," Kubat concludes. "That is why we gladly accept suggestions from citizens." To this end, the team has also set up an online survey on the new and barrier-free site. The district has already received some feedback in the last few days and has implemented the wishes directly where possible - for example, placing the Corona information more prominently or providing additional data on population development. "Our site can be designed flexibly, should adapt to the needs of the people in the district - and be constantly developed further in dialogue with the citizens.