Request a website
The University provides a web and content management service that provides colleagues with a uniform & secure web presence.
Requesting a website
A standalone website is not always the best option, and often having a web presence on an existing website is a better alternative.
Before applying for a new website, you should contact the faculty research communications team or faculty marketing team to see if your proposed content can be housed in the Faculty website – visit our Faculty Marketing Contacts page to find your key contact (please note; you will need your university login details to access this information).
If the conclusion is that it can’t be housed in the Faculty website you can request a website using the website content request form to share information about your content and requirements, this helps us respond to requests.
Applications for new websites are reviewed weekly by IT Services and Communications and Engagement.
Before doing this please also check:
- that your information doesn’t already exist elsewhere.
- that your information has relevance and value for users.
- that you have enough capacity / resource to keep your website up-to-date and compliant.
All web presence requests MUST follow this process above. Please do not approach external agencies until you have taken these steps.
Submit a new website request
Start an application for a new website or register a domain name by submitting a Web content application form.
This form is in Office 365 and you will need to login with your IT username and password to submit the form. The completed form is shared with the web request group. The group can also be contacted by emailing extwebr@leeds.ac.uk
Please include as much information as possible in the form as it will speed up the handling of your request, specifically:
- Audience
- Purpose of the website
- Proposed content. If you have written the content then please email it as a Word document to extwebr@leeds.ac.uk
- Links to any associated websites on leeds.ac.uk or externally hosted websites (for example an umbrella project)
- Key dates
- Lifespan for requested website – and resources to support the site for its life.
If you make a website request it will usually be processed and developed as follows:
- A group including IT Services, Marketing and Communications and Engagement will receive and check the requests. Members of the group may ask for more information to inform a decision and may consult with a faculty marketing team to see if the content can be included within a faculty website. The group will aim to provide a first reply to you within two weeks.
- If approved, IT Services will provide a cost outline and timeline for the build. You can decide whether to proceed. After the site is created, a named website owner is given access to develop the site and add content before it is published. If the owner has not added any content to the site within three months being set-up, IT Services will contact them to check if the website is still needed. At this stage you may be referred to an external supplier if your requirements cannot be met internally.
- At this stage, IT Services will create a blank site with the custom URL specified in your application. You will then be handed the site to populate with your content.
- Once the content has been added, the site can be published.
If you request a website and at any point decide not to proceed, please email extwebr@leeds.ac.uk to tell us.
Design and platform
Your website will be built within the University’s design template. This ensures your content is optimised for viewing on desktops and mobile devices.
Dependent on your website requirements, there are two platforms available which are supported by the University and our suppliers:
- Jadu – a content management system which the corporate website, faculty websites and core services run on.
- WordPress – content management system used for cross-disciplinary research groups, smaller project sites or temporary websites.
Organisations hosted by Leeds but operating as a distinct entity, for example, a research-council funded national centre, may agree a custom design with the request team.
Bespoke websites
If your proposal is for a partnership organisation site, or requires specialist functionality, IT Services will discuss your requirements and may refer to you to web supplier.
If referred to a web supplier, these must come from the approved suppliers list – IT Services will provide you with these agencies and their contact information.
Website projects partnered with other organisations are assessed on an individual basis, following application through the Web content application form. Please note this form opens in Office 365 and you will need to login with your IT username and password to access the form. The completed form will be shared with the web request group.
Staff profile pages
Newly expanded staff profiles offer a user-friendly, media-rich platform for personal content.
Staff profiles are generally held on faculty sites and allow you to share and edit information on academic background, research, personal interests and more. Staff profiles have replaced the need for personal websites, which are no longer supported.
Staff can easily access and edit their own profiles. Please refer to Staff profile management for guidance.
Teaching content and course materials
The University provides a several systems and platforms for hosting course materials and online courses respectively. Read more on the Digital Education Service website.
Custom applications, file storage and research computing
Requests for custom application development, space for large-scale file storage – including for code and support for research computing should be directed to IT Service Desk or through your faculty IT business relationship manager.
Guidance for owners
Every website at leeds.ac.uk is assigned to an owner who is accountable for content, ensuring information is compliant and meets the University’s Website regulations and identity guidelines.
Owners should refer to our Writing for the web guidelines for key skills in effective website authorship.
Website content
To maintain clarity and consistency across leeds.ac.uk, content which is presently available on the corporate/faculty sites should not be reproduced elsewhere.
Key information to avoid duplicating includes:
- staff profiles
- course information
- course fees.
Inaccurate information is potentially damaging to the University and faculty’s reputation. For content guidance and advice on the appropriate use of data, see Website regulations.