Blog from the Chair of the Website & Marketing Committee – new website

“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often“

Winston Churchill’s words could be adopted as the motto of the PLA’s Website & Marketing Committee (WMC).

Sarah Debenham (nee Beck), Charlotte Ross, Paul Barker, Mark Reading, Lara Nayman, Alison Hardy, Mary Block and I have collectively spent the last 18 months or so working with the PLA’s appointed website designers, Tela, to refresh the PLA’s website. We hope you like it!

The PLA’s website was last updated in 2012. That was, itself, a significant overhaul to improve an antiquated website. The PLA’s members subsequently identified a number of perceived weaknesses. These included: poor search functionality; lack of compatibility with mobile and tablet devices; and cumbersome navigation.

It was felt by the Executive Committee that in order to have a website fit for the next generation, the PLA’s website needed (amongst other things): enhanced dynamic functionality, with greater interactive features; an improved user experience; design change; and a bespoke area devoted to the JPLA.

The modernised website, launched at this year’s Annual Conference, goes some way to meeting these objectives. WMC is very proud of the outcome, yet conscious that (sticking with the Churchillian theme): “…this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

What can you do to help further evolve the website? The answer is threefold:

First, we would welcome your regular feedback (which can be sent to Mary or any other member of the WMC) – to ensure the website continues to meet or exceed your expectations.

Secondly, we would encourage you all to update your online member profiles as soon as possible please. All active members have had an account set up for them on the new PLA website. In order to gain access to the account for the first time, members will need to reset their passwords by following the process set out below.

Navigate to the ‘Login / Register’ area using the buttons on the top right hand area of the website:

If you have logged in to your account already:

Enter your user name and password to view your profile.

If you have not logged into the website before (this will apply to the majority of members):

1. Click the ‘Forgot your password?’ button.
2. When prompted, enter the email address associated with your PLA membership.
3. Click the ‘Reset my password’ button.

A link will be sent to the email account which will allow you to reset your password (if a link does not arrive soon after, please check your spam).

When you have reset your password you will be able to log in to the website using the email
address associated with your PLA membership and the newly created password.

Having logged into your account, you will be able to: update your contact details (which will only be visible to other logged in members); add a biography; upload or change a profile photo; add links to social media profiles; and specify areas of specialism.

Thirdly, get actively involved with the WMC. We are looking for new blood, and would very much welcome applications.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Gary Lawrenson
PLA Website & Marketing Committee Chair