Manchester based creative and digital agency Access has been appointed by international non-profit organisation WaterAid as its global web development partner.
The appointment follows a competitive four-way pitch for both the charity’s ongoing platform support and future digital design, development and project work, including the growth of its current digital portfolio from seven member sites and three country sites to more than 40 sites and nine microsites in the next three years.
Access was awarded both areas of work based on its Drupal development expertise and track record of creating highly engaging digital experiences.
Operating across 35 countries, WaterAid helps transform lives by getting water, toilets and hygiene to people living without these basic human rights. It was established in 1981 by the UK water industry before becoming an independent charity, and has so far reached 25.8 million people with clean water and 25.1 million with decent toilets.
As its global web development partner, Access will be responsible for the development, governance and deployment of all websites and microsites across the entire global operation, working towards WaterAid’s ambition for everyone, everywhere to have clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene by 2030.
The agency will also expand WaterAid’s current Drupal websites, adding more country sites and a range of microsites, and further develop the WASH Matters site, which provides reports, research and insight to the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector.
Temina Milovanovic, Digital Marketing & Product Lead for WaterAid, said: “Our digital platform is a core element of our entire global operation, communicating the vital work we’re doing as well as facilitating ongoing fundraising from all around the world.
“We launched a new Drupal website in the UK in 2017 and more Drupal sites are now being rolled out for the countries in which we work. The next phase is to further enhance the performance of the website, and develop new features that will bring our supporters closer to our work.
“User experience is a fundamental element of our digital performance, making it as easy as possible to take action and see the results of their support. Access’ best practice UX and development capabilities were a key factor in our agency choice.
“Continued investment in our digital capabilities will ensure we maintain the high levels of support we provide to those most in need, garnering support from both consumers and businesses to either participate in our events or volunteer.”
Temina continued: “Access demonstrated exceptional experience and expertise in Drupal web development. This was coupled with their flexible and versatile approach, important for our organisation’s culture and structure.”
Simon Landi, Managing Director of Access, said: “Working alongside Acquia we will provide a holistic approach to developing and maintaining the web platform’s architecture and integrity. We’ve already completed a technical audit of the site and will commence our wider support with immediate effect. We also have a number of broader projects in plan to help to improve the site performance, conversion and achieve WaterAid’s long term digital ambitions.
“This is an exciting win for the agency and we are looking forward to working with WaterAid to further raise their standards across their digital portfolio.”
Access will be responsible for the day-to-day performance of WaterAid’s global digital platforms, providing technical support and proactive development work, as well as managing integration with third parties.
The agency’s remit is to also support and implement WaterAid’s new digital campaigns. It will see Access plan, design, implement UX best practice, and the build the website components of the campaigns.
