There are different ways to request a change to GOV.UK content depending on whether the content is mainstream or Whitehall.
Its likely to be Whitehall content if:
- it has government or publication in the URL - for example: www.gov.ukhttps://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs
- its tagged to the name of a department or agency - for example: From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
To request a change to Whitehall content, talk to your organisations GOV.UK publishing team.
If it does not have government or publication in the URL, its mainstream and is managed by the content design team at GDS. For example: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
To request a change to mainstream content, use the GOV.UK content change form. You need a Signon account to access the form. If you need one, ask your departments GOV.UK lead.
What to include in your request
The GOV.UK content team can work on your request faster if you include:
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a clear title that explains what needs to change - for example, Update phone numbers on Universal Credit guide
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the section of content that needs to change - for example, Overview chapter, first paragraph
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the reason for the change - how it helps meet the user need
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how many users are affected (if you know)
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the consequence for the user if the change is not made - for example, a user misses out on a benefit theyre entitled to because the eligibility criteria are wrong
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evidence to support the change - for example, call centre feedback, user research or policy change
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any deadlines or embargoes, and why - for example, an upcoming policy change or a new service launch
Explain as much as you can in the request itself. Write your request clearly and in plain English. Avoid acronyms, jargon and legal language.
Its fine to suggest wording if it helps to explain whats changed. However, the GOV.UK content team cannot put your copy straight onto GOV.UK, even if its signed off. Theyre responsible for presenting information in a way that users will understand.
What happens next
Youll get a confirmation email with a Zendesk ticket number.
If you need to update the request, follow the link in the confirmation email.
Read about the steps involved in getting something published.
How your request is prioritised
If the change will take less than 20 minutes to make, itll usually be made within a working day. For example, updating a fee or a phone number.
If the request is more complex, your ticket will be prioritised against other tickets. Itll be prioritised according to:
- any deadlines
- the impact on the user
- whether the change is editorial or factual
- how old the request is
