The British Standards Institution (BSI) is to develop a standard for websites that will govern a site’s effectiveness, function and appearance.

The standard, known as a Publicly Available Specification (PAS), will contain guidance covering usability, branding, adherence to legal requirements, accessibility and technical standards and search engine optimisation.

The new standard has been commissioned by Magus, the web solutions provider. Research from Magus shows that many large companies do not have formal brand or technical standards governing their websites, and many of those that do fail to enforce them.

Magus said that the BSI would provide a clear framework to help organisations apply standards effectively to improve the performance of their websites and protect the integrity of their brands.

PAS 124 will be reviewed by a steering group that includes Shell, Unilever, the Institute of Directors, Interbrand, SDL, The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Digitas, and The Localization Industry Standards Association (LISA).