Help pages

Using the Site

Site Navigation

This site's navigation structure is based on the Local Government Navigation List (LGNL), a navigation method adopted by central government for all local authorities to use. The navigation is based upon services, rather than departments within the Council. It makes it easier for the user to find information without understanding the internal workings of a Council.

Polyhierachical navigation

Our website's navigation system is polyhierachical which means that information can be found in more than one part of the navigation tree. This takes into account the fact people think differently on where they expect to find a certain bit of information or service on the website.

More on polyhierachical navigation and impact on how you browse the site.

You can find your way around this site in the following ways:

Top level navigation

You can select from one of the 11 main headings/content sections of the website using the Top level navigation menu on the homepage.

The top level navigation menu is also available in the left hand menu of a top level page.

See screenshot image of the top level navigation menu.

Top level page

A top level page is uniquely identified by the fact that access to secondary level navigation is placed within the body of the page. The site's top level navigation menu remains available from the left hand menu.

See screenshot image of a top level page.

Secondary level navigation

You can access a secondary level section of the website by selecting a link within the body of a top level page.

Secondary level page

On a secondary level page, the left hand top level navigation is replaced with a section and page specific navigation menu.

See screenshot image of a secondary level page.

You can also access our online services, relevant contact Information and relevant useful links (when and where available) from the left hand column. The same applies to pages on all levels.

See screenshot images of online services menus

What's new link (Homepage)

Screenshot of what's new link Beneath the 'Main Sections' navigation on the homepage:

Whats New - listing of new page and document updates on the site

Right hand column tools and links (Homepage)

On the Right hand bar menu of the homepage.

Quick links - a link to the sitemap
Publications - Freedom of Information publication scheme and links to documents and information
Languages - Information and links to Community Languages
Council Meetings - Details of Council Meetings and Committee Papers archives
Contact the Council - Contact details and information

See screenshot of the homepage right hand bar menu

Online services (All pages)

Access our online services menu from the homepage and left hand navigation of most pages.

Online Forms (including downloadable PDF Forms)
Online Payments - pay your bills online
Planning Applications - View and comment on current planning applications
Barnet Maps - View interactive maps of the Borough
Library Renewals - Check or renew your library book and browse library collections

See screenshot images of online services menus

Plug-ins and additional software

GIS Map links and how to download the software

Our GIS (Geographic Information System ) Barnet Maps contains detailed interactive maps of the borough, with a large amount and variety of additional information. It works best with a Broadband internet connection although it will work with a dialup modem, the initial download may take a few minutes. The larger the screen resolution you have the better, 1024 x 768 is fine. 800 x 600 will work but the maps will not be as easy to read.

The system uses your standard web browser. However, you need a 'one- off' download of some software to get to the detail and the functions. The software you need depends on your type of browser and operating system. Please download the FREE software for all browser and operating systems from the trusted Autodesk website here

PDF documents and forms

Downloading files or documents

In the case of relatively large files, (and PDF forms that you need to complete and return by post), you are advised to save the file directly onto your own computer rather than opening it via your web browser. On a PC, and using the Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser right-click on the link, select "Save Target As", and choose a suitable location on your PC; using the Netscape web browser right-click on the link and choose "Save Link As".

See our PDF documents and forms help page

RSS Feeds

We have RSS feeds available on our website. You can stay informed by retrieving our Latest News, What's On in Barnet Events and Highlights. When a feed is available for a section of content on our website, there will be a link to the RSS feed highlighted by an orange RSS button

Browsealoud software for listening to our website

We are pleased to introduce a free service that speech enables our website for those with reading difficulties. It offers a practical website access service to people who find it easier to listen to, rather than read the content of our website. We have teamed up with Texthelp Systems to provide their Browsealoud service which gives our visitors the chance to listen to our web content.. The use of this service requires a one off free download of the software.

Accessibility

See our page on website accessibility