Modernising the UK Land Registry's 1862 Register

Background

The UK Land Registry is a critical government institution responsible for maintaining land and property ownership records across the UK. One of its historical records, the 1862 Register, presented unique challenges:

  • Aging Infrastructure: The system was running on outdated software that had reached the end of its security support.
  • Compliance Requirements: Government law mandated compliance with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2, ensuring digital inclusivity for all users.
  • Performance Issues: The existing system was not only vulnerable but also lagging behind in terms of modern web performance expectations.

To address these challenges, the UK Land Registry sought a solution that ensured security, accessibility, and future scalability.

Our Solution

We implemented a robust upgrade for the 1862 Register, centered around headless open-source technology. The key elements of our solution included:

  1. Transition to Headless Architecture:

    • Migrated the application to a headless CMS (Content Management System) using open-source frameworks.
    • Decoupled the frontend and backend, enabling greater flexibility and faster updates.

  2. Future-Proofing with Open Source:

    • Leveraged open-source tools that ensure long-term viability without vendor lock-in.
    • Integrated modern frameworks with regular community-driven updates for security and functionality.

  3. Improved Accessibility Compliance:

    • Conducted a comprehensive accessibility audit.
    • Implemented WCAG 2.2-compliant features, including keyboard navigation, improved color contrast, and screen-reader compatibility.

  4. Enhanced Performance:

    • Optimized backend processes for faster response times.
    • Built a lightweight, responsive frontend ensuring swift user interactions even on low-bandwidth connections.

Results

  1. Security Compliance Restored:
    The upgraded system is fully secure, addressing all vulnerabilities associated with the previous unsupported platform.

  2. WCAG 2.2 Compliance Achieved:
    The 1862 Register now meets all accessibility requirements, ensuring inclusivity for users with disabilities and compliance with government laws.

  3. Improved User Experience:

    • Faster load times improved accessibility for users across various devices and internet speeds.
    • A clean, modern interface enhanced overall usability.

  4. Future-Ready Infrastructure:

    • The open-source, headless architecture supports easy updates and scaling for future needs.
    • Costs associated with proprietary software were eliminated, providing long-term savings.

Conclusion

Through this project, the UK Land Registry has successfully modernized one of its oldest digital records, achieving compliance, security, and efficiency. By adopting headless open-source technology, the institution is now better equipped to serve the public while adhering to government standards.

Would you like to learn more about how we can modernize your systems? Get in touch with us today.