Tags

Tags are short, coloured labels that communicate status or classification at a glance.

They help users quickly understand the state of content, processes or their progress through a service.

Use tags when status information helps users make decisions or understand what they can do next.

Use tags when you need to:

• show the status of content (such as ‘Draft’, ‘In consultation’ or ‘Withdrawn’)
• indicate progress through a process or service
• display applied filters that users can remove
• communicate security classifications or access restrictions
• help users identify recommended or priority content

Don’t use tags when status is already clear or when other components work better. Approved products do not need tags.

Use notification banner instead when:

• you need to communicate important changes or updates
• information requires user action

Use headings or body text instead when:

• status information is already clear from context
• the tag would duplicate existing page titles or headings

Avoid using tags when:

• they serve only decorative purposes
• status doesn’t help users make decisions
• you have more than 2 tags on a single page (as it reduces its effectiveness)

Content status

Use ‘Draft’ when content is still in development.

Use ‘In consultation’ when feedback is being actively sought.

Use ‘Government trial’ if content is published but a new version is still being consulted on. Make it clear how users can provide feedback and when an approved document will be available.

Use ‘Withdrawn’ when content is no longer active or valid. Make sure you have information on the page on where updated information can be found.

Classification

Use ‘Members only’ on pages that should not be shared outside of government.

Progress indicators

Use ‘Not started’ for work has not yet begun.

Use ‘In progress’ for work that is underway.

Use ‘Completed’ for work that is finished.

Use ‘Submitted’ if work has been submitted and cannot be changed.

Use ‘Under review’ if the user has submitted work and is waiting for feedback.