To support the delivery of its ‘Access to Services’ Strategy for 2007 - 2012, the London Borough of Enfield has launched a new web site and Google powered search system developed by Web content management system (CMS) provider Jadu.
The aim of the new web site and search is to provide better access to a wider range of information for all members of the community. Enfield Council selected Jadu for this new development to support the roadmap developed to support the Council's vision for future service delivery. A robust CMS platform, with the ability to support a planned Web 2.0 presence was a key factor in the selection of Jadu.
"The ultimate objective of this development has been to develop a web site that 'belonged to' the people of Enfield rather than one that was focused solely on Council services. Jadu understood our business and had solutions that were customised for current and future needs of local government."
says Lee Russell, Web Development Manager for the London Borough of Enfield.
To ensure that the web site was driven by what the people of Enfield wanted, the Council's web team undertook a 'visioning exercise' to develop the strategy for the next five years. Consultation with key stakeholder (staff, members, the public, disabled users) was a key aspect of strategy development and drove the initial site design which was undertaken by Boilerhouse, a specialist in design and communications and a Jadu design partner.
"Enfield has strong long term vision for their online service" Says Suraj Kika, CEO of Jadu. "Supported by Jadu CMS and it's deep integration with Google Enterprise technology this provides a platform to deliver that vision."
Stakeholder consultation also drove site navigation which produced a change of strategic direction on design. The initial plan had been to offer a series of segmented services to the public. But after consultation there was strong feedback indicating that the customer did not want to be treated differently. This led to a different approach resulting in navigation being built around two types of user 'those that knew what they wanted' and 'those that did not what they wanted'.
Enfield Council is using Jadu CMS 1.8 (including Jadu's innovative Social Directories management system and multimedia Web asset management system) and Jadu Intranet 2.0 to provide the greater flexibility and usability needed to make content creation easier for customers. The use of electronic forms (Jadu's XForms platform) has also opened up a wide range of different types of information for customers. This approach has opened up the web as a true access channel for customers seeking a self service route.
Enfield is also using 'Jadu Rupa' a search system powered by the Google Search Appliance™, to provide a community search over public services such as police, fire and health. Google Search Appliance and Rupa provides a market leading enterprise search facility, that has enabled the Council to index local services and deliver a customer centric search experience - with results from local health and community groups.
"The Google Search Appliance has proven to be very successful because it merges the simplicity of Google's consumer search experience with the sophistication, security and power of Google's enterprise technologies in a business environment," commented Peter Lorant, head of enterprise partners at Google. "Jadu was one of the first Google Enterprise Partners in the UK and we are delighted that they continue to bring out innovative solutions leveraging the Google search technology to provide value to customers such as Enfield Council."
"The new web site and customer search is seen as revolutionising our service provision to our customers and providing the bedrock to build 21st century services for Enfield" says Lee Russell.
Further information:
About Enfield Council
Enfield Council is one of the best performing local authorities in the country, scoring a maximum 4 stars in its latest assessment by the Audit Commission. It is recognised for its innovative approach to working with partners on issues such as community safety, children's services, poverty and independent living. It was recently awarded 'beacon' status for its work in supporting independent living for vulnerable adults.
The Council has a strong track record in delivering excellent services and value for money. Its robust financial management has led to over £40m of savings in recent years, enabling the Council to continue to invest in key services and facilities including new schools, leisure centres, libraries, play areas and parks, roads and pavements and decent homes.
Based in north London, the Council serves a diverse population of over 280,000 people and has two major programmes to deliver further improvements. Its 'place-shaping' programme is aimed at increasing prosperity and quality of life by focusing interventions in priority areas including support for business, skills, housing and transport.
Its Leaner Programme is already transforming the way the Council works and delivering savings through strategic service reviews, remote and home working, effective procurement and customer pathway remodelling, with a focus on increasing self-service via the web.
About Jadu
Jadu helps businesses and public sector organisations to create and manage their online channel quickly, simply and cost effectively. Jadu was formed in 2001 to provide Content Management Systems (CMS) for government organisations. Since its first major implementation for BERR in 2002, Jadu has evolved further and been implemented for hundreds of private and public sector organisations across the UK.
Providing a refreshing approach to Enterprise Content Management, Jadu offers ground-breaking functionality including integrated Online forms, Google searches, user intelligence and full statistical reporting, full standards compliance, product and catalogue management with a host of other web productivity tools and unparalleled support service.
