North Lanarkshire Council Recognised For Delivering Savings Through Website Efficiency

Online, June 9, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Socitm, the Society of IT Managers in the public sector, publish the annual Better Connected 2012 report into the usability and performance of 433 local authority websites.

North Lanarkshire Council, who have their websites powered by GOSS iCM (intelligent Content Management), were mentioned by the reviewers for their overall clear content, "A good range of information content, displayed attractively".

The reviews highlighted many of the top tasks that North Lanarkshire Council provide online:
• "Easy to use comment process." [Planning applications]
• "Good explanation of the ways to pay and easy to locate the online payment route." [Paying council tax]
• "Clear explanation of what's available and who it's for." [Help at home]
• "Easy to find by searching or by specific link on the homepage." [School holidays]

Irene McKelvey, Head of E-Government & Service Development for North Lanarkshire Council, said: "We are thrilled to receive 3 stars in Socitm Better Connected 2012 in recognition of the usability and performance of our website. The team have worked tirelessly with our partners GOSS Interactive to ensure we deliver a website focussed on our customers needs. Our approach which focuses on making frequently used services easily accessible has been an important step in delivering services online. Not only are digital services better for the customer, they also create efficiencies for the Council."

Rob McCarthy, CEO, GOSS Interactive adds, "The team at North Lanarkshire Council have worked hard, in partnership with GOSS Interactive, to create a successful and customer focused website. As experts in channel shift, GOSS are able to assist our clients in moving services online, improving digital service deliver and creating efficiency savings. GOSS Interactive is already helping our clients deliver their future digital strategy, including mobile websites, in preparation for Better Connected 2013."

GOSS Interactive have been delivering GOSS iCM Web Content Management and website publishing software for over 10 years. Today it is in use by major corporations and public sector organisations where it is the market leader in use by over 50 of the 433 UK local authorities.

In the report, over 65% of GOSS clients have been rated amongst the highest in the country with a further 28% maintaining their previous good scores.

North Lanarkshire Council website http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk