SMS Text Messaging for Local Government
Recent e-government directives have meant that many public sector bodies are looking at using new technologies to enhance communications and services for their residents.
Local Councils
The e-democracy national project (supported by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister), looks at enhancing local democracy by improving citizen participation and engagement in council matters.
Research shows that over 94% of text messages are read, making SMS one of the most effective ways of communicating in today’s society. Many local councils have recognised this and are using SMS to effectively 'connect' with their communities, with the added advantage of reaching those residents who do not have access to the internet, but do have a mobile phone.
Text Message Server is a two-way messaging solution - Messages can be sent and received from the desktop, with incoming messages auto-routed to the intended recipient's inbox. This could be an email (personal or departmental) inbox, a mobile phone or the supplied Text Message Server client software, or all three.
There are literally hundreds of uses for SMS communication in this sector. By signing up to a bulletin service, constituents can opt to receive regular community messages. Two-way messaging allows for true interaction and the feeling of 'involvement' in council decisions. Some ideas:
- Community Consultation/e-Voting - Are there enough policemen in your area? Text back Yes/No ... Public Meeting about By-Pass, 7pm Town Hall ...
- Emergency/Important Announcements - Schools closed due to snow ... Vehicle access to Town Centre restricted on Saturday ...
- Problem Reporting and Action - See above right >>
Text Message Server works with almost all third-party applications and solutions, including specialist applications from Civica, NonStopGov and Software AG. Alternatively, we can custom-build a system with you, or provide an API for development and integration. Very little user training is required (none if you opt for email integration) and the ROI is quantifiable.
Other Public Sector Bodies
Libraries - 'Books due back tomorrow', 'Reserved book is now in stock', etc
Schools and Colleges - Please click here to visit the SMS for Education page
Housing Associations - Please click here to visit the SMS for Housing Associations page
For more information, please see the links in the menu above, phone us on 01962 835053 or email sales@avanquest-solutions.co.uk.
Civica builds SMS into its Public Protection Solution
Over 220 councils in the UK use Civica's systems for core regulatory and enforcement functions.
Civica's Authority Public Protection (APP) Solutions enable residents to quickly contact their council whenever a relevant problem arises ; from environmental health, trading standards and licensing issues, to anti-social behaviour and waste management.
Integrating Text Message Server with these APP solutions, has enabled Civica's customers to provide instant problem reporting and then action the relevant response in a much quicker manner - also by SMS in some cases.
A council in Yorkshire, for instance, is using APP within it's Pest Control Unit. When a call comes in, the team, who almost always work away from the office, are immediately notified of the problem via a Text Message and their job sheets updated. Plans to expand the system include online and SMS booking, with customer SMS notification on booking and completion of the job.