The Challenge
To assist Blackpool Council with it's statutory duty to inform their residents of the services available in their community through an effective interactive website.
About the Brief
Blackpool Council issued a tender for the procurement of an engaging and accessible information portal for Blackpool residents, for people in need, and the families and friends that support them.
The website needed to be self serving to allow multiple agencies to post directly their information on activities and events. It had to be a secure, robust online searchable site compatible with all major desktop browsers.
The platform was required to assist the council to engage with communities, and accept reviews and comments from residents. It needed built in housekeeping tools, to remove out of date events and entries in an automated manner. Likewise, it needed the mechanism for automated comprehensive reporting to evaluate its performance and site usage.
Key Wins
The project was developed in agreed phases and delivered on time and on budget.
Exbos attended user group events to see first hand how new users managed with the system, and made continual improvements to the platform based on comments and feedback given.
The advanced metadata and data management tools gave Blackpool the freedom to add new directories as their needs change, without needing any additional developer time.
Moreover, the system architecture fully supports language localisation so Blackpool can opt for different languages without the need for any new build.
The directory uses a number of widgets and APIs to seamlessly pull and store data from key external resources, such as the Care Quality Commission.
Working in tandem with key case management systems that underpin case work in adult social care, in real time, it makes the website a vital tool in delivering services and meeting the needs of the Blackpool Communities.
Approach
This project followed a fixed price yet modifiable agile delivery path. Like most projects, it was split into three main agreed delivery phases with agreed timescales for the delivery of high level requirements. A stronger emphasis than usual was given to the role of feedback from Blackpool who, at each phase, engaged with their own user representatives, and responded with small amendments to the project.
A fit for purpose, advanced and flexible system was delivered on time and on budget as an upgradable web application. It allows users to create an account and add details of their services or events which is held in draft status awaiting the approval of the site administrator.
Throughout the project, Exbos worked closely with Blackpool to set up multiple directories, each individualised with customisable fields and configurable settings. Blackpool administrators chose for themselves the degree of freedom each type of directory should have. For example, the directory of care homes was closed to listings externally in contrast to events and voluntary sector pages actively invited entries from the public.
At the time of sign off, Blackpool were independent in managing the portal, and were fully trained in it's use, without any additional training needed.
What Our Client Had to Say
"They have managed the project in a professional and efficient manner, always ensuring that there has been effective and efficient communication."
Blackpool Council
Contact Us
We'd love to hear from you whether you're wanting bespoke development for your back end systems or you'd simply like to say hello!
getintouch@exbos.co.uk