Local Directgov Programme overview

Local Directgov Programme

• We manage the Home and Community area of the Directgov website-our main priority is the convergence of information and services from central websites owned by Communities and Local Government to Directgov and Business Link

• We contribute to the strategic development and operation of the Directgov and Business Link platforms and Programmes on behalf of Communities and Local Government and partners

• We manage the Local Directgov application on the SAM platform

• We work closely with Local Authorities

What is SAM?SAM (Service Application Matrix) hosts the Local Directgov application which takes customers from the

Directgov website to the most relevant web page on their local council’s website in just four mouse clicks.

It holds a list of over 240 citizen-facing services that are provided by LAs in England.

It holds over 45 regulatory services (with 176 interactions) for LAs and competent authorities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for the Point of Single Contact project.

Find My Nearest applications are also hosted by Directgov on the SAM platform including Neighbourhood policing, employment tribunals, wedding venues, register offices passport offices ….and the list is

increasing.

Most recently -Rdfa based pan government consultation database

SAM is a pan government asset

Linking from Directgov to Local Authority service pages

Linking from Directgov to Local Authority service pages-

• Local Government Standards List (LGSL)

• Local Government Interactions list (LGIL)

What we do on Local Directgov

• We provide an easy to use interface for councils to update their links (by spreadsheet, scheduled XML or via screen online), with support from the LDG team

• We do regular checks to ensure links are relevant and working

• We work with the central sites to maintain local links as central government information is converged.

• We work with the central sites to promote local empowerment and seek ways to deliver real benefits to our key partners

• We encourage councils to use SAM links to link up services on their websites to the websites of their neighbouring areas

• We provide a regular newsletter giving updates on SAM and other relevant information

• We collaborate with Local Authorities and Directgov on joint customer journeys

Collaborating on severe weather

Metrics for January 2010Top Ten SAM services (Citizen-facing)

Service Name Requests (previous month)

Find out school term dates 260,330(108,865 )

Find out about emergency school closures 204,603

Get local information on services disrupted by severe weather

156,252

Check your eligibility for council tax benefit 118,010 (41,371 )

Find out more about council tax 87,723 (42,809 )

Pay your council tax 52,623 (28,448 )

Find out about road closures and diversions 45,673

Apply to register on the electoral roll 40,529 (24,150)

Apply for a blue badge parking permit 36,204 (28,257)

Find your local 16-19 prospectus 30,252 (14.037 )

Metrics for May 2010

Top Ten SAM services (Citizen-facing)

Service Name Requests (previous month)

Find out school term dates 156,638 (182,842)

Check your eligibility for housing benefit 94,866 (98,195)

Find out about election results 66,636

Find out more about council tax 60,890 (63,508)

Pay your council tax 56,679 (52,524)

Apply to register on the electoral roll 44,374 (86,224)

Check your eligibility for council tax benefit 31,332 (36,111)

Find out about the electoral register 30,141 (34,901)

Apply for a blue badge parking permit 25,552 (25,376)

Apply for a copy birth certificate 23,929

Annual Comparison

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Who uses SAM links?Some example referrers (after Google and Directgov):

• Labc.uk.com• Brent• Uk.ask• Moneysavingexpert.com• Schulferien.org• Benefity.org.uk• Findmyschool.co.uk• AOL search• BT search• Virginmedia search• Timesonline• Surrey CC• Hants CC• TalkTalk• Webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk• Shelter

How can partners use SAM links?

• Widgets developed by Directgov Innovate can be used by Local Authority partners

• Web services are also available

• Use of ‘single authority lookup links – used by Brent to link to neighbouring authorities for the same service

Brent example

Uses SAM redirects to link to Ealing’s service page

SAM and Open Data

We are working with Open Data.gov to provide :

• Raw link data extracts• Single authority lookup spreadsheets• Access to database by web services• Widgets• Find My Nearest data – such as Passport agencies, wedding venues, employment

tribunals etc

Working with Local Authorities

• Work in background to align NHS Choices, Business Link and Directgov where possible to make it easier for Local Authorities (standards, consultation, etc.)

• Working with Directgov, Business Link, Local Authorities and organisations such as LGComms, Local Government Delivery Council and Local Government Contact Council.

• Look at how we can collaborate at a strategic level to ‘shape a deal’ which works for Local Authorities

• Re-use of public assets• Making customer journeys work• Sharing knowledge, skills, ideas

• Potential joint session with Customer Services for London to identify FAQs which you can’t answer but central sites could!

• Make people aware of the opportunities to work with Directgov, Business Link and NHS Choices now including use of widgets and syndication

Home and Community Franchise

• One of 16 areas on the Directgov website

• Customer-facing information related to local authorities, Community and Local Government and other departments

• Focus on practical information for the citizen using straightforward language

• An accredited franchise – follows rigorous style guidelines and quality checks, can make changes more quickly

• Current priority is convergence

Get in touch…Sheenagh ReynoldsHome & Community Franchise Directorsheenagh.reynolds@communities.gsi.gov.uk07787 400610

Louise RussellLocal Directgov Programme Managerlouise.russell@communities.gsi.gov.uk07787 400611

Anna FenstonHome & Community Franchise Manageranna.fenston@communities.gsi.gov.uk030 344 44187

Local Directgovlocaldirectgov@communities.gsi.gov.uk

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