iPortal A revolutionary partnership project for communities

APPRO/GSL AWARDS/Category C: Excellence in eCommunications

for localinformation

The iPortal pulls together content from multi-agency partners within West Yorkshire for public circulation.

• Partnership Agencies• BBC• Local Authorities• Crimestoppers• Google

Project Overview

Never has it been easier for the public to find local information at postcode level from credible, service-led providers.

In line with Citizen Focus, the iPortal offers an innovative platform with which the public can interact. Objectives are:

• Partnership development• High quality information delivery• Facilitates easier contact with the public• Promote public confidence

Project Objectives

Objectives were formed by combining a West Yorkshire Police Authority consultation exercise & Citizen Focus good practice guide.

All content is categorised at postcode level to generate a bespoke page geared at communities.

Meeting ‘Partnership Development’ Objective

Initial partners were identified for the beta launch stage and basic streams were imported at no extra cost. Key content includes:

• Council news and events• BBC weather • Crimestoppers ‘Caught on Camera’ CCTV appeals• Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams information

Meeting ‘High Quality’ Objective

Our focus was on delivering relevant content (based on user choices) innovatively which includes:

• Interactive ‘widgets’ displaying teaser text• Customisable layout• Resizable content panes• Personalised content• No log in required (cookie based technology) • Postcode driven information• Live RSS feeds thus always up to date

The modern appeal of this site attracts a new audience who were disengaged from traditional partnership websites.

Meeting ‘Easier Contact’ Objective

Based on postcode input, the iPortal facilitates easy contact with the relevant department on just one page, success stories are :

• Caught on Camera (1000+ suspects identified)• Essential NPT contacts and local priorities• Online queries to relevant department • Social networking signposts

• Efficient usability • Working in partnership • Positive content streams• Contact opportunities

Confidence has been boosted by our understanding of the importance of the community.

Meeting ‘Promoting Confidence’ Objective

The system is so well received it has placed the police at the forefront of e-communications in West Yorkshire through:

“The iPortal has proved to be a popular way for citizens to find out key information on

community safety and is a result of us working closely with our police partners to

improve services we deliver.”

“The iPortal is an excellent way for the public to find out accurate, up to date information about local policing, what crime has happened in their neighbourhood and work to tackle it. It is a vital way to help improve public confidence that crime is tackled and justice delivered"

Hannah SaundersDeputy DirectorNeighbourhood Crime & Justice GroupHome Office

Joanne Roney Chief Executive

Wakefield Council

“It’s great to see large organisations coming up with new, and successful

ways of working and getting information to citizens and communities...”

Helen WatkissVOX Community Empowerment Network

“I like the layout, it has

potential to be a good place to

disseminate information.”

Keith Marshall (member of the public)

“Looking good. I like how it

picked up my details

automatically.”

David Fitzgerald (member of the public) “This is a really dynamic

looking website, great design and easy to use.”

George Turner (member of the public)

“This is a really exciting development which has masses of potential. The iPortal web page reflects both police and partnership news which will help boost interest and confidence within Wakefield communities. Now people can just tap in their postcode and get a tailor-made page with information about their local area

Chief Inspector Paula BoothWakefield’s Crime and Justice Co-ordinator

“I am really impressed with the

iPortal … I tried my postcode in

Leeds and it worked a treat!”

Steve LakeKirklees Partnership

“I like the page - it’s very easy on the eye.  It does all the searching for you.”

Chris SlavenNeighbourhood Manager