2023 Check in

At focusgov we are excited with what 2023 has in store, from the launch of new digital tools to support your services, the development and launch of a new focusgov website, and the continued development of our solutions and client relationships.

New launches

So far this year, we have launched a number of new digital projects with Hartlepool Borough Council. Our new Digital Day Service All Together Now went live in January 2023 and aims to tackle social isolation and encourage community integration, providing a digital alternative to physical community hubs and the option to engage online through a virtual café! We have already spoken with several local authorities across the country about embedding this solution into their service.

Hartlepool have also launched their new-look Hartlepool Now website, which is a huge community resource for local events, information, help and support available in Hartlepool. A brand-new app to support this offer is coming very soon.

Another go live for Hartlepool has been their Health and Wellbeing Restore, which offers free resources to anyone who lives and works in Hartlepool, working to promote health and wellbeing. The library contains DVDs, books, resource packs, displays and models available for loan – with more to come!

New Developments

The Care Leavers App has developed even further, now including a budget planner for your young people to plan their finances; and plans to integrate signposting to mental health services. Later this year, the Digital Community Platform (the communication aspect of the Care Leavers App) will be developed to include translation of messages, surveys and posts.

We have welcomed four new local authorities into the focusgov fold, joining 17 new local authorities from 2022. We have hosted four co-production consultations with the young people of Ealing, North Lincolnshire, North Ayrshire and North Yorkshire. We will be launching their apps later this year, including designs and features decided on by each cohort of young people.

We continue to be at the forefront of accessibility and usability of digital solutions. Our inhouse accessibility champions are keeping a very close eye on the guidelines for WCAG 2.2 and will be sure to update any of our customers that will be affected. Remember that Accessibility is also Best Practise – it's a positive approach to digital design!

Celebrations

We are excited to celebrate our five-year anniversary of working with Spectra First, who we partnered with to develop the Care Leavers Covenant App. Over the years we have worked to refresh and redevelop the app including the swipe to save or dismiss an offer feature.

The focusgov team has expanded further, as we welcomed Lidia Wisniewska, Reece Barrett, Michael Reddy, Melissa Kirkup and Michael Petrov to our in-house technical and client services teams.

The technical team are working on further enhancements to our custom-built content management system used by local authorities to update their apps and websites in real-time.

2023 so far...

During the beginning of 2023, we have created a prototype app that will be used as part of a tool to support and facilitate behavioural change intervention, in collaboration with CoCo (Coco Operative CIC). The main focuses of the app are to increase access, transparency, and reduce bureaucracy for both families and social workers.

Towards the end of 2023, we are looking forward to attending the National Children and Adult Services Conference to discuss the Care Leavers App, Digital Day Service, Digital Solutions for SEND and digital services we provide across social care. Let us know if you’re attending – it would be great to meet!

As we move through 2023, we are excited to welcome more local authorities, expand the team and continue developing tech for good!