Cut Costs and Improve Communication with Unified Solutions for Public Services

Consistent, effective and efficient communication is key to delivering successful public services. 

Yet all too often slow, outdated systems hindered by legacy technology are stifling capabilities, making it infinitely more difficult to complete daily tasks and meet expected standards.

Fortunately, switching to unified communications (UC) systems can offer considerable improvements.

As an all-in-one solution, often onboarded as part of a digital transformation, unified communications consolidate all the tools needed by public service entities and local governments into a single, easy-to-use application that can be accessed on a laptop, tablet or mobile device.

Far more than a simple phone system, these solutions include:

• Voice chat
• Email
• Instant messaging
• Video conferencing
• File transfers
• Collaboration tools 

But is it possible to save public sector money while improving communications? And what other benefits are to be had from adopting a unified communications solution?

At Elite Group, we’re experts in the field and have extensive experience helping businesses in the public services sector onboard the technology successfully.

Speak with an Elite expert today, or keep reading to learn more about the advantages of unified communications for public services.

Benefits Public Services and Government Agencies Can Experience Thanks to Unified Communications

Cost Savings

With a predicted £1.2 billion to be spent on public services in the 2024/25 period, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility, and with the ongoing cost of living crisis, the need to keep spending as low as possible is evident.

One area frequently draining more resources than necessary is communication. According to Elite Group data, 7% of large corporations are still using 6 or more separate communications platforms as part of their day-to-day.

Because many of these platforms come with monthly subscription fees, those in public services may be overspending on their communications tools. A unified communications solution would lessen this financial burden.

By housing all the essential comms tools public service organisations need in a single application, from a single provider, departments can benefit from seamless communication while significantly reducing monthly spending and simplifying finance management.

Heightened Data Security

With approximately 6 million people recorded as working in the public sector in March 2024, the sheer volume of personal data housed by systems within these services will be staggering.

On top of this, 50% of UK businesses reported experiencing a cyber attack in the preceding 12 months, according to data from the UK Government, highlighting the increasing attempts of cyber criminals to access private data.

Across virtually all public services, communications are constantly utilised to pass essential, sensitive information – such as tenant details for council housing, student information within the education systems, and details of families involved with social services.

The need for robust and tested cyber security tools and protocols is clear. However, utilising multiple communication channels to pass such data can create more vulnerabilities and security concerns criminals can target.

But by bringing together all communications in a single platform, the chances of a criminal successfully accessing sensitive data – whether through data breaches or accidental leaks – is greatly reduced.

Better still, unified communications solutions are home to their own impressive cybersecurity tools and protocols, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, which ensures only authorised UC system users will ever be able to access the data housed within the system.

For more information on the security capabilities of unified communications systems, and how they can assist those working in public services, speak to an Elite expert today.

Clear and Concise Communications

As several areas of the public services sector are directly related to people’s health and wellbeing, clear and effective communication tools are essential – for everyday use, as well as during times of crisis when the passing of accurate information is paramount.

Healthcare professionals, for instance, are charged with caring for the ill. Employees within this sector need a streamlined and secure way to pass information regularly without delay.

Legacy phone systems offer no advantages here. This leads healthcare workers to rely on alternative communication channels, such as Messenger or WhatsApp, which pose security risks and could cost precious time.

However, by onboarding a unified communications platform, those in healthcare can benefit from a single, clear communications channel at all times. Ensuring essential messaging is promptly delivered to the correct recipient, for improved service delivery.

Plus, because they’re powered by VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) UC platforms provide crystal-clear call quality compared to phone systems that still run on traditional lines.

Raised Productivity

With many administrative roles behind the scenes of public services, office-based employees need to maintain productivity to ensure that services are delivered.

However, slow-running internal systems comprised of legacy technology can stall productivity, costing precious time throughout the working day.

These troubles can be alleviated by onboarding a unified communications system. Because the tool is cloud-based, it isn’t hindered by the technical limitations of office hard drives and servers, instead being housed on a separate server off-site.

On top of this, UC can prevent the need for public sector employees to constantly toggle between communications applications, which can cost up to four hours per week in productivity, according to data featured in Harvard Business Review.

By housing all communications tools within a single application, staff needn’t waste time switching to the correct app or device. Instead, everything is accessible within an easy-to-operate user interface.

More Streamlined Remote and Hybrid Working

The public sector encompasses a vast range of roles, with many of those working within the sector needing to alternate between office and field-based work. 

Take social care, for example. Staff may need to visit various homes and institutions across the local area to fulfil their duties, while remaining in contact with their office-based colleagues, or other remote workers.

They will also need access to key information, to enable them to work safely and cater to the needs of each individual appropriately.

This isn’t always easy. Especially when different workers utilise various separate comms methods and rely on printed documents, which can be lost or tampered with.

But because unified communications platforms can be accessed by any worker with the correct electronic device (laptop, tablet, mobile) and a stable internet or mobile data connection, everyone has timely access to the same tools. Making UC a great choice for those seeking to increase the efficiency of flexible working arrangements.

Utilise Unified Communications for Public Services with Elite Group

If unified communications sounds like the solution your department has been looking for, speak to our experts today.

From improving security and saving costs to streamlining workflows and enhancing communication, UC systems offer undeniable advantages to public sector organisations looking to keep up with the demands of modern service delivery.

At Elite Group, we specialise in helping public service departments implement UC solutions that fit their unique needs. With our extensive experience in onboarding these systems, we ensure that your organisation can harness the full potential of these technologies with minimal disruption and maximum benefit.

By partnering with us, you’ll receive expert guidance every step of the way – from initial setup to ongoing support. Our dedicated account managers are available to address any questions or issues, ensuring that your new communications platform continues to deliver value long after implementation.

Ready to discover how unified communications can transform your organisation? Contact us today.