Why after 20 years, Idox Directory Platforms still offer the best information advice and services for residents across the UK

Trusted by more than half of councils nationwide

Idox Directory platforms empower councils to connect residents with vital local services, advice, and guidance. From Family Information Services to SEND Local Offers, and Adult Social Care websites, our platform serves millions of residents every month. That’s why more than half of councils in the UK trust us to support their communities effectively.

Our Directory Platform is a feature-rich CMS (Content Management System) designed specifically for local authorities with increasingly reduced resources It provides direct access for partners and providers to update and maintain critical information for residents, with minimal intervention from the Local Authorities themselves. Directories live or die by the breadth and quality of information they provide to communities, but sustaining this is an enormous challenge for Local Authority Teams. Our unique provider updates pathway takes care of this by significantly reducing the administrative burden.

With over 20 years of experience, Idox understands the unique needs of local authorities. Our Directory platforms are designed to support councils in delivering effective Family Information Services, SEND Local Offers, and Adult Social Care websites. They align with essential legislative frameworks like the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Code of Practice 2015, and Care Act 2014. Beyond domain expertise, our technology supports more than 3.6 million residents every month, ensuring a stable, scalable solution that works for communities of all sizes.

Our platforms don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them. Recognised by the National Association of Family Information Services (NAFIS), three of the five 2023 award winners, including Best Directory and Best Local Offer, were powered by Idox technology. Combining innovation with usability, we also include advanced analytics like playback and heatmaps, enabling councils to understand user behaviour and refine services based on real insights. These tools help you make data-driven decisions that enhance resident engagement.

Directories don’t exist in isolation—they thrive as part of a connected ecosystem. Our Directory Platforms integrate seamlessly with other services and platforms through our new Open Referral APIs, ensuring data flows smoothly between systems. This connectivity means residents get accurate, up-to-date information wherever they engage with your services. Whether it’s pulling data from trusted sources like Ofsted and CQC or sharing information across council systems, our APIs can make your Directory a hub that powers better outcomes across the board. By bridging platforms, we enable councils to deliver joined-up services that meet the diverse needs of their communities, whilst easing the administrative burden of maintaining accurate information. 

“Our mission is to empower local authorities with the tools they need to connect communities and deliver better outcomes,” says Jamie Rowell, Head of Product and Strategy, Social Care at Idox. “We prioritise accessibility, mobile-first design, and integration with trusted sources to ensure our Directories are comprehensive and inclusive. By collaborating with councils and residents through co-production, we create platforms that are as user-friendly as they are powerful.” This holistic approach extends to features like provider-led updates and automated reminders, which save council teams time while maintaining accurate, up-to-date information.

Our platform goes beyond being a website. It becomes a central hub for vital services, whether you’re supporting parents through Family Information Services or providing SEND solutions with the Education, Health, and Care Hub (EHC Hub).

Our SEND eco-system pairs the Local Offer with the EHC Hub, creating a holistic digital experience for families navigating Special Educational Needs and Disabilities services.

Coming Soon: Hackney Council case study video

Watch out for our upcoming case study video with Hackney Council. It showcases how their innovative use of the Idox Directory platform has transformed service delivery, creating measurable benefits for both the council and residents.

We prioritise accessibility, mobile-first design, and integration with trusted sources to ensure our Directories are comprehensive and inclusive. By collaborating with councils and residents through co-production, we create platforms that are as user-friendly as they are powerful.

Jamie Rowell
Head of Product and Strategy, Social Care at Idox

When you choose Idox, you’re choosing a partner with a track record of success, a commitment to innovation, and a deep understanding of local authority needs.

Explore how our Directory Platform can make a difference for your community. Get in touch with us today!

Find out more

Contact us for more information about Idox’s end-to-end solutions for SEND and other innovative software solutions.

Published On: 11 December 2024

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