A Winning Service
More than 5,000 enquiries have been dealt with in just six months by the new Warwickshire Direct team in Warwick’s Shire Hall – from buses and bins to parking and permits.
And as National Customer Service Week gets underway staff, who offer advice and information about both district and county council services, will be celebrating with a host of events.
Top enquiries in the first six months were –
1. Bus passes
2. Waste
3. Benefits
4. Council Tax
5. Housing
Customer service will be put in the spotlight throughout the week with staff going out and about visiting markets and other locations around the district aboard the ‘Warwickshire Direct’ bus. Competitions and displays will also be held at Warwickshire Direct one stop shops in Kenilworth and Whitnash.
And Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Alan Farnell, and Chair of Warwick District Council, Judy Falp (pictured) went ‘back to the floor’ answering queries on the Shire Hall front desk.
Cllr Falp said: “One stop shops such as the one in Warwick demonstrate how by working together we can provide a much more user-friendly service. Phones and the web have their place, but I believe that face to face contact is extremely important in being here to answer the questions of local people.”
Cllr Farnell added: “Customer Service Week provides us with the perfect opportunity to discover just how well our new partnership arrangements are working between the county council, district council, and various other agencies.
"It’s been fascinating to see how this front-line service operates. One gentleman came in and simply asked for the ‘moaning department’, it’s all about finding the best way to help as many people as possible.”
The week will culminate with a special open morning at Shire Hall this Saturday 11th October. Advisors will be on hand between 10am and 1pm from several services to offer advice and information. Visitors will be able to speak to staff, enjoy refreshments and pick up a free goody bag.
Plus bring an old mobile phone along for recycling (proceeds to Guide Dogs for the Blind) and enter the free prize draw. Children can also join in by having their faces painted, learning how to plant a bulb, entering the colouring competition and even meeting Lionel the Lynx!
Pop in and find out more about the range of services available from Warwickshire County Council, Warwick District Council and Warwick Post Office - all under one roof!