£7M contract to transform digital connectivity and network security for City of York Council allowing for new working models

Council buildings and schools across York are now to benefit from a digital transformation contract that puts flexible working, safety, security, and connectivity at the heart of operations.

The £7m contract will see North, work with the City of York Council on its mission to futureproof its facilities, enabling faster and safer access to digital services in line with requirements following the pandemic.

The City of York Council has extended its contract with North, employing it to provide a fully managed service to 27 local authority schools in addition to the Council’s Corporate Estate.

The £7million contract is a significant win for North and will be the second 10-year managed service contract North has secured with the City of York Council.

The digital transformation services within the project will oversee the install of a range of security measures across the network, new digital tools to allow both internal and external threats to be monitored, and faster and more flexible Wi-Fi to support a blended working environment.

With these transformative changes, local schools will be able to enhance their learning environments and will be able to operate more efficiently.

The project places security the heart of the Council’s operations, both within corporate workplaces and in educational establishments, to ensure a safe environment following an increased use of online services and flexible working policies during the pandemic.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Executive Member for Finance and Performance at City of York Council, said:

“Our digital infrastructure has transformed multiple council services, improving efficiency, effectiveness and informed decision making. It helped us to very quickly adapt to the pandemic, allowing us to continue working in a secure way, as we supported residents and businesses whilst having to work from home.

“York’s connectivity is helping to attract investment and jobs to the city, is supporting the city’s recovery from the pandemic and helping us to address 21st century city challenges with innovative smart technology. This has seen us use technology to help us tackle challenges in a wide range of areas transport, social care and make the city an even better place to live and work.

“This long-term investment will help to further improve council services and we look forward to continuing our innovative work with North in the months and years ahead.

Mark Lowe, Business Development Director at North, said:

“We are committed to delivering the best transformative technology to the City of York Council and Schools, and our significant contract win with the Council is indicative of the partnership we have established over a number of years.

“Digital services have become the essential foundation to deliver enhanced public services across local government with a blended-online approach now commonly adapted in workplaces. Therefore, to ensure businesses are able to operate effectively these structures must be kept up-to-date and secure.

“North will ensure the most advanced infrastructure is established across the City of York’s estate and local schools, facilitating a hybrid working approach that fits the needs of the Council for years to come, while enhancing the education environment for pupils.”