Service Directories

Placecube have worked with Local Authorities, Health Services and the Voluntary Sector to build Service Directories tailored to the needs of Commissioners, Publishers, and Users.

The challenge

Ensuring that the right local services are provisioned and that they are accessible and easy to identify for those that need them.

Common problems

Inaccurate, duplicated or contradictory service information
Inconsistent user experience
High dependency on staff knowledge
Lack of insight into supply vs. demand
Confusing or ineffective search results due to inconsistent classification
Service data locked away in proprietary systems

Our approach to successful Service Directories

With a focus on community engagement and simplification, Placecube have invested in the evolution of service directories over a number of years. Our core design principles are detailed below.

Focus on outcomes

Comprehensive and reliable service data significantly increases your chances of connecting the right services with the right people, ultimately reducing loneliness, providing support to those that need it and building stronger, self-supporting communities.

Streamline data accuracy with integrated workflows

Open Place Directory includes user roles for Service Provider organisations and community Data Collection Volunteers who work with your central Assurance Team, using integrated workflows to ensure accurate and up-to-date service data.

Lead with Open Referral UK (ORUK) adoption

We were among the first directory providers to adopt the Open Referral UK Data Standard and maintain more compliant live feeds than any other organisation, guaranteeing interoperability.

Tag services consistently

Using a range of taxonomies alongside the ORUK data standard, user experience is enhanced through more intuitive and effective search functionality.

Make data contribution effortless

We’ve removed barriers to entry, making it simple for people in the community to capture and share information, ensuring your directory is always current.

Maximise value with Open APIs

Our commitment to open values means Service Directories include Open APIs, maximising the value of your service data to the widest possible audience.

Case studies

North Northamptonshire Council (NNC), a Digital Place subscriber, undertook a strategic project with Placecube to develop an end-to-end Blue Badge Application Management system. The council commissioned the solution to replace its aging Blue Badge system, which was scheduled for deprecation.

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The Police Digital Service (PDS), in partnership with Placecube, created a knowledge sharing platform designed to facilitate collaboration within the policing sector. Police forces and their partners are enabled to share research, best practice and work together on projects.

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Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils (B&MS) collaborated on a significant digital transformation initiative to rebuild and elevate the user experience of their critical housing services website.

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Knowledge Hub (khub.net) is an open digital platform for public service collaboration and knowledge exchange. It provides free or low-cost spaces and tools to over 5,000 UK and international organisations across central and local government, health, education, housing, police, fire services, charities and many more.

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Get in touch

Discuss the next step in your digital journey. Please get in touch today, our team of digital experts are ready to help.