Important update regarding phones 

Recently, all office based staff were asked to complete a telephony survey to help our Digital team to understand their needs and improve access to phones and messaging. 

As a result of the feedback received, the Council are going to replace its current desktop phones with Microsoft Teams Phones. This change is expected to take place in April.

As part of the council’s Digital Strategy, we are looking to make use of modern technology to improve the way that we interact with our customers and colleagues.

Using Microsoft Teams Phones will enable us to simplify our use of phone and messaging technology, offering a single solution for both voice and text conversations.

There are several benefits to using Microsoft Teams phones:

• Many staff are already familiar with making calls with Microsoft Teams 
• Teams Phones fully supports the use of hybrid working – enabling easy switching between devices
• Staff will be able to make and receive calls regardless of which device they are using 
• Bringing calls and messaging into a single system enables flexible communication between our customers and partner organisations
• Freeing up staff from fixed lines will assist the achievement of the Eich Lle (Your Space) programme
• Improved digital call quality

Staff will be provided with the software and hardware to meet their needs, based on their responses to the survey. 

For example, for those that do not regularly make or receive calls outside of the organisation, their desktop phone and Cisco Jabber licence will be removed. Microsoft Teams can still be used to make and receive calls inside of the organisation, to hold meetings and to keep in touch via chat. And mobile phones can be used to make and receive calls outside of the organisation as required.

For those that regularly make or receive calls outside of the organisation, their existing traditional desk phone will be replaced with a headset and they’ll be able to use Microsoft Teams software on their device to make and receive external calls. There are a small number of situations where a desk phone is the right solution and those users who need them will be contacted to arrange installation.

All those affected by these upcoming changes will shortly receive an email, advising them what will happen from April. 

In the meantime, if you have any queries please contact the team via this dedicated Halo Teams Phone form.