I am pleased to confirm that the next chapter of our Smart Working approach is progressing with the introduction of new tools from the Microsoft 365 suite of services.
We will deploy Microsoft Teams as the first phase in our Council-wide longer term move to Microsoft 365. Teams will provide employees with new and improved ways of working together, with better support, collaboration and remote interaction across our workforce.
Microsoft Teams is a key element of the Microsoft 365 package. It provides a common, single platform for all services including Education, HSCP, Elected Members and EDLC Trust employees to meet virtually across all service areas, and with external organisations. All employees with access to a Council laptop or desktop computer will be able to hold and participate in audio and video meetings.
Microsoft Teams will replace Cisco Webex for the majority of those that currently have this in place to organise and/or host meetings. Cisco Webex was rolled out to some employees as an interim solution to help meet the challenges of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and this functionality will remain for Executive Officers and a limited number of roles for the time being.
A phased plan will first deploy Microsoft Teams to those currently using Cisco Webex on Tuesday 23rd June 2020. Timescales for the rollout of further phases to the wider workforce will then be developed and we will keep everyone updated once this is finalised.
Online step-by-step ‘How to’ guides and videos will be provided as Microsoft Teams is rolled out, to support everyone in learning all the functionality of this new tool and the benefits it will bring to our day-to-day working.
All information is published in the ‘Smart Working 2020’ section of the Employee Zone of the Council website:
Smart Working for the Future Overview
Thank you
Ann Davie
Depute Chief Executive – Education, People & Business