Anke Klaassen worked as an information and communications consultant for the registry at the Venlo City Council. She recently set up the Socie App for her city council. We spoke to her about her experiences with Socie.
“The Venlo City Council wanted a simple way to sign up for
meetings.”
Can you tell a little more about yourself and your work?
My name is Anke Klaassen and I worked at the Venlo municipality as an information and
communications advisor for the registry. The registry advises, supports and facilitates the city council and individual council members. The registry plans meetings, ensures complete and correct meeting documents, and advises on proposals, methods and/or approaches. In addition, the clerk’s office informs residents about the work of the city council.
Why did you decide to use an app?
The Venlo City Council wanted a simple way to sign up for
meetings. They also wanted to be able to see who has signed up for which activity.
In addition, it is convenient to quickly see the agenda and additional information about meetings on your
phone.
How did setting up the app go?
That went smoothly. First, we thought about what information we wanted to show
the council members. We decided to put only public information in the app. Then
we linked the app to our council information system from GemeenteOplossingen
(GO), so that the app always shows the right information. That went very easily.
“The Socie App is linked to our council information system from GemeenteOplossingen (GO), so the app always shows the correct information.”
How did the app launch go?
Most council members needed no help. Downloading and logging in was very
easy. I also explained in our newsletter and held three walk-in sessions
for those who needed help.
What were the initial reactions to the app?
Everyone responded positively. Council members are pleased with the app’s features.
“Everyone responded positively.”
Who manages the app?
The app is managed by the clerk’s office. After the closing date to register for a
council activity, the clerks can make a list of all attendees to properly organize the
council activity.
Who is using the app?
The app is used by:
- City Council members
- Citizen council members (they help the city council members)
- The College of Mayor and Aldermen and some colleagues of municipality
Venlo - Clerk and clerk’s staff.
How do you keep the app relevant?
The app is automatically updated by linking to our council information system. So
you always see the correct meetings, council activities and more information about those
meetings. App users receive notifications on their phones when the
closing date of a council activity approaches. We also post newsletters to the
City Council in the app.
We do not currently use the option to create groups in the app. This could be handy
for groups and committees so they can communicate confidentially
in their own environment.
“By linking to our council information system you always see the correct meetings, council activities and more information about those meetings.”
How do you like using the app so far?
We are very satisfied with it. Signing in and out for council activities is very easy. We started with a few features so users can get used to them. Later we may want to add more features. A useful feature of the app is sending push notifications, such as reminders to sign up for a council activity. This is now done automatically. This saves the clerk’s office much work. We are happy with our choice of Socie!
What does the app provide?
The biggest benefit is ease of use for council members. The app also provides
better and up-to-date information, for example by providing a push notification in case of an emergency meeting or
change of a location. This also saves a lot of work for the clerk’s office.
What is the most useful feature of the app?
Signing in and out for council activities is super convenient. This way we always have an up-to-date
overview, both us and the council members. The poll function is also handy. With this
we collect feedback about the app, for example.
“Signing on and off for council activities is super convenient. This way we always have an up-to-date overview, both we and the council members.”
Would you recommend the app to other organizations?
Sure. Many city councils can benefit from the capabilities of this app from
Socie.
Are there things you miss in the app?
At the moment, no. We’re not even using all the features of the app yet. Contact with
Socie is pleasantand fast, and you can easily pass on ideas through the management system.
