Changes at OIC Customer Services

Orkney Islands Council is advising that some changes are being put in place for the opening and closing times at Customer Services at the One Stop Shop in Kirkwall.

With effect from Monday 24 October 2022, the reception and contact centre (the staffed phone lines) will be open throughout the working day from 9am to 5pm - no longer closing between 12pm and 1pm.

In addition, to allow for weekly staff training and development time, the main reception desk at the One Stop Shop and the contact centre will be closed between 9.00am and 10.00am every Wednesday - starting from tomorrow (19 October). 

Members of the public will still be able to contact OIC officers where they know their extension number by calling 01856 873535 and entering the extension number where prompted.

Catherine Foubister is the Council's Team Manager for Customer Services. She said: "Through the Our People, Our Plan programme the organisation is looking to improve the Council experience for our customers but also for our staff. 

“Opportunities for all staff to develop their skills and knowledge is a vital element of this and as a result we're setting aside time for our customer services staff - the first point of contact for members of the public  - to take part in development opportunities.

“This will allow them the opportunity  to work on some of the digital improvements we are planning, take part in training courses and also meet with colleagues from across the organisation to increase their understanding of the huge range of services our organisation provides.

"We're also delighted to be in the position now to extend our opening hours through lunchtime - something that we haven't been able to do for some time now."

The Council is also carrying out a feedback survey on its Customer Services provision - more information on that is available here - https://www.orkney.gov.uk/News?postid=6633