Neath Council AV

Neath Town Council – Expanding Remote Meeting Capabilities

In 2022, Neath Town Council reached out to CloudyIT to support its move to remote meetings, taking advantage of legislative allowances for virtual sessions in Wales. Their existing system, however, was not designed for a fully integrated remote experience, leaving room for improvement in audio clarity and video quality. 

CloudyIT engineers designed and installed a Logitech Rally system with integrated ceiling microphones, configured to capture crisp audio from every angle while minimising background noise. This configuration enhanced the council’s capacity for remote interactions, providing a high-quality experience for all participants. 

Neath Town Council now has a reliable, sophisticated setup that supports smooth remote meetings and complies with Welsh legislative standards. With enhanced audio and visual clarity, council members and residents can easily follow discussions, boosting engagement and accessibility for the community. 

“Since working with CloudyIT, our virtual meetings have become more inclusive and efficient. The sound quality from the ceiling mics is outstanding, and the seamless integration has made remote meetings a key asset for us.”

 

– Kathryn Charles, Clerk, Neath Town Council 

 

Hear more from Neath Town Council: Watch on YouTube

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Ready to transform your council’s virtual meeting experience? Book a free consultation here.

Taunton Council Virtual Meetingeeting

Taunton Town Council – Embracing a Modern Meeting Space

Taunton Town Council, a newly established council, recently moved into a dynamic new meeting space. Previously relying on the Owl system, they faced frequent challenges with audio and video quality, limiting the effectiveness of virtual interactions. These technical issues impeded both council operations and resident engagement, creating a need for a high-quality, user-friendly system to support virtual meetings and improve broadcasting quality. 

CloudyIT engineers expertly specified and installed a cutting-edge Logitech Rally Bar system paired with Logitech Sight, seamlessly integrated with three wall-mounted TVs. This robust solution ensured crystal-clear audio and video quality, a significant upgrade from their previous setup. Additionally, they adopted CloudyIT’s GovMeetings platform for comprehensive meeting management and GovAssist AI for an enhanced, interactive virtual experience, allowing councillors and residents to engage efficiently. 

With this new setup, Taunton Town Council achieved a consistent, high-quality virtual meeting and broadcasting experience, fostering greater community participation. The intuitive Logitech Rally Bar and Sight configuration captured every speaker with precision, while the integration with CloudyIT’s GovMeetings and GovAssist enabled streamlined agendas and accurate minutes, optimising council operations. 

“Our new meeting space has been transformed thanks to CloudyIT. The Logitech Rally Bar captures everything perfectly, making it easier for us to engage with our community. CloudyIT’s GovMeetings platform and AI assistance have truly modernised our workflow.” 

 

– Donna Smith, Clerk, Taunton Town Council 

See Taunton’s recent Personnel Committee meeting: Watch on YouTube 

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Ready to transform your council’s virtual meeting experience? Book a free consultation here.

Sandhurst AV Install

Sandhurst Town Council – Streamlining Virtual Meeting Accessibility

Sandhurst Town Council previously conducted virtual meetings using a laptop, but the setup frequently fell short, limiting resident engagement due to poor audio and video quality. These challenges hindered the council’s ability to connect effectively with the community and to broadcast meetings reliably. As the council prioritised greater transparency and public involvement, a dependable and professional broadcasting solution became essential. 

CloudyIT assessed the council’s needs and implemented a Logitech Rally Bar system, utilising their existing TV to provide a cost-effective, high-quality setup. This streamlined solution delivered significant audio and video improvements, supporting Standhurst Town Council’s goal of broadcasting meetings directly to YouTube. By employing the Logitech Rally Bar, CloudyIT ensured that the council could present a professional, accessible platform for residents to engage with local government activities. 

The new Logitech Rally Bar solution has transformed Standhust Town Council’s virtual meeting capability, ensuring clear audio and visuals for every participant, whether in-person or viewing remotely. Broadcasting directly to YouTube now fosters greater community participation, transparency, and engagement. The cost-effective approach allowed the council to leverage existing resources while achieving a robust upgrade to their digital meeting infrastructure. 

“Thanks to CloudyIT, our virtual meetings are now much more professional and accessible for residents. The Logitech Rally Bar captures audio and visuals excellently, allowing us to connect more effectively with our community. Moving to YouTube for broadcasts has really opened up our engagement.”

 

– Angela Carey, Clerk, Standhust Town Council 

 

Useful Links: 

 

Ready to transform your council’s virtual meeting experience? Book a free consultation here.

Go Security Banner

Enhancing Council Security with a .gov.uk Domain: CloudyIT’s Comprehensive Support

In an era where digital security and compliance are paramount, transitioning to a .gov.uk domain represents a significant step for Town and Parish Councils in England and Wales. As an official reseller of .gov.uk domains, CloudyIT now offers councils a secure, straightforward way to enhance their online presence. By providing both domain registration and associated secure email solutions, CloudyIT is supporting councils as they modernise their digital infrastructure.

Why Choose a .gov.uk Domain for Your Council?

A .gov.uk domain is an essential asset for councils, signalling an authenticated, secure digital identity to residents and stakeholders alike. The unique advantages of a .gov.uk domain include increased credibility, improved digital security, and robust protection of council data. Transitioning to this secure domain space helps councils safeguard sensitive information, reduce risks of impersonation, and strengthen community trust. 

Secure Domain Registration and Flexible IT Support 

CloudyIT’s domain registration service offers a comprehensive, secure solution for councils seeking a seamless transition to .gov.uk. For those who prefer a fully managed experience, CloudyIT can host the .gov.uk domain and provide integrated, secure email systems as part of a modern IT setup. Alternatively, councils can simply register their domain with CloudyIT while retaining their current IT provider. 

Key benefits of choosing CloudyIT for .gov.uk domain registration include: 

  • Robust Security: CloudyIT provides a secure, Cabinet Office-approved process for domain registration, ensuring that councils meet high standards for online safety.
  • Flexible Options: Councils can opt for a complete IT solution from CloudyIT, encompassing secure email and advanced IT systems, or simply register their .gov.uk domain and continue with their existing IT setup. 
  • Professional Support: CloudyIT’s experienced team offers guidance throughout the registration process, helping councils make informed choices about domain configuration, hosting, and IT needs. 

The Parish Council Domains Support Service and Cabinet Office Funding 

To further support councils in adopting .gov.uk domains, CloudyIT endorses the Parish Council Domains Support Service. This initiative provides councils with a £100 grant from the Cabinet Office towards the cost of registration. Through four practical sessions, the service guides clerks and council staff in securing council approval, selecting a domain registrar, setting up the domain, and maintaining secure practices. 

Partnering with Leading Industry Experts 

CloudyIT collaborates with partners such as Aubergine247, renowned for creating accessible and compliant council websites, and Breakthrough Communications, experts in council-focused digital transformation. Together, we offer councils the tools they need to establish a secure and professional online presence. 

Councils interested in learning more about this service or registering a .gov.uk domain can reach out to CloudyIT directly for tailored support. With a commitment to enhancing council security, CloudyIT stands ready to assist with every step of your digital transformation journey.

To learn more or register interest, please visit the ‘Registration of Interest for a .gov.uk Domain‘ form.

Introducing ‘Broadcasting & Hybrid Meetings for Town & Parish Councils’ Webinar

 

In our quest to empower councils with knowledge and tools for digital excellence, CloudyIT, presents a dynamic webinar, a collaboration between CloudyIT and Owl Labs, focused on elevating the efficiency and engagement of Town and Parish Council meetings, especially in Wales. 

This session will introduce you to the latest in AV technology, including the innovative Owl Bar and Owl. Additionally, we’ll provide practical tips for maximising the effectiveness of digital platforms like MS Teams and Zoom for meeting broadcasts, ensuring greater transparency and community participation in local governance. 

Why Attend the Webinar?

  • Learn about cutting-edge AV solutions from specialists at Owl Labs and CloudyIT.
  • Gain practical skills in using popular digital platforms for council meetings.
  • Discover methods to boost public participation, with special attention to the context of Welsh councils.
  •  Engage with other council members to exchange ideas and experiences. 

Don’t miss our webinar on Tuesday 19th November, 12pm—1pm, for vital insights into how your council can enhance its meetings by embracing digital tools and platforms.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE

Conclusion

The transition to .gov.uk domains is more than a technical upgrade; it’s a strategic move towards enhanced council security and digital compliance. CloudyIT, in collaboration with Aubergine247 and Breakthrough Communications, is dedicated to guiding councils through this pivotal transition. Join our webinar series and take the first step towards a secure, compliant, and digitally advanced council operation.

Cloudy It Supporting Remote Webinars

Angela Rayner’s Pledge to Support Virtual Meetings for Councils: How CloudyIT is Paving the Way

Angela Rayner’s Pledge to Support Virtual Meetings for Councils: How CloudyIT is Paving the Way

Angela Rayner’s recent announcement to support councils with standards reviews and virtual meeting enhancements highlights a major step in improving local government accessibility and transparency. CloudyIT is at the forefront of this transition, providing scalable virtual and hybrid meeting solutions tailored to Town and Parish councils across England and Wales.

CloudyIT’s Virtual Meeting Solutions: Tailored for Councils

Since the onset of COVID-19, CloudyIT has led the way in delivering robust virtual meeting setups for councils, installing nearly 100 systems to date. Our meeting solutions are designed to accommodate councils of all sizes, with flexible options that start at just ÂŁ1,000. Whether your council requires a static or portable system, CloudyIT provides tailored setups that simplify virtual engagement, enabling councillors and residents alike to connect and participate seamlessly.

Our partnership with industry-leading vendors ensures councils receive reliable, high-quality technology solutions. From small parish councils to large council chambers, CloudyIT offers guidance and expertise through each step of the installation, setting councils up for success in today’s digital-first environment.

Case Studies: Real-World Success with CloudyIT’s Broadcasting Solutions

Neath Town Council: Neath Town Council has benefitted from CloudyIT’s virtual meeting technology, enhancing accessibility and streamlining operations. Katherine Charles shares why Neath chose CloudyIT for their broadcasting needs, noting the simplicity and reliability that made it the ideal solution. Watch her insights here.

Dunstable Town Council: Dunstable Town Council leverages CloudyIT’s hybrid meeting technology to improve resident engagement and enhance council efficiency. See the solution in action here.

Taunton Town Council: Recently, Taunton Town Council selected CloudyIT to upgrade their meeting technology with the Logitech Rally Bar and Sight Upgrade, a powerful combination that enhances audio and video clarity for both in-person and remote participants. This solution offers Taunton council members an immersive, accessible meeting experience that aligns with their commitment to transparency and resident engagement. Watch Taunton’s setup here.

Scalable Solutions for Every Council

CloudyIT’s meeting solutions are built to scale, offering councils of all sizes the flexibility they need to enhance meeting accessibility and efficiency. With an array of affordable options, councils can select a setup that meets their needs, from foundational AV systems to comprehensive hybrid solutions.

Enhanced Agenda Management with GovMeetings

CloudyIT’s GovMeetings (powered by Decisions) integrates seamlessly with our AV solutions, making agenda and meeting management straightforward. This tool allows councillors to participate in meetings, vote on items, and access agenda packs from any device, streamlining the meeting process for both councillors and residents.

GovAssist AI: Accurate Minutes and Natural Language Interaction

For councils aiming to streamline meeting administration, CloudyIT offers GovAssist, an AI-powered tool that enhances minute accuracy by identifying speakers and facilitating natural language interactions with agendas. With GovAssist, councillors and staff can search minutes, review agendas, and retrieve key discussion points seamlessly, saving time and ensuring accurate records.

Learn More About CloudyIT’s Hybrid Meeting Solutions

For councils looking to enhance their meeting technology, CloudyIT offers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of Town and Parish councils. Explore our Hybrid Meeting Room Solutions to learn more about how our technology can help councils improve accessibility, productivity, and community engagement.

Aligned with SLCC, NALC, and other associations, CloudyIT is committed to supporting councils with innovative solutions that meet evolving standards and make virtual meetings accessible and efficient for everyone.