North Lincolnshire Council
Transforming Connectivity into Seamless Case Management
North Lincolnshire Council modernised legal services by migrating to Iken Cloud, supporting hybrid working, resolving integration challenges, and aligning with its cloud-first policy to enhance case management and legal team productivity.
Learn how North Lincolnshire Council’s transformed Case and Matter Management with Iken Cloud
Transforming Case and Matter Management with Iken Cloud to Support Hybrid Working and Future-Ready Technology
Improved Hybrid Working
The move to Iken Cloud resolved connectivity issues, enabling seamless working from any location. Integration with Microsoft 365 ensures a consistent experience across devices, supporting the Council’s hybrid working model. Staff can now manage cases and access legal management tools reliably, regardless of location.
Streamlined Legal Operations
Automated workflows, enhanced reporting tools, and improved document management have simplified processes such as case file management and disbursement tracking. These improvements save time, reduce errors, and provide managers with greater oversight.
Future-Ready Technology
The move to cloud hosting aligns with the Council’s cloud-first strategy, reducing reliance on local servers and freeing up IT resources for other priorities. By transitioning to a scalable and integrated system, the Council is well-prepared for future technology advancements.
Effective Change Management
Comprehensive communication, tailored training, and post-implementation support ensured high adoption rates and a smooth transition. Regular updates and hands-on sessions helped staff adapt to the system, maximising its potential for managing cases and legal tasks.
Remote Work and IT Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted limitations in Iken Desktop, particularly for remote working. The reliance on remote desktop access caused connectivity issues, especially when multiple users logged in simultaneously. Compatibility problems with Microsoft and Adobe products added to the frustration, disrupting workflows and reducing productivity. These challenges persisted as the Council adopted a hybrid working model, creating an urgent need for a more reliable solution.
The transition to Iken Cloud resolved these issues by eliminating the reliance on local servers and enabling seamless integration with Microsoft 365. Legal team members can now manage cases from any location, improving day-to-day productivity. This shift also freed up the Council’s small ICT team, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives.
"Remote desktop access was unreliable, and updates often caused problems. With Cloud, these issues are gone, and everything works better together.”
Katy Hague
Legal Team Lead
Streamlined Procurement and Collaboration
North Lincolnshire Council’s cloud migration was supported by a collaborative and transparent procurement process. The legal and ICT teams worked closely with procurement officers and data protection experts to ensure compliance with the Council’s policies. Budget challenges were navigated by reallocating existing funds for desktop support and supplementing these with the Council’s cloud migration budget. This strategic approach ensured financial sustainability while adhering to the Council’s cloud-first strategy.
Early alignment across departments streamlined approvals, minimising delays and ensuring resources were focused on the right priorities. Collaborative communication with Iken also played a critical role, providing clarity at every stage of the project.
This coordination set a strong foundation for a successful transition, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and clear planning.
“From the start, communication with Iken was excellent. We knew exactly what was expected at every stage.”
Lisa Freeborn
ICT Applications Manager
Change Management and Team Adoption
Introducing Iken Cloud required careful change management to ensure a smooth transition for the legal team. The system’s interface was noticeably different from the desktop version, but its enhanced functionality encouraged acceptance. Comprehensive communication, tailored training sessions, and floor-walking support ensured staff felt confident using the new system. These steps helped minimise resistance and addressed individual learning needs.
The legal team quickly embraced features such as workflows and reporting tools, which improved productivity and provided greater oversight for managers. By maintaining open lines of communication and offering real-time support, the Council ensured that staff could adapt to the system effectively.
This approach not only facilitated adoption but also positioned the team to make the most of Iken Cloud’s capabilities.
"The training sessions were delivered in manageable chunks, making it easier for staff to absorb the changes.”
Lisa Freeborn
ICT Applications Manager
In conclusion
North Lincolnshire Council’s migration to Iken Cloud highlights the transformative impact of modern legal technology. By addressing critical challenges in hybrid working, operational productivity, and change management, the Council has unlocked significant benefits for its legal team.
Iken Cloud has transformed how the team manages cases and legal tasks, offering tools that simplify workflows, enhance reporting, and improve day-to-day productivity. As Lisa summarised, “This transition has not only resolved our immediate challenges but also set us up for the future. Iken Cloud is helping us work smarter, not harder.”
With these foundations in place, the Council is well-positioned to continue leveraging Iken Cloud’s capabilities, further modernising its legal services for the benefit of both legal staff and their many stakeholders.
“The transition from desktop to cloud was seamless. The communication from Iken was clear from the start, and the support we received was exceptional. Any issues were resolved immediately, and the floor-walking sessions ensured staff felt confident using the system.”
Lisa Freeborn
ICT Applications Manager