Frequently Asked Questions

What is the platform for?

It gives each member of the public:-

(1) an online central hub for information about activities, advice and other support services available in the London Borough of Havering, as well as local news, weather, travel, volunteering and other useful information; and

(2) a free communication channel, straight to his/her mobile phone or computer.

What's included in it?

The platform is made up of: (1) an Apple approved App which runs on iPhones and iPads - this version of the App is available for download from the App Store; (2) a Google approved App which runs on Android devices - this version of the App is available for download from Google Play; (3) a mobile-enabled, public-facing website that can be viewed on all smartphones, tablets and desktops (called “the Community Website”); and (4) a mobile-enabled website that is the content management system for the Community Website (called “the Manager Website”). The Apps can be found by using the links to the App Store and Google Play in the header of this website.

Who can have a LISTING on the platform?

Organisations approved by the London Borough of Havering (“the Council”).

How can the platform be used as a communication channel?

When an EVENT, POST or WORK opportunity is added to a LISTING, the platform automatically sends a (free and immediate) push notification/email about it to every user that has that LISTING in his/her FAVOURITES. In addition, the Council can use the platform to send (free and immediate) push notifications/emails to registered users.

What is included in a LISTING and & how is one set up?

It features (a) an image (which can be a photograph or a logo); (b) one touch phone dialling; (c) one touch emailing; (d) one touch access to the lister’s website; (e) a long description (of up to 2,000 characters); (f) the ability to advertise EVENTS (including associated imagery); (g) the ability to make POSTS (including associated imagery) to communicate with users; (h) in some cases (on request to the Area Administrator), the ability to advertise WORK opportunities (including associated imagery), whether paid or voluntary (i) a full postal address; (j) relevant times/opening hours information; (k) a link to Google Maps showing the lister’s location; (l) links to the lister’s own social media on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Linked In and YouTube; and (m) sharing functionality (enabling users to share details).

To set up a LISTING, the lister first applies to open an ACCOUNT via the Manager Website (a link to that appears as “Manager” in the footer of the Community Website). Details about the lister and the principal point of contact (called “the Account Administrator”) are entered and submitted to the Council for approval.

If the Council approves the application, the ACCOUNT is opened and the applicant is advised automatically by email. If the Council rejects the application, the applicant is advised automatically by email.

Once the ACCOUNT is open, the Account Administrator can sign into it from the Manager Website and: (1) add other authorised users to the ACCOUNT; and (2) compile a listing and submit it to the Council for approval.

If the Council approves a LISTING, it is displayed on the Community Website and the Apps immediately and the lister is advised automatically by email. If the Area Administrator rejects a LISTING, the lister is advised automatically by email.

After first publication, all responsibility for the content of a LISTING is with the Account Administrator. With the exception of EVENTS that the lister may apply to include in the WHAT'S ON, no content is subject to pre-publication approval by the Council after that time.

I want to advertise for workers or volunteers. Can I advertise a WORK opportunity on my LISTING?

Yes but only after you have made a successful request to the Council to switch on the necessary functionality. Requests should be made to the Council by email (using the email address set out in the Privacy Policy).

Will WORK opportunities added to a LISTING also be included in the consolidated list of WORK opportunities?

Yes

Will EVENTS added to a LISTING also be included in the WHAT'S ON?

Maybe. The inclusion of an EVENT in the WHAT’S ON is subject to pre-publication approval by the Council on an EVENT by EVENT basis.

Can the Account Administrator add other users to the ACCOUNT and set different authority levels for them?

Yes - this is done via the "Users" page of the ACCOUNT.

The Account Administrator simply adds the details of each new user and selects the appropriate "Role": (a) ADMINISTRATORS have full editing rights on the ACCOUNT and all LISTINGS held within it - they also have full approval rights, allowing them to authorise changes that will appear in the Community Website and Apps (b) USERS+ have no editing or approval rights on the ACCOUNT or LISTINGS, but they do have full editing and approval rights on EVENTS, POSTS and WORK opportunities (c) USERS have no editing or approval rights on the ACCOUNT or LISTINGS and, although they have full editing rights on EVENTS, POSTS and WORK opportunities, any additions or changes they make will not be displayed on the Community Website or Apps until they have been approved by an Administrator or a User+.

Can one-off PUBLIC EVENTS be included in the WHAT’S ON?

Yes