Tuesday 16 March 2021
Contact numbers of key government services will be changing at the end of this month and all households will this week receive a specially-designed States of Guernsey phone directory to ensure everyone has easy access to the new numbers.
The States of Guernsey is currently in the process of a major, ongoing programme of digital transformation which aims to improve service to customers. As part of the improvements being made to IT networks, States of Guernsey telephone numbers will be changing. This transformation will deliver a digitally advanced centralised telephony and collaboration solution which is more functional and resilient. Enabling customers to be transferred to the person they need to speak to easily and efficiently. Staff can now answer calls on their devices, such as laptops and mobiles, offering advanced remote working. This new phone system was brought online last year for some of the COVID helplines and played a vital role in our COVID response.
The system has also reduced the numbers we have, rationalising the service into a more streamlined one, and will deliver savings and value for money for the organisation.
Changing phone numbers for nearly all States services is a significant step and it is important that all islanders are aware the change is happening and where they can find the new numbers.
To enable a smooth transition, the old telephone numbers have been running in parallel with the new numbers and will continue to transfer callers to the new number until the end of this month, when the old numbers will be disconnected. Some areas such as the blue light services will continue to keep both numbers active for a longer period to ensure islanders are familiar with the new numbers.
The States of Guernsey website, www.gov.gg, has been updated with all the new numbers added to services' contact pages. The printed telephone directory being sent to all households this week will further support the community through this change. Islanders are advised to retain the directory so it is close to hand if they need to contact any States services.
Services will also communicate the change to their specific phone number directly with key stakeholders - for examples schools have contacted parents to let them know their new number.
Please note that COVID helpline and support numbers will remain as they are for as long as they are needed: https://covid19.gov.gg/contact-us