Sharing services at Muir of Ord

A new partnership is being introduced in Muir of Ord on Monday (19 September) when the public will be able to source advice and information on police and Council matters from under the one roof.

The Highland Council is moving its Service Point in Seaforth Road into the Northern Constabulary office on Great North Road

It will be open Monday –Friday 9.30 am – 1 pm.

To allow the Council to transfer its operation, the Service Point will be closed from 1pm on Thursday 15 September reopening at 9.30 am on Monday 19 September.

From Monday, the Service Point will also provide a front counter service for Northern Constabulary.  A similar partnership is operating at Golspie, Broadford and Bettyhill Service Points where Council staff provide a reception and information service for Northern Constabulary.

Two additional shared ventures are planned at Gairloch and Lairg, where the Service Point will move to the local police station.

Councillor Carolyn Wilson, Chairman of the Council’s Resources Committee, said: “The Council is committed to providing services in the most efficient way and the sharing of services with Northern Constabulary at Muir of Ord will provide an improved facility for the local community while still delivering the essential services of Northern Constabulary and The Highland Council.”

Chief Inspector Gus MacPherson, Area Commander for Ross and Cromarty, said: "This marks our commitment to shared services delivered in partnership with other agencies. Sharing services will help to keep services local and provide best value. I am sure this new approach to delivering public services will be welcomed by communities."

Recently, the Council was awarded the Customer Service Excellence standard in recognition the service it provides through face to face contact with the public at its network of 35 Service Points,  telephone contact at its Service Centre in Alness and via the Registration Service.

The Customer Service Excellence standard has replaced the Charter Mark standard, which the council has held since 1999. The new standard is more exacting than the Charter Mark standard and ensures an improved service for all customers contacting the network.