Pitchbooking & West Berkshire Council: Streamlining Access with Single Sign-On
Since 2021, Pitchbooking has proudly partnered with West Berkshire Council, featuring their wide array of council sports facilities on our platform. Our collaboration reached a significant milestone earlier this year with the introduction of Single Sign-On (SSO), a feature requested by the council to make access easier for local residents.
This update allows users to log into Pitchbooking using the same credentials they already use for other council services. The integration of SSO is a key part of West Berkshire Council's digital strategy, aligning their services with modern user expectations and enhancing the convenience of accessing facilities.
The swift and seamless implementation of this feature by our development team has removed the need for separate account creation, streamlining the entire process. The integration utilises the Goss Digital Platform, a popular solution for UK councils, ensuring that the SSO process is secure, reliable, and user-friendly.
Phil Rumens, Digital Services Manager at West Berkshire Council, said:
"The collaboration with Pitchbooking is part of continually improving our customer experience, enabling more convenient and secure access to booking sports pitches for those that want to do this digitally, which aligns with the 'Services We are Proud Of' priority area in our Council Strategy - which you can read here."
Understanding the Power of Single Sign-On (SSO)
Single Sign-On technology simplifies digital access by allowing users to log into multiple applications or platforms using a single set of credentials. This innovation offers several key benefits:
- Enhanced Security: SSO reduces the number of passwords users must remember, lowering the risk of password fatigue and security vulnerabilities.
- Improved User Experience: Residents can easily navigate between different services without repeatedly logging in, saving time and frustration.
- Streamlined Access: By enabling one login for all council services, SSO makes digital interactions more seamless, improving overall user satisfaction.
For West Berkshire Council, the adoption of SSO is central to their vision of digital transformation. It aligns with their goal of providing an integrated, secure, and efficient digital experience for all residents. This initiative is a part of their broader digital strategy, aimed at making services more accessible and easier to use.
The Journey to Integration: How We Made It Happen
The implementation of SSO was a collaborative effort between Pitchbooking’s development team and West Berkshire Council’s digital team. By aligning technical requirements with user needs, we created a solution that enhances both security and user experience.
This change has already had a positive impact. Residents now experience a smoother login process, reducing the friction that often comes with managing multiple passwords. As a result, engagement with Pitchbooking’s sports facility booking system has increased, as users appreciate the added convenience and security.
Early data shows a positive uptick in SSO usage, reflecting a strong response from the local community. The integration not only improves the digital experience but also fosters greater engagement with the council’s services.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pitchbooking and SSO
The adoption of Single Sign-On technology in partnership with West Berkshire Council sets the stage for future integrations with more councils and local government organisations. As the demand for streamlined digital services grows, Pitchbooking remains committed to supporting councils by offering flexible and secure booking systems that fit within their digital strategies.
If you are a council or local government organisation, and you want to ensure SSO becomes the standard across your digital services, we would love to discuss how we can help. We offer tailored sports facility booking software solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing systems to provide residents with a hassle-free experience.
FAQs About Pitchbooking
What is Pitchbooking?
Pitchbooking is a comprehensive online platform designed to streamline the booking and management of sports facilities for local councils, sports clubs, and other organisations. It offers an easy-to-use interface that allows users to book pitches, courts, and other sporting venues in real time.
How does Single Sign-On (SSO) work with Pitchbooking?
SSO allows users to log into Pitchbooking using the same credentials they use for other council services, such as local government platforms. This eliminates the need to remember multiple passwords and streamlines the login process, making access to sports facility bookings more convenient and secure.
What are the benefits of using Pitchbooking for councils?
Pitchbooking provides several advantages for councils:
- Efficient Management: Easily manage and schedule bookings for sports facilities.
- Increased User Engagement: Seamless, secure login experience encourages higher participation.
- Cost Savings: Reduce administrative costs associated with manual booking systems.
- Better User Experience: A user-friendly platform that simplifies the booking process for residents.
Can Pitchbooking integrate with other council services?
Yes, Pitchbooking can integrate with existing council platforms, including Single Sign-On (SSO) systems, to provide a seamless digital experience for users. This ensures that residents can access various council services with a single login.
How can my council get started with Pitchbooking?
If you're interested in implementing Pitchbooking at your council or local government organisation, you can contact us for more information or book a demo directly with our team.