Code Galaxy announces tender win to build two new systems for Lancashire Skills Hub

Bespoke software development company Code Galaxy is delighted to have been selected to build two new systems for Lancashire Skills Hub: Escalate and Skills Pledge.

Code Galaxy will develop the two systems to allow the Lancashire Skills Hub platform to work independently of WordPress.

The objectives of this commission are to:

• Improve the flexibility and responsiveness of the existing website-embedded system to ensure secure third-party access for external providers and employers.
•  Make the Escalate and Skills Pledge systems self-contained so they don’t impact or prevent changes being made to the other and be given flexibility to migrate to a new website provider should that be required.
•  Design the tools to ensure accessibility for all users.
•  Optimise the systems to run on web for fast loading times and smooth performance, and easy integration into the website.
•  The Escalate tool will require a search function against an existing list of support resources that meets criteria set by the individual.
•  The Skills Pledge tool will allow a web form front end and user accounts, and administrator type users who are able to update data stored against a record and send confirmation emails.
•  Improved reporting functions for both the Lancashire Skills Hub team and the Pledge Partners

Mary Speakman, director of Code Galaxy, said: “We have been working with the Lancashire Skills Hub for a couple of years now, helping them with website and tech support, so we are thrilled to have been selected to help them further with this project.

“The Escalate and Skills Pledge tools are valuable assets for the Lancashire business community and residents wanting to access funded skills and employment programmes. We’re looking forward to designing and building two bespoke software systems that will have a direct impact on accessibility and the meaningful use of insightful data.”

Sara Gaskell, manager of the Skills Hub, said: "We are pleased to be working with Code Galaxy. As a Skills Pledge member themselves, they understand the need for a simple to use system, and we are excited to work with them to design and develop these systems which will be a benefit to the businesses and residents of Lancashire."

Background 
The Lancashire Skills Pledge was developed to provide businesses and organisations with simplified access to funded skills and employment Initiatives across Lancashire.

An interested organisation can submit a form on the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub website for onward triage to a relevant partner, depending on the nature of the pledge the organisation has expressed an interest in.

Guidance is provided by Lancashire Skills Hub partners on delivering these pledges and becoming accredited pledge members once the activity is being delivered.

The Skills Pledge system will enable expressions of interest to be submitted, and track the pledges made by the employer.

The Escalate system helps referral agencies and members of the public to navigate employment provision across Lancashire.

This includes a variety of projects, some localised, some targeted at specific groups of residents, and some more general.

Project information is kept up to date and removed when no longer available. The referral agency or individual answers a few questions based on their needs via a short questionnaire, they are then sent a list of projects that are relevant to their needs and location.

The system collects information relating to searches to ascertain the needs and interests of residents.