All the features available in the main CMS can be used for an open intranet. Visit the LocalGov Drupal CMS page for a full list of features.
Additionally, you can utilise the Restricted Content and OpenID Connect modules for enhanced access control.
Councils currently using our platform for intranet include:
- Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council
- Cumberland Council
- Essex County Council
- Rutland County Council
- Sheffield City Council
Why Use LocalGov Drupal for Your Intranet?
Implementing LocalGov Drupal as an intranet can lead to significant cost savings. By leveraging an open-source platform, councils can avoid hefty licensing fees associated with proprietary software.
The system's modular design enables flexible and scalable deployment, ensuring that councils only develop the necessary features.
Councils can easily add or modify features, integrate with existing systems, and tailor the user experience to suit their requirements.
You’ll have the option of joining a community of developers, content designers and digital leaders from 57 (and counting) local councils across the UK and Ireland who share code, user research and ideas to help each other build incredible sites.
Cost Savings
LocalGov Drupal offers substantial cost savings for councils by eliminating the need for expensive proprietary software and reducing ongoing maintenance expenses.
The platform's open-source nature enables councils to benefit from a community of developers and shared resources, further lowering costs. Additionally, the system's scalability and modularity ensure that councils can start small and expand as needed, thereby optimising expenditures over time.
Key Features
Content Management: LocalGov Drupal provides a user-friendly content management system that enables staff to easily create, edit, and publish content. The platform supports various content types, including documents, images, videos, and news articles, ensuring that all necessary information can be shared effectively and efficiently.
Document Management: Efficient document management is critical for any intranet. LocalGov Drupal includes features such as HTML publications, version control, document tagging, and search functionality, making it easy for users to find and access the information they need.
Integrated Forms: The platform supports the creation of custom forms, allowing councils to streamline processes such as leave requests, feedback submissions, and service requests. This reduces paperwork and improves efficiency.
Security
The platform adheres to industry best practices and regulatory standards, providing robust security features such as role-based access control, data encryption, and regular security updates. This helps councils maintain compliance with data protection regulations and safeguard against potential threats.
Accessibility
The LocalGov Drupal content and functionality are designed to meet or exceed WCAG 2.1 level AA. The project also targets the administration interface to meet or exceed level AA.
Essex County Council Case Study: UK’s First LocalGovDrupal Open Intranet
In 2023, Essex County Council (ECC) launched its first LocalGovDrupal (LGD) open intranet to enhance internal communications and operations, integrating core organisational culture and values.
They set out to reimagine its intranet, making it easier to access, more inclusive, and more useful for all employees, whether in the office, out in the field, or working for a partner organisation.
Goals
The council had four clear goals:
- Make it accessible to everyone - They needed a solution that all employees could use, including those without council logins or working on shared devices.
- Help staff get what they need, faster - Whether it was HR documents, systems like MyOracle, or team contacts, the goal was to eliminate dead ends and enhance navigation.
- Improve the employee experience - From benefits to learning and development, they wanted the intranet to support staff wellbeing and growth.
- Build a more transparent, collaborative culture - By sharing strategic content openly, they aimed to enhance staff engagement and foster a deeper connection with the council’s mission.
How They Did It
Essex followed a structured, user-centred process across discovery, alpha, beta and launch phases — supported by a strong network of partners and collaborators:
User research from the start
With over 400 survey responses and 12 discovery workshops, the team uncovered the real pain points staff faced, including hard-to-find content, login barriers, and a lack of up-to-date information. Cyber‑Duck led the UX discovery alongside Essex’s internal service design team.
Designing for accessibility and inclusion
In partnership with Scroll, the team rewrote intranet content in plain English, carried out tree testing, and ensured WCAG 2.1 compliance throughout. They focused on making the experience seamless across all devices and roles.
Choosing the right platform
Essex migrated their intranet to LocalGov Drupal, alongside their main public website. This decision provided them with a shared ecosystem among other councils, modular flexibility, and no licensing costs.
Testing and learning
During the private beta, a group of “supertesters” helped shape the platform, providing feedback on its structure, content gaps, and technical performance. The Essex Digital Service team blogged openly about what they learned and the changes that resulted.
“One of the main benefits of LocalGov Drupal is the collaborative community behind it… We shared the work with the LocalGov Drupal community, ensuring that our efforts benefited not only Essex but also other councils.” — Nomensa Project Team
Who It’s For
The platform was designed with a wide range of users in mind:
- Staff without council credentials, like agency workers and partner staff
- Field-based employees, who rely on mobile access to do their jobs
- Staff with limited access to training and development resources
- Employees with accessibility needs - ensuring inclusive design from the start
Challenges They Tackled
- Hard-to-find content – simplified site structure and improved search
- Access issues – no more login walls, accessible from any device
- Out-of-date information – regular content reviews to build trust
- Lack of visibility – key updates and initiatives surfaced on the homepage
Measuring Success
The team focused on a few key performance indicators:
- Monthly Active Users (MAU) – to track engagement over time
- Cost per Transaction – to ensure the platform delivers value for money
- User journeys – looking for fewer failed searches and more “straight-line” access to content
The Impact
The open intranet has transformed the way employees connect with the council and with one another. It’s improved access to key resources, supported personal development, and boosted engagement with strategic content. Most importantly, it’s built around staff needs, and it continues to evolve based on real-world usage and feedback.
Thanks to Sucharitha Revanuru, Intranet Product Manager, Essex County Council, for the case study.