Civica enhances leadership position in election services and citizen participation with integration of Xpress Software

Civica, an international leader in software for public services, has further strengthened its position in democracy and citizen engagement by integrating and rebranding Xpress Software, following its acquisition as part of the ERS Group in December 2018.

For more than 20 years, Xpress Software has helped local authorities meet the changing legislative requirements of the Cabinet Office and local government for elections, whilst improving citizen engagement and participation in voting. Drawing on Civica’s global market presence and its extensive digital, cloud and automation capabilities, the integrated business will help to accelerate the modernisation of democracy and membership services.

The Xpress product range comprises market-leading software for producing and maintaining the electoral roll and annual canvass, including cloud-based apps for mobile canvassing used by more than 2,500 canvassers across 85 local authorities in England and Wales.

The software delivers faster, more efficient and compliant electoral processes, providing the foundation to support teams across the country to deliver successful ballots, most recently local Council elections and, at short notice, the 2019 European elections.

Sian Roberts, Civica Executive Director, Democracy and Engagement said: “The full integration of Xpress means the business is even better placed to meet the ever-changing needs of customers for more efficient and effective electoral services, all backed by the latest cloud and digital technology. As part of the enlarged Civica Group we’re looking forward to boosting democracy as part of connected local government services for citizens.”

Xpress Software currently supports 70% of local authorities in England and Wales, including Cornwall Council, Manchester City Council, Gloucester City Council, Trafford Council and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. New customers since Civica’s acquisition include Hastings Borough Council and the London Borough of Hounslow.

The move coincides with the launch of Xpress Maps: a new paperless mapping tool for local authorities to examine and review boundaries online and calculate elector totals. The new cloud software makes local authority ward and polling district reviews easier and quicker, with edited scenarios able to be viewed and approved by stakeholders using an online dashboard.