FEXCO’s Online Business Service-for-Government Unveiled
and New Jobs Announced
FEXCO, one of Ireland’s largest indigeneous outsourcing providers, announced today (Friday, 30th September 2011) that the Certificate of Irish Heritage (the Certificate) is available online, subject to an application process, at www.heritagecertificate.ie as the company unveiled its online global business service–for-Government. The company announced 60 new jobs arising from this and other business outsourcing contracts.
Earlier this month, the Tánaiste, Eamon Gilmore T.D., presented the first Certificate of Irish Heritage to the family of Joe Hunter, a New York fireman, who lost his life in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre.
FEXCO operates the Certificate service on behalf of the Government, a key element in its diaspora engagement strategy to acknowledge and mark the deep connection to Ireland felt by many people of Irish descent. More than 70 million people worldwide are estimated to claim Irish ancestry.
The Government awarded FEXCO the contract for one year on a pilot basis, which is extendable to five years.
FEXCO executed the set-up project in 18 weeks and has invested significantly in the service. It is funded solely by application fees, set at €40 per Certificate by the Government, which has no funding commitment for the service (¹).
FEXCO’s full service delivery includes the Certificate design; website, online application and payment software development; IT and data security; customer service and administration; and promotion of the Certificate of Irish Heritage.
The service’s technology and operations are based in a specialist FEXCO facility in Killorglin, Co. Kerry. Robust website and data security systems protect the service (²). FEXCO’s IT infrastructure incorporating data centres is resilient, flexible, scalable and secure and is serviced by its 90-strong IT staff across its software, infrastructure, and support engineer groups.
The company already provides business outsourcing services to Government and state-related agencies where it manages the administration of the Prize Bonds in partnership with An Post on behalf of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). FEXCO also operates Bord Gáis’ customer service operations and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s Home Energy Saving Scheme.
The design of the Certificates, their printing and framing is sourced and managed by FEXCO from a group of Irish companies and experts. The all-digital production process allows for multiple Certificate designs and languages (³).
Key target markets include the US, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Customer service agent support is available by e-mail and telephone to advise on applications and answer applicant questions.
The www.heritagecertificate.ie website will join a network of state agency websites in the Government’s diaspora outreach programme. A series of state agencies are expected to collaborate and link with the Certificate of Irish Heritage website including those in the tourism sector and holding family history records.
Speaking at the announcement, Ger O’Sullivan, FEXCO’s Head of Business Services, said, “FEXCO has designed, developed and delivered an online global business service-for-Government using our Outsourcing division’s expertise and experience together with FEXCO Group’s resources and support.”
“The Certificate of Irish Heritage service demonstrates how a leading private sector business outsourcing specialist can collaborate effectively with Government to design and operate an important global service online for the State to the highest industry standards,” he added.
Full details of the Certificate designs, the application and delivery process, the fee and Frequently Asked Questions are available at www.heritagecertificate.ie.
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
(¹) The contract between the Government and FEXCO provides for revenue sharing after the first year. First-year revenues will offset set-up costs.
(²) Website and data security accords with The Open Web Applications Security Project (OWASP) standard for secure website development.
(³) The Certificate of Irish Heritage logo was handwritten by Tim O’Neill, a renowned calligrapher and Master Scribe. Dublin-based Vermillion Design Consultants Ireland designed the Certificate and Colorman (Ireland) Limited will print the Certificates using one of the most advanced digital printing presses in Ireland. Frames for the Certificate of Irish Heritage will be provided by Cork-based Strand Framing. FEXCO developed a suite of frames and specialised packaging to complement the Certificates.
Applicants can choose from a number of designs. They have the same content, but with different visual themes relating to Ireland. Three designs are initially available: Emigrant Ship, Dublin Bay, 1853; Celtic Knot; and West of Ireland. Certificates are available in English, Irish and Spanish.
For further information, please contact:
Barry Ahern, Business Management Communications
Telephone: (01) 4830832 or (087) 6683574
E-mail: barry.ahern@bmcomms.ie