Why councils and local authorities choose Drupal for digital transformation
Joe Pilgrim
on
Local authorities today face a complex challenge: delivering digital services that are simple to use, accessible, secure, and sustainable, while working within limited budgets.
Drupal has emerged as the CMS of choice for councils worldwide, helping them transform their services into citizen-first experiences that are both future-ready and cost-effective.
At Box UK, we’ve partnered with public sector organisations to deliver Drupal-powered solutions that meet the needs of today while preparing for tomorrow.
Citizen-centred design
Residents expect their council services to be as easy to use as the apps and websites they engage with daily. Drupal makes this possible through:
Intuitive navigation that simplifies access to critical services.
Personalised experiences tailored to different user groups.
Flexible content management tools that make it simple for teams to keep information accurate and up to date.
By putting citizens first, councils can increase engagement, reduce support calls, and build lasting trust.
Accessibility by default
Accessibility isn’t optional in the public sector—it’s a legal requirement and, more importantly, a moral obligation. Drupal supports councils in delivering inclusive services with:
Built-in support for WCAG compliance to meet accessibility standards.
Customisable features that ensure content is usable by everyone, including people with disabilities.
This commitment to accessibility ensures no resident is left behind.
Security and trust
Councils manage sensitive citizen data, making security paramount. Drupal is trusted by governments around the globe because it delivers:
Robust, enterprise-grade security backed by an active global community.
Regular updates and security patches to protect against emerging threats.
Proven resilience, with successful use across national and local government digital services.
When security underpins every interaction, citizens can engage with confidence.
Talk to one of our digital experts
Alex Farr
Principal Developer
Looking to unlock the full potential of your Drupal platform?
At Box UK, Alex specialises in innovative technical solutions and Proof of Concept generation — from Drupal rescue projects to bespoke IoT development and AI/Machine Learning applications.
Recently, Alex led successful AI/ML proof of concept then build projects for an engineering client, developing neural networks, random forests, and similarity search algorithms to automate design workflows and streamline complex technical processes, bringing together his deep technical expertise and collaborative approach to deliver measurable impact.
From council tax payments to library bookings, local authorities manage an extensive range of digital services. Drupal’s modular design allows councils to:
Run multiple services under one platform, reducing duplication and complexity.
Deploy new features quickly, adapting to resident needs and legislative changes.
Scale seamlessly, whether managing a single district or serving a large metropolitan population.
This flexibility ensures services evolve alongside community expectations.
Integration with Legacy Systems
Many councils rely on long-standing systems for case management, CRM, and back-office operations. Replacing them outright isn’t always possible or practical. Drupal provides a future-proof solution by:
Connecting seamlessly with existing systems through flexible APIs.
Enabling gradual digital transformation, reducing risk and disruption.
Future-proofing services against inevitable changes in technology.
This flexibility makes Drupal a trusted partner in long-term digital strategy.
Cost efficiency and the open source advantage
Budgets are under constant pressure in local government. Drupal’s open-source foundation means councils benefit from:
No vendor lock-in, ensuring freedom and flexibility.
Reduced licensing costs, freeing up investment for service improvement.
A sustainable ecosystem, with long-term community support and continuous innovation.
The result? A smarter, more cost-effective approach to digital transformation.
Box UK’s expertise in public sector delivery
Choosing the right CMS is only part of the equation—implementing it successfully is where real value is unlocked. At Box UK, we’ve helped councils and public sector organisations deliver:
Complex digital ecosystems that balance accessibility, compliance, and usability.
Citizen-first platforms designed to meet the unique challenges of local government.
Future-ready solutions that can evolve with changing technologies and resident expectations.
With our proven track record like the Welsh Government and ORX, we’ll partner with you to ensure Drupal delivers real-world impact for your communities.
Ready to transform your council’s digital services?
Drupal empowers councils to deliver accessible, secure, and future-ready services that put residents at the heart of every interaction. With Box UK as your partner, you’ll gain not just a CMS, but a long-term digital strategy tailored to your community’s needs.
Let’s start your digital transformation journey today.
Joe brings over a decade of experience leading product teams across complex digital transformation projects. At Box UK, he helps organisations turn ambitious ideas into actionable product strategies that deliver measurable results—balancing user needs, stakeholder goals, and technical realities to drive long-term success.
Want to chat more about how we can help?
Get in touch to book your free consultation with our expert team.
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