Appointments with Aberdeen’s registrars and requests for replacement certificates can now be made online following the launch of a new digital platform.
The system has gone live and has been designed to improve the customer experience and support the efficient running of the service.
As part of the move to the online booking system, an appointment-only approach for the majority of registrar services has been introduced.
Councillor Douglas Lumsden, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council and convener of the City Growth and Resources Committee, said: “Registrars have been part of the fabric of life in the city since the 19th century and there have been many milestones in that time, including the shift from traditional handwritten certificates in pen and ink to computerised versions in the 1990s.
“The launch of the new online services is another important part in the evolution of the service and it will bring great benefits for customers, who will be able to book appointments at their leisure and ensure a time slot that suits their needs. It will reduce waiting times and also help our team in managing demand and supporting all those who require access to registrars.
“Registrars have a valuable role to play as people go through the most important life events and that personal approach will never be replaced by technology. What the use of digital can do is to ensure staff spend less time on administration and are free to instead spend that time with customers and provide the care and support we all recognise as such a vital part of the service.”
Appointments can be booked online here and replacement certificates, which will be delivered by post rather than requiring customers to visit Marischal College, can be requested here.
Most appointments are available to book online, including the provisional booking of a wedding ceremony, but there will be the requirement for some to be booked by telephone following a discussion with a registrar.
The adoption of digital systems by the registrars follows the move earlier this year to an online school registration system – with Aberdeen City Council becoming the first local authority in Scotland to create and introduce a fully digital platform for school applications.
It is part of a comprehensive programme of innovative solutions designed to embrace digital technology to better meet the needs of customers.
Cllr Lumsden said: “We are proud to be pressing forward with a wide range of digital services and are determined to lead the way by changing the way we do our business as a Council. Digital technology provides fantastic opportunities to improve the service we offer and to ensure we are efficient in all areas of our operations. A great deal of progress has been made and we are continuing to work hard to innovate.”