Modernising the Isle of Man Post Office

Closed 16 Oct 2018

Opened 22 Aug 2018

Feedback updated 30 Nov 2018

We asked

Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) sought the views of Isle of Man residents, businesses, organisations and IOMPO clients on how to best adapt letter and parcel deliveries and post offices in the community in a responsible way. This was in the context that the online digital revolution is changing the way people communicate and how and where they choose to buy their goods and pay for services.

These changes are impacting the postal industry globally as fewer letters are being sent, and fewer people are using post offices than ever before, while parcel deliveries and returns increase as more people shop online.

The change in core demand for these services locally, coupled with changing demand for IOMPO’s commercial services and increasing costs, meant IOMPO reported a loss for the first time in its history this year.

You said

A total of 2,737 people responded, the large of majority of which were individuals, of which 67% were aged over 50 years. 2,091 people completed the consultation online and 646 by post.

  • 279 gave permission to publish their response in full
  • 1,773 gave permission to publish anonymously
  • 685 did not give their consent to publish

The consultation asked respondents for their views on a number of key elements with regards to  Letter and Parcel Delivery Services and Post Office Network Services.

We did

While there is clear support for a 5-day week mail service, the response to the question about IOMPO’s financial responsibility was inconclusive. Therefore, we will be assessing this further with focus groups and the free-flow responses to see if there are any further ways identified in which IOMPO can be more financially responsible in the delivery of our services.

Further analysis work on the results for the Post Office Network Services will also be undertaken with  focus groups held with interested parties such as key stakeholders, including customers, staff, unions, sub postmasters, local commissioners and other parts of Government on the key issues and the future service options available. We are grateful to the 33% of respondents who expressed their interest in participating in a focus group to discuss specific topics in more detail.

The consultation results as well as the additional scrutiny, will allow the final direction and choices to utilise the unique attributes, capabilities and social value of the IOMPO to be fully considered by the Board and in stages, they will be taken to Tynwald where the final decisions on any key changes will be made. 

The published summary of consultation responses is available below.

Julie Edge MHK, Chairman of Isle of Man Post Office, wishes to thanks all those who took the time to submit their views to this consultation.

Results updated 30 Nov 2018

The consultation asked respondents for their views on a number of key elements with regards to  Letter and Parcel Delivery Services and Post Office Network Services.

Letter and Parcel Delivery Services Summary

66% of respondents supported the change of no standard letter mail* delivery on a Saturday, reducing from 6 to 5 days in line with decreasing mail volumes.

Furthermore, 60% were content to continue receiving parcels Monday to Saturday, while a large majority of respondents said they had no preference on the time of day they receive their parcels.

The results also show that customers value daily collections of mail from their local post box (67%) and a next-day delivery service to the UK (63%).

* Standard letter mail consists of cards, letters, large letters, magazines and small packets that fit through residential letter boxes – excludes Special Delivery Guaranteed® letter mail.

Post Office Network Services

In summary:

  • A considerable proportion of respondents are regular post office users - 39% visited a post office at least once a week and 34% at least once a month on average last year
  • 68% of respondents said that they would not be likely to increase their use of post office services if additional hours were available
  • Douglas Post Office in Strand Street (43%) and the Customer Services Centre (36%) at Postal Headquarters in Spring Valley, Douglas were the most used post office locations out of the respondents
  • 52% said that using a post office close to their home/organisation is the most important factor in determining which one they choose

Files:

Overview

Isle of Man Post Office (IOMPO) is seeking public opinion on how best to adapt letter and parcel deliveries and post office services in the community to suit demand in a financially responsible way.

The IOMPO has a very proud heritage with a loyal and dedicated team providing trusted services that meet the needs of the community each and every day.

The ‘online’ digital revolution is changing the way people communicate and how and where they choose to buy their goods and pay for services. These changes are impacting the postal industry globally as fewer letters are being sent, and fewer people are using post offices than ever before, while parcel deliveries and returns increase as more people shop online.

The change in demand for these core services locally, coupled with changing demand for IOMPO’s commercial services and increasing costs, mean IOMPO is reporting a loss for the first time in its history. The Board of IOMPO have developed a five-year strategy to address these issues, and with public support, develop a modern Post Office fit for the future.

An important part of IOMPO’s strategy is to consult with Isle of Man residents, businesses, organisations and its clients on our core services. This will provide a better understanding of customers’ needs and how the services might be improved, offering value for money, while assuring IOMPO remains self-funding and sustainable in the future. In parallel to the consultation, with the support of Tynwald, IOMPO will be working across Government to identify services that could be provided by the Post Office, utilising its unique attributes and local delivery capabilities, to the benefit of the community.

Completing this consultation should take no more than 5-10 minutes. Your feedback from the consultation will inform the strategic choices IOMPO will put forward for Tynwald approval and as such, I encourage you to recommend to your friends, family and colleagues to participate.  

Thank you for your time, your feedback is appreciated.

Julie Edge MHK
Chairman of Isle of Man Post Office

Why your views matter

This consultation, open to open to Isle of Man residents, businesses, organisations, and IOMPO clients, is part of the strategic review of the Letters and Parcels and Sub Post Office Network divisions of IOMPO. We want you to have the opportunity to help shape decisions and future enhancements to these important community aspects of IOMPO.

We welcome your feedback and suggestions.

What happens next

Thank you for your interest in helping to modernise Isle of Man Post Office.

Within the next 12 weeks, we will compile a summary of results which will be available to you from October 2018.

The results will help shape decisions on the future delivery of letter services and the sub post office network in the community.

Areas

  • All Areas

Audiences

  • All residents

Interests

  • Policies, strategies & plans
  • Post services