Why is the change happening?

Created by Chris McKinley, Modified on Tue, 22 Oct at 3:50 PM by Chris McKinley

A memorial was sent to Conference in 2023 requesting for a more secure and functioning email service to be provided for ministers. The current service provider has not been reliable and is not secure which has resulted in issues with receiving emails

This move to Microsoft Outlook represents a significant improvement in how we manage emails, offering a much more secure environment. Microsoft is gradually phasing out support for public platforms to access Microsoft Outlook, further emphasising the importance of this transition.

Has there been a consultation?

Yes, a stakeholder group of ministers have been consulted and have been part of the decision making process and have provided invaluable input to the project.

With Microsoft Office 365 Cloud, your emails will now be accessible exclusively via the Microsoft Outlook App (available on mobile devices) or the Microsoft Outlook web browser at Outlook (office.com). This shift will provide you with a consistent and user-friendly interface, ensuring that your emails are always within reach, no matter where you are.

In addition to ease of access, Microsoft Office 365 Cloud offers several key benefits:

Enhanced Security: Features like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), encryption, and regular security updates keep your communications and data safe from unauthorised access and cyber threats.
Anywhere, Anytime Access: Microsoft Outlook allows you to stay connected and productive from any location, whether you’re in the office, at home, or on the go.
Integrated Collaboration Tools: Seamless integration with other Microsoft Office 365 applications like Word, Excel, and Teams makes collaboration easier and more efficient.
Automatic Updates: As a cloud-based service, Microsoft Office 365 receives regular updates without downtime or manual installations, ensuring you always have access to the latest tools.

We are confident that this move to Microsoft Office 365 Cloud will greatly enhance your experience and offer you robust security features that protect both your data and our organisation.

The previous system has suffered several security incidents and outages over the years. This has resulted on the reputation of the methodist.org.uk domain being flagged as a threat and been placed on a threat list, and consequently partner organisations started to block emails coming from this domain. The best option to remediate this situation was to move to a platform that has proactive cyber security which is continuously maintained and monitored. In addition, the M365 offering adds further value to us by not only providing a safe and secure email system but also expanding the tool sets by providing a collection of applications (Teams, OneDrive, Word, Excel, etc.) which is a better way for Ministers to collaborate, safe in the knowledge that all communications are stored and managed within a protected methodist.org.uk system.

• Strong Security: Microsoft 365 (M365) ensures your data is protected with robust security measures, including Multi-Factor Authentication, making it highly compatible with Apple’s security standards.

• Seamless Compatibility: M365 apps like Word and Excel work well on iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

• Easy Setup: Simple setup for both personal and work Apple devices.

• Mobile Access: Use M365 apps on iPhones and iPads for on-the-go productivity.

• Integration: Takes advantage of Apple features for easy login and use.

• User-Friendly: Familiar and intuitive apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Regular Updates: Frequent updates ensure compatibility with the latest Apple software.

• Support Resources: Extensive support through tutorials, customer service, and community forums.

Nick Kouloumbris
Head of IT | The Connexional Team