Introduction

About this guide

My Council Services provides three supported methods for sending emails from the platform. Each option has different setup requirements and considerations.

System Emails (Default)

System emails are sent from a @mycouncilservices.com email address.

• No configuration is required by the Authority.
• This option is suitable for customers who do not require emails to be sent from their own domain.

Authority Domain Sending (DKIM/SPF Configuration Required)

Emails are sent using the Authority’s own domain (for example, @yourcouncil.gov.uk).

This option requires DNS configuration to authorise My Council Services to send emails on your behalf. If these settings are not correctly aligned, DKIM‑related delivery or reputation issues may arise, particularly following changes to mail flow or hosting platforms.

Required DNS Configuration

SPF

Add the My Council Services domain to your SPF record:

include:mycouncilservices.com 
 

DKIM

Create a TXT record with the following details:

DKIM selector: itouchvision

Public key value:

k=rsa; p=MIIBIjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAAOCAQ8AMIIBCgKCAQEAvd8gSuuAgwjVmHJ28RMZqjvSR+TsG0eY2Hfg3jFIvi0BGof2jRl9VB522/NNHGzb1BIHVAR7UfyrUvqxe3nkiuwarE0QnYC1bjORH/BNHP2IxaqKbu0o+aTRmdJH5JpxiSnBzq5Lhi/El1zjJo7rGSKTby56ddqs1mzvzImdQhOAnlznM8dx89VdzNEYinq5aslEKq0Tx/cgPxqZBSobMXiGou2+ETFBXZDfojuWcuuId1Rnel2XrN9Ei0A/k9BmGfX/iE2eNRjcDPo7naqvSdZYISVT53ImhBlwCLSSlUFQumopHI0hg2XTWrBrfKF9p1h3pZzmefvXW0LTkdfb5QIDAQAB;
  

Note:
Any changes to SPF and DKIM records will apply to the Live/Production environment, and to the Demo environment where applicable.

Final Step

Once DNS changes are in place:

• Navigate to Administration > Mail > Templates
• Update the “From” address to the email address you have prepared
• Send test emails to confirm successful delivery and authentication

Microsoft 365 Mailbox Integration (Preferred)

Emails are sent via a delegated Microsoft 365 mailbox using your existing M365 tenant.

This is the preferred method for email delivery as it:

• Avoids DKIM configuration complexity
• Aligns with standard Microsoft 365 mail‑flow controls
• Uses your organisation’s existing email security and compliance policies

Please consult our other guides for more information on Microsoft 365.