Strategy and policies
Ensuring good practice and compliance when using IT in the University
As the University's primary digital service provider, IT Services develops, contributes to and implements the policies and strategies relating to digital services across the University. Governance of these digital services and activities is delivered by the Digital Governance Unit (DGU) – a separate body as of September 2025.
Strategy
IT Services works with partners in the divisions, departments and colleges to ensure the successful implementation of University strategy. The University is currently consulting on a draft Strategic Plan for 2025-30. The IT Strategic Plan (2018-2024) will soon be refreshed to align with outcomes of that consultation. In the meantime it sets out the University’s intentions to support staff and students across the institution, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to realise the maximum benefit from IT – whether in research, teaching and learning or administration.
Policies and guidelines
Everyone who uses the University's IT facilities – staff, students and visitors – must follow the IT regulations and policies (also known as IT Regs or IT Rules). The IT Regulations give guidance on the use of IT, together with rules and policy statements on specific issues (such as data protection, cloud services or social media) and compliance with external legal requirements.
Other policies, standards, procedures and guidelines have been created to help with compliance with the IT Regulations.
Digital governance
Leaders on digital strategy and policy from across the University meet as the Information and Digital Committee (IDC) to ensure effective delivery of the digital services needed to support a world-leading research University.
The IDC reports to Council, the University’s main policy-making body. It is supported by Portfolio Committees that oversee the services within a key area (‘digital portfolio’) of activity. The University’s five digital portfolios span Research, Education, Administration, Engagement & Dissemination, and Technology.
The Digital Governance Unit (DGU) is responsible for supporting the governance of digital services and activity across the digital portfolios. Along with IT Services, the DGU reports to the Chief Digital & Information Officer (CDIO).
