JISC in transition
In September 2010, HEFCE, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, commissioned an independent review of JISC [further background information]. One of the principal findings of the review was that there is no comparable body to JISC within the UK, and internationally its reputation is outstanding as a strategic leader and partner. The review concluded that ‘JISC is an invaluable national resource which has evolved in response to increasing demands over 20 years’.
If you would like to receive a termly update on JISC’s transition activities email jisctransition@jisc.ac.uk
The review recommends that due to the breadth and complexity of JISC’s activity, its structure, processes, projects, programmes and governance need to be simplified and reshaped. This will ensure that it maintains its excellent reputation and will be able to build upon its world-class leadership in the innovative use of technology to support education, research and institutional effectiveness.
By the Autumn of 2012 JISC will have transitioned into a new, more dynamic organisation. However, this new JISC will still have the same clear vision of easy and widespread access to information and resources, anytime, anywhere, with technology and information management at the heart of research and education.
If you would like further information on the review and to read the full review document, please visit the background page, where you can also submit comments on the review and read a Q&A.
The transition group's report 'Reshaping JISC for the Future' was published in February 2012.
Download the report (Word doc).
Taking the review forward
A transition group has been established to start investigating the areas and recommendations of the Review. The Group is being chaired by Professor David Baker, Deputy Chair of JISC.
For progress of the group and details on how work is being taken forward from the Review click here.
Four pieces of work have been commissioned to help inform the transition process and to assist the Transition Group in making recommendations to JISC’s Board and funding bodies for their consideration in late January 2012.
You can read the executive summaries of the reports below:
Timeline for JISC’s transition
2012
January: Phase 2 report will be received from Strand A which brings together Strands B and C, and market intelligence research. This report will recommend which is the most suitable form of entity for JISC to transition into from the options described in November.
January: The Transition Group will put their recommendations paper to JISC Board, JISC Shadow Board and Steering Committee
Feb-April: Strand A consultants will continue to consider implementation issues associated with the preferred option
Feb-April: Funders consider the transition group's 'Reshaping JISC for the Future' report (see above)
April: Consultants from Strand A will deliver their report on the implementation aspect of the work
Autumn: Establish JISC as a new legal entity (i.e. set up a company/charity status depending on the recommendations of the reports)
2011
November: Final reports will be received from the consultants who have been commissioned to consider JISC’s future governance and structure models (strand A) as well as their review of JANET(UK) (strand C). These reports will be presented to JISC’s Transition Group in November.