Working with programmes: Programme governance
JISC programmes aim to create a supportive and collaborative environment for projects so they feel and become part of the programme and the wider development community spanning all of JISC innovation activity. This approach is beneficial to both the programme (and therefore UK education and research) and also to the host institution, which gains from the knowledge, skills and ideas through engagement with other projects.
JISC aims to create a supportive and collaborative environment for projects JISC programmes are funded by the JISC sub-committees and managed by the Innovation group within the JISC Executive. Each programme typically has an advisory board, a programme director and one or more programme managers. The programme manager looks after a portfolio of projects, working closely with a number of project managers. A project manager is appointed by the project to manage its affairs and is the main link between the project and the programme.
JISC delegates responsibility for its various programmes to its sub-committees. The sub-committees have overall responsibility for the various programmes including funding, steering, policy, and strategy. They carry out this responsibility through members of the JISC Executive.
In some cases, the JISC Executive (in consultation with the relevant sub-committee) agrees to put a programme level advisory board in place. This will be composed of experts and stakeholders in the JISC community and beyond. These boards are responsible for helping the Executive to steer the programme and will send regular reports to the JISC sub-committee via the Executive. If an advisory board is not in place, the Executive is responsible for providing regular reports directly.
Members of a programme advisory board will be experts in the field, and the board will play an important role in steering the programme. The board works closely with the programme manager to oversee programme activities like planning strategies for evaluation, dissemination, and exit/sustainability, and may advise on areas like standards and best practice. They may also advise on synergies within the programme and with external organizations, and play a role in steering the projects in the programme.
The JISC Executive comprises of:
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Policy and Corporate Services Group The secretary of each sub-committee is based in this group
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Innovation Group Oversees the work of innovation programmes and projects; responsible for monitoring projects, ensuring deliverables and timescales are achieved; ensuring programmes and projects are coordinated so they deliver maximum value to the JISC community; responsible for managing programmes, dealing with project issues or problems, and agreeing modest changes to plans or changes in direction.
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Services and Outreach Group
The programme director is responsible for:
- leading activity for a core theme
- directing a number of programmes and initiatives
- working with the relevant JISC sub-committee to ensure programmes are well scoped, resourced and links between programmes are recognised and exploited
- managing a team of programme managers and is ultimately responsible for the programme and accountable to the JISC sub-committee funding the programme
The programme manager provides guidance and support to projects, and coordinates their work within the overall programme. See further information about the programme manager role.
JISC requirement The project must appoint a project manager to manage the project effectively
JISC Infonet provide project management
The project manager is the main link with the programme and is responsible for ensuring the project is well managed and that core project documentation is submitted to JISC on schedule. They have an important role in liaising with other projects, managing stakeholders and working with the project team to deliver the outputs and outcomes of the project. JISC doesn't stipulate any specific project management qualifications (e.g. PRINCE2) or approach but it does recommend some background or training for those who take on this role.
See more background on project management approaches