JISC

An important way that JISC supports projects is by holding programme meetingsThe purpose of programme meetings is to:

• Inform  Brief projects about the programme and show how their work and results fit in
• Network  Encourage communication and networking within and across programmes
• Share results  Allow projects to share their results and experience within and across programmes
• Guidance  Give practical advice on important topics like evaluation, quality planning, dissemination, and sustainability
• Impact  Explore how to maximise success within the community

Bi-annual programme meetings

Meetings will provide guidance and support, and the opportunity to network with colleagues working on similar topics and issues Typically each programme holds two large programme meetings per year, and attendance is mandatory. A typical programme meeting would be spread over two days, and the topics covered would vary depending on the stage in the programme’s lifecycle. 

• Kick-off meeting  The first programme meeting might cover topics like the purpose of the programme, context in JISC innovation strategy, governance, reporting, project management, project planning, etc.
• Update meeting  Subsequent meetings may cover progress-to-date with projects giving presentations or demos on their work. The purpose would be to share results and knowledge.
• Themed meeting  All or part of a meeting may focus on a topic of interest (e.g. dissemination, evaluation, or standards). For example, an expert involved in evaluation at programme-level might give guidance on how to perform evaluation at project-level.
• End of programme meeting  Typically the last programme meeting focuses on synthesis of results across the programme and impacts on the community.

Other events

Each programme may also hold smaller events for project staff. The programme might hold a practical workshop on evaluation or standards. Occasionally JISC holds a one-off cross-programme workshop on topics like intellectual property rights or sustainability planning.

The programme manager may also recommend that you participate in other JISC-sponsored activities. These will vary with the programme. For example, in projects related to learning and teaching, technical staff should participate in one of the CETIS special interest groups (SIGs), and the project manager and/or director should plan to attend the Association for Learning Technology annual conference.

One-to-One meetings

The programme manager will also meet with you individually, to get to know the project staff, discuss plans and progress in detail, and discuss any problems and issues. The programme manager might plan to visit each project once per year, but this will vary from programme to programme. You might consider inviting the programme manager for a visit when you have something new to demonstrate or when you would particularly like some feedback on work.

Time commitment

Institutions preparing bids must allow staff time to attend programme meetings. A 2 year project employing 6 FTEs might allow 10 person-days per year for programme meetings and other JISC-sponsored events:

• Bi-annual programme meetings 2-day meetings (mandatory)
• Cluster meetings, topic-oriented meetings, workshops
• Site visits (visits from the programme manager)
• JISC CETIS Special Interest Groups or other relevant meeting

You should also consider that time will be needed to prepare for meetings (e.g. where the project is presenting a presentation or briefing documents are circulated in advance).

For the bi-annual programme meetings, typically the project director, project manager, relevant JISC development services, relevant JISC advisory services and institutional representatives would attend. For other meetings, relevant staff would attend depending on the topic. At the start of the project, the programme manager can provide more details about the number and nature of meetings likely to be held, which staff should attend, and a more precise estimate of person-days to include in the project plan.