JISC

You will work closely with the programme manager, so it’s important to understand their role Within the Innovation Group, programme managers and programme directors work together to plan strategic new development programmes, develop strategies for implementation, and ensure that programme outcomes are achieved and the outputs where applicable are sustainable and taken up by the wider community. 

Programme manager's role is to:

• facilitate a supportive and cooperative environment for projects
• manage JISC programmes from launch to closedown
• provide a framework for quality planning and evaluation, dissemination, and sustainability at programme level, and guide projects in developing plans in these areas
• provide guidance and support for projects within the programme
• coordinate the work of projects within the programme and across other programmes
• arrange programme meetings and other events to brief projects and share their results
• monitor the performance of projects through progress reports, site visits, etc
• ensure that project deliverables and core project documents are submitted on time and manage the acceptance process
• collate the learning of projects together with formative programme evaluation so that the progress and impact of the programmes can be monitored and ‘steered' dynamically

The relationship between you and the programme manager is one of mutual support and encouragement, to get the best value from the funding given to the JISC community.

What programme managers expect of projects

• Abide by the letter of grant, the JISC Terms and Conditions, and the Project Management guidelines
• Put in place robust project management procedures and use them to manage the project effectively
• Write a project plan that clearly indicates how the project will achieve its objectives (using the templates provided)
• Submit project deliverables and core project documents on time and ensure they meet quality expectations and acceptance criteria
• Keep the programme manager informed, especially about changes (e.g. changes to plan, changes in staffing, or any delays foreseen)
• Report problems and issues early - the programme manager can help prevent small problems becoming large ones
• Provide timely formative feedback on ‘how well things are going’, what the project is learning from the experience, and how the project or programme could be improved
• Attend programme meetings and other events indicated by the programme manager

What projects can expect of the programme manager

• Clear communication No penalties for learning as you go along or for the failure of well-planned and executed initiatives
• Quick response to queries
• A promise to resolve problems/issues as soon as possible
• Feedback on project plans and reports
• A framework for quality planning and evaluation, dissemination, and sustainability at programme level
• Help in changing strategy/tactics as required by changes in the environment or learning within the project or programme