About IT Services
Director: Jed WoodhouseAssistant Director: Trevor Cornwell
IT Services is responsible for the provision, maintenance and development of a wide range of computing facilities for the staff and students of Northumbria.
- University core systems and servers including the administrative systems, enterprise-wide messaging service and Web servers
- High-speed campus-wide network and links to the external network provided by JANET
- Desktop computing and local systems support
- Telephone system and voice mail systems
- Co-ordination of IT-related projects around the University
There are eight main areas of work with individual teams responsible for particular aspects.
Customer Service
Infrastructure
LTech
Northumbria Graphics
Projects
Software Solutions
Technical Services
Web Team
Customer Service
Customer Service Manager: Debbie Figgis
Operates the helpline for all queries regarding IT Services activities, providing first line support and effective escalation and follow-up for queries requiring assistance from specialist teams.
Customer Service is also responsible for providing general help, information and guidance about IT facilities and IT use, and for monitoring customer satisfaction and the quality of the services delivered. This section also provides administrative support for the department.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure Manager: Ray Jenkins
Core Systems Support team are responsible for maintaining the University's central servers. This includes back-ups, upgrades and patches and service enhancements. They are also responsible for the University email system, Web servers, Citrix infrastructure and network file storage.
Networks & Telecoms team are responsible for maintaining and developing the University's core network and telecoms infrastructure. This includes development and enhancements to the University's network backbone and monitoring network performance. They are also responsible for running the University's telephone system.
IT Security and Contingency is also a part of the Infrastructure, providing a departmental point to handle all security issues.
LTech
Head of LTech: Chris Turnock
LTech offer a single point of contact to assist staff in the use of technology to enhance the student learning experience. Services include assistance in the use of various technologies for both online activity, eg the eLearning Portal, PebblePad, and Turnitin, as well as classroom activity, eg Smartboards; TurningPoint. Plus help in creating online content; staff training in using various IT programmes; maintenance and development of the eLearning Portal, as well as exploring potential use of new technologies.
Northumbria Graphics
Manager: Kerry Veitch
Offering a distinctive individual design and print service not only to University students and staff but also to a wide variety of outside clients. Services include:
- Design Studio
- Digital and Litho Printing
- Print finishing and binding services
- Cost effective photocopying service
- Stationery supply
- University-wide PIN operated photocopying
Projects
The team of project managers supervises enterprise wide IT projects on behalf of the University using Prince 2 methodology. The team also provides project management expertise to non-IT projects within the University and occasionally national HE IT projects.
Software Solutions
Software Solutions Manager: Sandy Erskine
This area is responsible for the development and maintenance of software applications. This includes the University's core administrative IT systems such as the Student Administration System; SITS; SAP; Payroll System and Oracle HRMS.
Technical Services
Technical Support Delivery Manager: Joe Evans
Geographically based specialist teams provide support for:
- desktop computing including staff desktops, IT labs and open access areas
- locally based systems and servers including a streaming media service
- student printing service in IT labs and wireless printing in other areas
- audio visual facilities in all classrooms, lecture theatres and meeting rooms
Staff from these teams are regularly involved in local IT developments as well as University-wide projects.
Web Team
Web Team Manager: Nigel Bradley
The University Web Development Team provides dedicated support to the University's website. The team can provide University staff with expert advice on all aspects of web design and editorial content. They can advise specifically on:
- corporate identity and its application to the web
- editorial content
- linkage and navigation issues
- server advice
- plus any other content management issues



