The Corporate Information Systems Unit was created following a restructuring of the Corporate ICT Unit in June 2004. Corporate IS is responsible for the development and support of corporate information systems and technologies in Headquarters and all Board outcentres. This includes the corporate network and telecommunications system, computer hardware and software, as well as information systems such as Payroll, Personnel and Equal Opportunities, Capita Pupil Services and other Education Management System modules, Transport, School Meals, Student Awards and Registry. In addition, the Unit provides guidance and support in information management and compliance with Freedom of Information and Data Protection legislation.

The Corporate Information Systems Unit is committed to the provision of efficient and effective information systems and technologies to enable the Board to achieve its corporate objectives and to implement e-government targets in selected services as prioritised in the NIELB e-Business Strategy.

The Unit is led by the Corporate IS Manager, and responsibilities are shared across four teams, each with a team leader/ unit manager, as described below. The current staffing of the Unit is provided below.

Office Support Team

• Specification and ordering of hardware and software
• Installation and configuration of desktop hardware and software
• First line support for office systems, applications software and hardware
• Provision of email and desktop security services
• Provision of a Helpdesk service to SELB staff
• Provision of user training for desktop application software
• Mail server hardware and software support including user account maintenance
• Mail filtering server hardware and software support
• Secure disposal of redundant IT equipment

Networks and Communications Team

• SELB network cabling, servers and security
• Interfaces with external public sector and private networks
• Secure Internet communications
• Data communications links between Headquarters and outcentres
• Maintenance and development of corporate Internet websites
• Support and development of corporate telecommunications system

Applications Development and Support Team

• Support and development of the Northgate Payroll and Human Resources system
• Support and development of Northgate information systems such as Free meals / Grants and Benefits, Grounds maintenance, LMS, Legal, School Meals and Registry
• Ongoing hardware and software support to all Northgate users
• Provision of operational services such as cheque and timesheet runs and BACS transfers
• Support and development of Capita Education Management System server and database modules
• Integration and development of corporate databases and applications

Information Management Team

• Procedures for Freedom of Information and Data Protection
• Training and awareness in FOI and DP for Board staff and schools
• Handling and tracking of FOI and DP requests
• Development of document and records management policies and procedures
• Training and awareness in records management for Board staff
• Provision of training and guidance on Information Security
• Provision of Helpdesk support on FOI, DP and records management to Board staff and schools
• Maintenance and development of the corporate Registry file system
• Maintenance and development of corporate Intranet