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
Maintenance and development of corporate Intranet
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
