Matt Calhoun

• Manage the day to day operations of the Trust School networks.
• To take responsibility for the solution and management of complex problems
• Manage the IT teams to ensure a professional, efficient and effective support service for staff and pupils.
• To implement and maintain an electronic database of all ICT support requests.
• Maintain an electronic inventory of all IT hardware and software, identifying those items that form a part of the asset register and liaising with the Financial Controller and accountants accordingly.
• Ensure all IT users have the correct access rights and accounts are regularly reviewed.
• Manage the maintenance of ICT resources (hardware and software) of the DET.
• Manage the accurate production of network documentation of the network resources (hardware and software) and inventories and the Fixed Asset Register.
• To manage all system updates, including SIMS, recognising the flexibility required and need to run some updates after hours or at weekends.
• Manage, maintain and develop the school’s broadband internet access and email system.
• To maintain a working overview of SIMS (the school’s MIS).
• Supervise the provision of technical advice to all staff.
• Advise the Trust CEO and school SLT's on opportunities to improve existing systems.
• Prepare and manage the IT budget for each school within the Trust, reporting any variances to the Financial Controller/HoF.
• To ensure disaster recovery procedures are in place and regularly tested.
• Ensure back up procedures are robust and comply with the Discovery Educational Trust financial regulations.
• To maintain the Trust’s website and to update on a regular basis.
• To research and set up schemes to recycle paper and other consumables
• To oversee the appropriate disposal of equipment and consumables

IT Procurement

• Ensure procurement of all hardware and software follow best value principles and is subject to a comprehensive evaluation.
• Maintain existing relations with ICT suppliers and partners
• Advise on purchasing and undertake negotiation of hardware and support contracts.
• Ensure all purchases adhere to the Trust Financial Regulations and, where necessary, the Academies Financial Handbook
• Advise the Trust CEO, HoF and Senior Leadership Teams with regards to computer equipment and internet connectivity made available to schools via government /DfE initiatives. Assist in the preparation of bids and subsequent receipt, configuration and distribution of equipment.

Remote Access

• Manage, maintain and develop the school’s remote learning facilities.
• Develop and support the use of video conferencing technology (Zoom and Teams) for remote teaching, student support and staff and governance meetings
• Support and implement new initiatives, for example, schoolcloud for remote parents’ evenings

Data Protection

• Raise risk assessment awareness for safe working practice in ICT.
• Control and implement the school’s security policies in respect of all software/hardware and ensure the security and integrity of the network, licensing and copyright requirements.
• Work with Headteachers to investigate any data breach and arranging periodic penetration testing.
• Working with the HoF to ensure compliance with DPO requirements and assist in the preparation for DPO audit visits.
• Ensure a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is completed for all new software and the necessary privacy notices obtained.

Staff Development

• Manage staff appraisal and monitoring of performance.
• Be prepared to attend training courses and identify training needs of staff.
• Provide technical advice, as needed, to IT teams and other staff across the Trust.

Reprographics

• To undertake the regular review of reprographic needs (centrally, in departments, and in offices) to manage costs, react to new technologies and improve services.
• To propose expenditure; discuss funding; negotiate with suppliers; set up tendering procedures (where necessary) and place orders
• To recognise the impact of lease/buy decisions on the budget and discuss with the Trust CEO and HoF
• To oversee the installation, implementation, training and maintenance of reprographics equipment

Telephony

• To undertake the regular review of telephony needs, to manage costs, react to new technologies and improve services.
• To propose expenditure; discuss funding; negotiate with suppliers; set up tendering procedures (where necessary) and place orders
• To recognise the impact of lease/buy decisions on the budget and discuss with the Trust CEO and HoF
• To oversee the installation, implementation, training and maintenance of telephony equipment

Work with the Executive Headteacher and Head of Finance

• Assist with providing strategic support and direction.
• Raise the profile of ICT in the school.
• Advise on school requirements, upgrades and new technologies and their application.
• Supervise projects as required by the HoF including working with contractors and consultants.
• Develop and facilitate a better teaching and learning environment.
• Contribute to delivery of whole staff training.
• To participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for identification of learning, development and training opportunities in discussion with line manager.

Projects Successfully Managed

• Implementation of Trust wide IT Support helpdesk and knowledge base
• Total restructure of the IT Support staff creating a Trust wide team, recruiting new staff and promoting existing staff where needed.
• Standardisation of all school's Operational budget management.
• Management of all school's networks Penetration Testing.
• Creation of a Trust wide 5-year IT Strategy including budgetary costs successfully agreed by the Trust Board.
• Complete redesign of St Martin's website to reflect new leadership, ethos, and values.
• Set up of Centralised Fixed Asset Management System.
• Deployment of robust Backup solutions to all 3 schools.