Digital infrastructure

Jisc 

We provide funding to Jisc, the UK higher and further education sectors’ not-for-profit organisation for digital services and solutions.

Jisc operates shared digital infrastructure and services, negotiates sector-wide deals with IT vendors and commercial publishers and provides trusted advice and practical assistance for universities, colleges and learning providers.

The SFC-Jisc Outcome Agreement AY 2022-23 [PDF] sets out its contribution to our strategic objectives. Jisc has submitted its Report on Jisc SFC Outcome Agreement 2021-22 [PDF].

Janet

Through our funding for Jisc, we are a key funding partner for the Janet network. Janet provides reliable and secure connectivity and services which support innovative learning and teaching within further and higher education, underpins collaborations with research partners and enables business efficiencies. This includes funding for the Janet6 network and access programme in Scotland. The network infrastructure is regularly upgraded for capacity and improved functionality.

SWAN

We support the development of the Scottish Wide Area Network (SWAN). This Scottish Government initiative aims to create a single network for public sector organisations. It achieves efficiencies through combined procurement, promoting collaboration and shared public services through a shared platform and common standards. SWAN will play a key role in providing institutions with local network connectivity in the future.

ICT Strategy

The Further and Higher Education ICT Strategy [PDF] was produced in response to the publication of the Scottish Government’s Digital Public Services Strategy and the McClelland Review of public sector ICT. The strategy sets out how efficiencies in ICT will be realised through greater collaboration by colleges and universities, and notes the particular contribution of Jisc to this.