August 2023 - Realising our digital ambitions

Spotlight on: Jenny Rae, Chief Information Officer

31 August 2023

I’ve recently been appointed the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO). In this role, I lead the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Division at Imperial and I am responsible for all aspects of Imperial’s Technology Strategy which will support the organisation to realise its digital ambitions.

“My passion is in bringing product management practices to IT departments, with the goal of delivering business value through technology.”

How did I get here?

My passion is in bringing product management practices to IT departments, with the goal of delivering business value through technology, and that is why I joined Imperial in January 2022 in my first role in Higher Education (HE) as the Director of Digital Products.

Prior to this, I spent a large part of my career in the telecoms industry working for Vodafone, BT and OneWeb in a variety of product management and business transformation roles. I have fifteen years’ experience in product management and business transformation, and have worked for FTSE companies in senior positions, but I also have experience working in the start-up world, which has given me a greater understanding of differing organisational structures, values and their customers’ needs.

“Spend time understanding the organisation you are in and how it operates, this will help you to change the role of IT in the organisation and build relationships in teams outside of your own.”

I studied a Business and Operations Management degree at Oxford Brookes and have an MBA in Business Administration from Henley Business School – this gave me the knowledge to put into practice in my career, but I am always continuing to learn.

My future aspirations

I want to create amazing experiences for our Imperial students and staff, delivering this through cross-functional empowered teams who are all working towards the same vision.

My advice

You should focus on outcomes rather than output. Technology isn’t a standalone activity; it can transform an organisation when it is used to achieve an outcome.

Spend time understanding the organisation you are in and how it operates, this will help you to change the role of IT in the organisation and build relationships in teams outside of your own.

Bonus Material

https://www.everywoman.com/tech-hub/on-demand-webinar-why-universities-are-the-best-place-for-continious-learning-skill-development-and-strategic-planning/

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the lookout for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Spotlight on: Gemma Seabrook, Information Insight Team Lead

Liz Scholfield

25 August 2023

I lead the Information Insight team and we are responsible for managing the universities business intelligence product – Power BI.

I joined Imperial’s ICT division shortly after Power BI was released, and since then, I have seen significant change in the analytics space, moving away from a small central team of programmers to an ‘analytics for all’ approach. This has empowered Imperial staff to produce the analytics they need, when they need it. The key focus for our team is to enbable people, who may have a varied range of analytics experience, to make the best use of the tools we offer.

“Don’t be afraid to give something a go. Even if you fail, you will learn from it. Often, we learn more from breaking things (in a safe development environment of course!) than from getting them right.”

How did I get here?

For someone who holds degrees in cultural studies I came to analytics through an unusual career route! A summer job in a space planning role at a major supermarket taught me a range of skills with spreadsheets that I put into good, and enthusiastic use, when I set out on my career in higher education. My passion for this type of work soon turned into colleagues saying, ‘Gemma likes spreadsheets, let’s give her this data task’, and this became my primary role. From there on I worked with various datasets including; university data, surveys, and longitudinal studies. I started combining data and project management work, and then progressed to enjoy working in business analysis.

My future aspirations

I believe strongly that the right technologies can enable people to achieve their goals, and this is a key focus for me. Data is key to making informed decisions at every level of the business, and this scale of need will lead to more people wanting to do even more with data. I want to provide an analytics product that will help people achieve that, while also putting in place structures and guidelines that will help keep that data, and the people analysing it safe.

“Find a working environment that respects and enables you.”

My advice

Follow your passions. The more you enjoy your work, the better you will be at it.

Find a working environment that respects and enables you.

Don’t be afraid to give something a go. Even if you fail, you will learn from it. Often, we learn more from breaking things (in a safe development environment of course!) than from getting them right.

Instead of fearing change, make it an opportunity for you to get where you want to go.

Bonus Material

Find out more about Gemma’s career journey on our everywoman in Tech webinar blog post – You should never be the one to tell yourself no!

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Spotlight on: Michele Barritt, Head of HR and Finance Product Line

Liz Scholfield

18 August 2023

As Head of the HR and Finance Product Line, I am responsible for establishing a clear vision for each product in my portfolio, developing strategy and roadmaps for each product and working in partnership with key business stakeholders from the Human Resources (HR), Finance and Research Administration teams.

I am responsible for the end-to-end delivery of products within my product line. It is equally important when developing or implementing new products I ensure that they meet users’ requirements.

I collaborate with staff support networks across Imperial to ensure the products we deliver are inclusive to everyone.

I also have to manage resources and financial budgets to ensure that we have the right team in place to support the product lifecycle.

“If you invest in people then they will invest in you. Respect the unique worth of every individual.”

How did I get here?

I am currently Head of HR and Finance Product Line and I have been at Imperial for four years already! It’s exciting to be working with teams on a business transformation programme, working to transform business areas that I support.

I think Imperial is a great place to work because I thrive on working in partnerships with colleagues from all over the organisation.

I joined at the beginning of May 2019 as the Team Lead for System Solutions in ICT responsible for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, before progressing into my current role.

My career started out in HR in the charity sector, but this organically grew into a role in technology when the IT Director appointed me to manage the entire Oracle estate after managing a succesful implementation project. I was responsible for bringing on new products such as self-service and recruitment.

As part of my personal development, I completed numerous Oracle training programmes during this time, and I obtained the NVQ4 and 5 qualifications in Management.

I also hold an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) qualification and I am a member of the Chartered Institute for People Development (CIPD).

My future aspirations

I am motivated to continue my career in digital and technology, in roles that contribute to making a positive difference, add value and let me grow as an individual.

I want to continue to champion the Imperial Values, and to be an ally to Imperial’s LGBTQ+, disability and BAME community and staff support networks, as well as other staff groups and forums.

I will continue to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as promote attracting females into technology, and be a peoples champion.

“Respect the unique worth of every individual.”

My advice

The world of tech is exciting and has great opportunities.

If you invest in people then they will invest in you. Respect the unique worth of every individual.

Don’t be afraid of asking questions or of those that ask questions of you and want to learn from you. You are never too old to learn and grow.

Inspire and be inspired. Lead by example, collaborate and inspire.

Problems are challenges and there is always an answer!

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Under the Banner of collaboration

Liz Scholfield

17 August 2023

ICT’s Student Lifecycle Administration Product Line, led by Adrian Thomas have been collaborating closely with Registry to make improvements to the Banner Student System.

“Collaborative working between Registry and ICT benefits from complimentary experience and expertise, which enables us to get the requirements right, and communicate effectively between ICT and end users.” Eleanor Grant, Senior Systems Officer, Registry

What is Banner?

Banner is used to manage the information of our student applicants and student administration.

Together, ICT and Registry have been testing and getting feedback from our Banner users on some fantastic improvements to the Student Records Management application and Banner Student Enquiry Form.

The Banner Student Enquiry form is a bespoke form pulling together vital information regarding a student’s programme so that department administrators, senior tutors, Registry and others can easily view information around specific students in one place, such as:

Student person details
Programme and programme status
Student record information including year of programme, level, faculty and department
Progression information
Interruption of studies
Modules
Degree outcomes
Research information including milestones, supervisors and thesis title

Making improvements that work for all

Learning and teaching staff from the faculties have been supporting the testing and feedback to help identify issues with some incorrect content and the challenges relating to accessing the form on Apple Mac devices.

This collaboration between the Student Lifecycle team, with Registry and faculty staff to identify, understand and resolve issues means that now Mac users get the same experience as Windows users.

Registry’s Senior Systems Officer, Eleanor Grant, was integral to the project as a subject matter expert and dedicated to ensuring improvements were fit-for-purpose.

Eleanor said, “Registry (Student Administration) discussed feedback from university users on the Banner Student Enquiry Form with ICT, and teams worked together to deliver a solution. Collaborative working between Registry and ICT benefits from complimentary experience and expertise, which enables us to get the requirements right, and communicate effectively between ICT and end users. Registry and ICT work together in this way to deliver fixes and improvements across the Student Lifecycle Product Line.”

“It was great to see our digital ambitions and agile methodology in action, with the Student Lifecycle product line teams working together with Registry, faculty staff and suppliers to make iterative changes to ensure a better user experience. I look forward to continuous development and improvement for this and many of our student lifecycle products”. Adrian Thomas.

Find out more about Banner Student System

Staff can access Banner through My Imperial.

You can find out more about the Banner Student System. or get training on the Student Records Management web page.

Further support

If you want to support or feedback on Banner and other Student Lifecycle applications, please contact our Student Lifecycle Team.

If you have any technical issues, please contact the ICT Service Desk.

Spotlight on Bouquette Kabatepe, Digital Accessibility Officer

Liz Scholfield

11 August 2023

In an increasingly digital world ensuring accessibility for all is paramount. Throughout my career I have been dedicated to championing accessibility, digital or otherwise, and fostering an inclusive environment. As the Digital Accessibility Officer, in ICT here at Imperial, it is my job to coordinate efforts to ensure accessibility compliance and promote inclusivity in both digital and physical spaces.

“You don’t need to be perfect, or excellent to be able to improve someone’s experience. You just need to care.”

Since February 2020, I have been entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating our digital accessibility compliance efforts. Reporting to the Head of Governance in ICT, my role involves policy and risk management, raising accessibility awareness, digital accessibility compliance approvals, stakeholder engagement, and providing advice and support on accessibility compliance.

By engaging with high-level decision-makers, including; Digital Teams across the university, ICT product line teams, student support services and teaching technology staff, I have been able to work towards embedding the best practices in inclusive digital design throughout the institution.

How did I get here?

I have lived and worked in four different countries, in a variety of roles from account management to leading high-octane sales teams. I have also worked in project management and mid to top management roles for non-governmental organisations and campaigning.

My future aspirations

There is nothing more motivating and fulfilling for me than my current role as Digital Accessibility Officer. I truly wake up every day with a huge drive to continue working towards creating a more accessible environment for all.

You don’t need to be perfect, or excellent to be able to improve someone’s experience. You just need to care. Smallest improvements may help users immensely.

My advice

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join me in our efforts of making Imperial’s digital presence accessible for all needs. Not because we have to, but because we care.

Bonus material

You can contact Bouquette to discuss digital accessibility or find out what support is available at Imperial:

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Spotlight on: Tania Bozinovska, Network Infrastructure Lead

Liz Scholfield

3 August 2023

As the Network Infrastructure Lead, I am responsible for the physical network infrastructure – overseeing both wired and wireless connectivity across all Imperial campuses. My primary responsibility is to ensure that the university infrastructure is well-designed to meet its evolving needs in the long term.

“The brilliant support from my colleagues and the nurturing and collaborative culture at Imperial have been instrumental in propelling me to where I am today.”

How did I get here?

I arrived in the UK at 18 with the goal of learning English, which it turns out is a lifelong pursuit😊

I studied Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and began my career in the telecoms industry, where I initially worked as a Network Planning Engineer.

Later, I joined NTT Communications (a private telecommunications company) and entered the world of data centres, where I managed colocation sites across Europe.

After taking a short career break to have kids, I then ventured into uncharted territory and established my own café and catering business. What began as a “lifestyle” venture to fit in with the family, soon grew into a successful operation, which I eventually sold.

I always had the intention to go back to the tech industry and continue with my career once my children were more independent, and that is how I moved over to Imperial nine years ago.

When I first joined the Network Infrastructure Team, I encountered a steep learning curve and the challenge of balancing work and my ever-growing family commitments. However, the brilliant support from my colleagues and the nurturing and collaborative culture at Imperial have been instrumental in propelling me to where I am today!

My future aspirations

I am excited to be involved in implementing the next-generation Wi-Fi connectivity at Imperial, which is crucial for the development of a cutting-edge digital campus.

My aspirations revolve around leveraging technology to enrich education and foster a seamless connectivity experience across the university for both students and staff.

My advice

“With determination and the right support, you can achieve your goals in the tech industry.”

Embrace challenges and be open to new opportunities, even if they seem unfamiliar.

Surround yourself with supportive colleagues and employers who believe in your potential.

Your confidence may waver, but with determination and the right support, you can achieve your goals in the tech industry.

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.