Jisc is proud to have once again sponsored the ColegauCymru Conference in 2024. As the UK’s vital sector partner for digital and data in tertiary education, we work alongside Welsh Government to develop and deliver the Digital 2030: Strategic Framework, supporting Welsh colleges with the challenges of emerging technologies and the associated opportunities.
With the recent introduction of the newly formed Medr, we’re excited to be part of the creation of an inclusive, innovative and sustainable tertiary system closely aligned with Wales’ economic and societal needs. Jisc’s digital solutions and expertise in data are pivotal in realising these objectives, en
hancing learner experiences, increasing participation and facilitating seamless transitions across tertiary education.
Our Priorities for Wales
Jisc is dedicated to enhancing digital infrastructure, ensuring robust cybersecurity, and promoting the innovative use of data. In my first nine months at Jisc it’s been fantastic to meet members and stakeholders across the nation, which has helped shape our priorities for 2024/25, summarised below:
- Seamless support for the transition to Medr
Jisc is here to support a smooth transition to tertiary education, advocating for sector needs, highlighting opportunities for digital transformation and providing strategic advisory services for our members and Medr.
- Strengthening stakeholder collaborations
Our goal is to deepen collaborations with stakeholders like ColegauCymru, Universities Wales, NTfW and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, helping the tertiary education sector develop greater inter-institutional cohesion, and foster a collective voice and approach.
- Enhancing sector body connections
We’re strengthening ties with IT and library groups to enhance the use of technology in education. This includes advancing projects that maximise sector impact, leveraging AI and being a convener of the tertiary sector.
- Increasing awareness and engagement with Jisc
Amplifying awareness of Jisc’s services is crucial. We know not all our members are effectively using the advice, guidance, products and services available to them through their Jisc membership. We’re rolling out a robust communications plan to ensure that more educational and research institutions understand and utilise our products and services to enhance their capabilities.
- Project activity with measurable Impact
We are committed to delivering Medr-funded projects that set benchmarks for best practice which can be scaled across the tertiary sectors. Our projects will be designed to meet the evolving digital and data needs of tertiary education, ensuring they deliver value and impact.
Addressin
g the Challenges
The tertiary sector faces challenges such as rapid technological changes and financial constraints. Jisc aims to directly tackle these issues by enhancing digital accessibility, supporting data-driven decisions, and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place. We are excited to explore the opportunities around brokering tertiary sector wide deals to save our members money. In 2021/22, our licensing team saved the UK education sector £500m and we are keen to continue these savings.
A focus on sustainability
At this year’s ColegauCymru Conference, Jisc sustainability specialist, Cal Innes, outlined the challenges and opportunities of digital sustainability in tertiary education.
Contributing to a sustainable economy is highlighted as a key part of Medr’s growth commitments as outlined in its strategic plan. Cal’s session had a clear focus on the importance of taking an environmental approach to the procurement, use, disposal and development of digital products, services and data.
Jisc members are increasingly asking us for guidance on addressing the environmental impact of their information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and digital activities, and it’s great to see digital sustainability being focused on as a priority across institutions.
Back in May 2024 we launched our first digital sustainability in tertiary education report which found that respondents identified staff and student use of IT as the top perceived challenge to digital sustainability within their institution, highlighting a need for greater knowledge around sustainable practices.
Development of sustainable policies for key stages of the IT product lifecycle was also outlined as the top action institutions could take to support digital sustainability. Through advice and guidance around best practice, this is one of the many ways we are supporting our members to improve their processes, and make not only environmental gains, but also boost efficiency and make financial savings.
Conclusion
We are excited about the opportunity to play a role in transforming tertiary education in Wales and supporting the achievement of Medr’s strategic goals.
Further Information 
Contact your Jisc relationship manager for more information on how to get involved.
Rhys Daniels
Director for Jisc in Wales
