Meet the Team
Paul Bedford
Director of IT Services
Paul leads on IT development, security & compliance, and digital strategy for the Trust and academies; shaping the vision for ICT and digital transformation to raise standards in schools with sector-leading technologies.
Dan Goulding
IT Services Manager
Dan leads on the operational management and technical delivery of IT systems across the Trust, and on the IT support services through an online helpdesk and the team of site-based and field technicians.
What We Offer
IT forms an integral part of a school’s infrastructure – academies require fast, reliable and cost-effective IT support which supports teaching and learning. Technology within education is fast-moving, constantly evolving and can be very complex.
WHP offers a range of support in this area, from the development of IT policies and procedures for staff and students, to wholesale implementation of IT systems and organisational IT strategies. With a vast network of contacts in the IT education sector, our team keeps up to date with changes in technology to ensure the aspirational needs of education leaders are met, whilst maintaining value for money.
Additionally, the team support communication strategies for academies and the Trust, to maintain clear and engaging online identities through use of social media and websites, to support effective and positive parental communication, and to maximise engagement within local communities through positive news and promotional materials. Please feel free to contact us.
Provision of an onsite IT Technician for a minimum of half a day per week to assist with the installation and maintenance of IT estate. Academies also have access to remote support from the Trust IT Team that connect with the academy following an email or phone call to the IT Helpdesk.
In the event of a serious failure support is on-site in no more than 4 hours (during the school day).
- Advice, support and guidance on the procurement and provision of new hardware such as laptops, desktop PCs, tablets and servers.
- Opportunities to benefit from the Trust’s bulk buying power when the Trust and academies buy together.
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Advice and guidance for development of long or short term IT strategies
Software procurement, installation and maintenance. Anti-virus support and security patches to keep systems secure.
- Offering cost saving and effective strategies for each academy, helping to deliver a 21st century solution to keep all stakeholders in the loop.
- Full support and provision, from using VoIP technology for telephony systems to school apps and text messaging systems for parental communication.
- Advice, support and oversight of the Trust’s MIS.
- Guidance on statutory data collection, reports and best practice when using the software.
- Support for induction training of staff on the MIS system.
- Advice and support on recording of Post-16 and Pupil Premium information to ensure accurate reporting for funding purposes.
- Helping ensure staff and pupils are secure from the dangers of the internet, social media and apps.
- Automated reporting, keyword detection with real-time email alerts.
- Realtime monitoring of pupils activities.
A key area as the education sector manages significant amounts of personal information. The Trust provides advice, conducts audits and carries out training in this area to ensure compliance with the UK GDPR.
Training staff on common systems such as Microsoft Office, Windows, Chrome OS and other popular software packages, in addition to the training of more specialised software within schools.
- Working with academy administration teams to ensure regular and effective communication between parents and academies, to help academies promote themselves, share news, and keep people informed.
- Working with academies in conjunction with local and online media when necessary to manage news coverage, comments and promotion.
- Ensuring an effective strategy is in place to contact parents and staff in case of an emergency school closure.
- Management of the Trust and individual academies’ websites, working with academies to ensure published content is up to date, relevant, engaging, and that statutory requirements are being met in line with current government guidance.
- Monitoring or management of social media accounts as requested (Facebook / Twitter / Instagram) and promotion of a positive and consistent image of the Trust and all its academies through these channels.
- Supporting academies’ engagement with parents and the local community through relevant social media channels.
- Promoting events, responding to online comments, and ensuring significant information (such as upcoming calendar events / important dates) is quick and easy to find.