Future Ready.
Higher
Education.

Digital transformation in UK higher education represents a paradigm shift towards an innovative, inclusive and forward-looking educational landscape.​

With the power of technology, universities embrace a new era of accessibility and flexibility, unlocking the doors of learning for a broader and more diverse audience. Administratively, it instils efficiency and agility, ensuring that bureaucratic hurdles are minimised, allowing institutions to focus on their core mission of education and research.

We’re here to be your partner in progress, helping to unlock the bright digital future that every educational institute both needs and deserves.​

Remarkable
Diversity

UK higher education is characterised by remarkable diversity. It encompasses traditional and modern universities, varying in size. Some adopt a collegiate structure, while others maintain single or multi-campus configurations.

As diverse as these institutions are, many face a similar set of challenges when it comes to their IT environment:

  • Aging infrastructure can hinder the integration of modern technologies, often due to budget and logistical challenges.
  • Institutions are attractive targets for cyberattacks. It’s paramount in ensuring the security of data, as well as the network infrastructure.
  • Universities face added complexity in IT management due to the need to comply with regulations covering data privacy, accessibility, and academic integrity.
  • Universities encounter budget limitations, which pose a constant challenge when striving to invest in technology within their resource constraints.
  • Adapting IT infrastructure for evolving pedagogical models is essential, especially with the increasing use of online and blended learning.
  • Attracting and retaining IT talent with the expertise to manage these complex systems can be challenging.

This presents a demanding scenario for IT teams, and without fundamental change organisations will face challenges and IT teams will be fatigued.

A truly technology-driven organisation will see countless opportunities not just to benefit students, but also enhance the employee experience. However, getting there may require a significant shift in culture and a genuine appetite for change.

Insights. Impact. Inspiration.

The continuous evolving technology landscape, growing user expectations and the need to control or reduce costs in a challenging economy have put significant pressure on stakeholders and IT teams in higher education.

In this paper, we explore key trends that we consider essential for a future ready organisations, offering valuable insights and inspiration for your institution’s digital journey.

We’ve selected these trends for in-depth exploration because we firmly believe that they can play a substantial role in enhancing staff capabilities, empowering students and improving overall educational outcomes. Our dedication lies in unlocking the potential within the educational realm. We are not driven by mediocrity but by exceeding conventional expectations, pushing boundaries and delivering outcomes that exceed all expectations.

VIEW OVERVIEW

Exceptional Experiences, For Everyone

Fostering data-driven excellence and personalised support creates an engaging learning ecosystem, empowering students to reach their full potential.

Creating a Culture that Empowers

Maintaining an innovative culture can help discover cost-effective solutions and maximise the use of existing resources.

Unlocking Potential with Smart Campuses

The principal objective of a ‘smart’ campus is to enhance everyone’s experience, whether teaching, learning or supporting.

Cloud is Now Mainstream

Through the cloud, students and educators can collaborate seamlessly, transcending geographical constraints, and nurturing a sense of global community.

Mitigating Cyber Security Risks

Now is the time to approach cyber security and Governance, Risk and Compliance from a new perspective – older “static” operating models won’t cut it today.

Maintaining a Safe Space

Innovative technologies and the fabric of connectivity can contribute significantly to both the physical and mental well-being of students.

Build for Change.
Today.

Higher education institutes are grappling with a multitude of challenges in the face of evolving digital transformation. Our future ready approach enables people to navigate and deliver a better digital future. We’re fuelled by optimism and a belief that technology can create a brighter future for students, staff and visitors. That’s why each of our technology solutions is designed to help you deliver today’s needs whilst making sure you have a foundation fit for the future.

Our specialist knowledge lies across:​

  • Networking
  • Collaboration
  • Cyber security
  • Managed Service

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR APPROACH

89%
of higher education leaders agree that their institutions need to be more digital (Source: Gartner)

Buying from Block

Digital transformation is complex, but procurement doesn’t need to be, Block is on a number of frameworks that will simplify the procurement process for our clients and ultimately deliver the best value for their investment.

  • Technology Services 3 (RM6100) – For public sector customers looking to buy technology services ranging from strategy and design to operation deployment.
  • G Cloud 13 (RM1557.13) – For public sector customers to buy cloud-based computing services such as hosting, software and cloud support.
  • Network Services 3 (RM1557.13) – For public sector organisations to access network solutions, communication services, connectivity to cloud-based data and applications, audio and video conferencing, IoT (Internet of Things) and Smart Cities.
  • Technology Products and Associated Services 2 (RM6098) – For public sector organisations to access technology hardware, software, and services including end user devices, servers, storage, infrastructure devices, software licences and accessories.