The University of Chichester Academy Trust

You will be part of The University of Chichester Academy Trust, which is uniquely positioned to make a difference in the local educational landscape. The Trust currently encompasses 17 academies, 2 Inclusion centers, and a School-Centered Initial Teacher Training base, all based in Hampshire, Portsmouth, and West Sussex. While we share a common vision and values, each academy has its own identity that contributes to its local community. The Trust is committed to valuing the uniqueness of each school.

Position Description

To lead the Trust’s IT function. The post-holder will be responsible for shaping and delivering an IT strategy that meets the current and future needs of our academies, ensuring secure, cost-effective, and high-performing services. This is a key leadership role that balances strategic thinking with tactical operational delivery. The post-holder will be responsible for the strategic planning, day to day operations, delivery of new services and solutions and capacity planning to ensure IT infrastructure meets the current and future requirements of the academies and the Trust. The post-holder will work closely with academies, external partners and central team to ensure IT underpins educational needs and delivers operational excellence, and that cyber security, digital learning and IT service management are future-ready and resilient.

Diversity and Inclusion

At the University of Chichester Academy Trust, we believe that diversity drives creativity, innovation, and excellence. We are committed to providing equality of opportunity, fostering an inclusive culture, and creating a community where everyone feels they belong. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are underrepresented within our workforce, including those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled individuals, LGBTQI+ individuals, and women—especially for senior leadership roles.

Safeguarding Commitment

We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our recruitment and selection practices will reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Application Process

To apply for this vacancy, please download the application form from the University of Chichester Academy Trust (https://www.chimat.uk/vacancies) and send it to Jake Whittle, Recruitment Coordinator, at UNICATRecruitment@chi.ac.uk.