UK's Jisc Launches New Digital Consultancy System
Jisc, the UK's digital body for education and research, has established a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for universities to procure specialist consultancy services. The system is designed to help institutions improve their digital practices and ensure compliance with regulatory mandates, including accessibility. The DPS model allows for rapid engagement with qualified experts as universities work to meet digital transformation goals.
- The "HE Consultancy DPS" is structured into three main categories, or "lots," for which universities can procure services: Digital Transformation in Learning, Teaching and Assessment; Research; and Data Analytics. - A separate but related Jisc DPS, focused on "Education, research, technology, innovation (ERTI)," seeks consultant expertise in areas including immersive technologies like VR/AR and the digital transformation of the student experience, with a stated awareness of accessibility standards. - The key regulatory driver for accessibility is the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018, which legally requires universities to make their websites, apps, and documents accessible. - Under these regulations, UK higher education institutions must conform to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 at the AA level and publish a formal accessibility statement. - The Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) model allows new suppliers to be pre-qualified and added at any time, which is designed to keep the marketplace competitive and give universities access to the latest technological solutions. - For procurements made through the DPS, institutions can run a "mini-competition" with the pre-qualified suppliers, a process that can be completed in as little as four to eight weeks from publishing requirements to placing a contract. - This consultancy framework is part of Jisc's broader digital transformation support for higher education, which includes a maturity model and toolkit to help universities assess their digital readiness and create implementation roadmaps. - Jisc's role extends beyond procurement to offering its own expert advice, community groups, and free monthly "accessibility clinics" to help institutions navigate digital inclusion challenges.
