An in-depth analysis schools’ IT systems in the educational sectors (primary-, upper-secondary school and at the university) has highlighted issues, especially concerning IT security and data protection. On the one hand, the analysis shows that the educational institutions use different IT solutions. On the other hand, the systems analysed have different quality levels. As such, the systems currently used do not live up to security standards, such as compliance requirements in relation to data protection and data security. Furthermore, the analysis has underscored areas, where critical improvements are required. 

To secure and update the educational sector, it is necessary to change how IT is organised and utilised. They key is joint solutions and collaboration. 

Some of the overall benefits are: 

• Secure IT systems
• GDPR compliance
• Better student and subject information 
• Better communication between school professionals, students and parents
• Better school-, sector-, and political decision-making foundation 
• Double registration avoidance 

To address the issues, as outlined by the analysis of IT systems, specific and actionable strategic goals are designed to answer the current IT challenges in the educational sector. The formulated strategy covers the areas: 

• IT and privacy policy: coordinated GDPR requirements across schools 
• Infrastructure: one joint support organisation 
• Organisation: collaborative leadership and organisation of the unified IT strategy
• Competences: joint cross organisational competences development 
• Data communication: joint requirements and standards 
• Master data: joint master database 
• IT system: one joint system for university, upper secondary school, and primary school

The unified IT strategy is structured around  two main projects, and two supporting projects:

• Joint operations on IT systems and infrastructure (Skúlanet)
• One joint student management system (Kervi+)
• Leadership and organisation development
• IT didactic capabilities development
  
  

An IT unit is created, with the purpose of seeing to the implementation of the unified IT strategy. The unit is organised as a project organisation. That is, the structure involves:

• Programme owner
• Steering committee
• IT unit:
  • Programme manager
  • PMO manager
  • Project managers
  • IT architect
  • Buniness analyst
• Strategic process manager
• Strategic advisory leadership forum
• Reference group
• Advisors

The unified IT strategy across school sectors collaborates and partners with  Nám, Digitalization Faroe Islands, UMMR, KT-Landsins.