Available to all SUPC member institutions
The group seeks to provide a forum for a monthly coffee and chat to discuss ICT issues of the day and get mutual support and advice from colleagues across the sector.
Michelle Plimmer from the Open University is the group Chair. Michelle started her career in the Forestry Commission dealing with land agreements and Estates before working for Local Government and then settled into procurement which she has mostly followed as a career ever since. She spent a little time in the private sector in a pharmaceutical company before moving into the HE sector several years ago, previously working for two top Russell group Universities but now working at the Open University as a Senior IT Category Manager.
Michelle has worked across most of the different category areas in the last 20 years and has purchased everything from waste recycling centre services, traffic cameras, catering, laboratory equipment and consumables, office equipment, consultancy, to managed and outsourced services as well as print services to name a few. She has also been involved in implementing three ERP/Finance systems over the years (Oracle and SAP) and previously led a teams to support and run e-procurement system and electronic marketplace/e-catalogue activities. Michelle now specialises in buying IT and AV solutions including hardware, software and any supporting services. In addition, she also currently looks after the STEM category.
The group welcomes all SUPC members engaged with ICT Procurement.
Why join?
- Knowledge Sharing: Participants will have the opportunity to share valuable knowledge, insights, and expertise with fellow members, fostering a culture of mutual learning and growth.
- Skill Development: Engaging in discussions and activities within the group will enable participants to develop new skills, enhance existing ones, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
- Networking: Joining the group provides a platform for networking with like-minded peers, expanding professional connections, and building relationships that can lead to future collaborations.
- Confidential Environment: Members can freely discuss challenges, successes, and concerns in a confidential setting, encouraging open and honest dialogue.
- Best Practices and Tips: Attendees will gain access to a wealth of best practices, tips, and practical advice, both through group meetings and regular interactions
How to join?
We will seek to run these meetings on the 3rd Wednesday of each month to enable us to engage with members regularly. Each session would be set up for an hour.
Please contact SUPC Category Manager, Mark Lewis - m.r.lewis@reading.ac.uk – to register your interest in the working group. SUPC members will be added to the Jisc mail group for further meeting updates.