UCU: Oppose IT restructuring and outsourcing

Motion

Motion text: Conference notes that:
IT systems ranging from email to bespoke research computing services are critical to the function of modern universities,
in the pre-92 HE sector these are often managed by UCU members
in the credit crunch large IT suppliers are leading 'charm offensives' to encourage outsourcing of many services and the shift towards proprietary knowledge and cloud computing. At the same time universities are facing financial pressures and 'managerial initiatives' to become 'more efficient'.
Conference believes the presence of on-site trained, supported, accountable IT staff are essential in a modern university.
Conference resolves that UCU should:
derive model guidance including agreements to ensure that reviews or potential restructuring of IT services include early, extensive consultation with the staff providing the services
monitor the sector for instigation of any such initiatives, publicise them, and treat them as seriously as it has attempts to privatise teaching.