The Identity Improvement Programme (IIP) is moving into an important stage. Over the next couple of terms, we’ll be focusing on turning pilots into practical tools that help colleagues, while also preparing to shift from being a programme into a long-term Identity Service.
What’s Changing
We’re working with the Board to define what “done” looks like for the programme stage. This means being clear about which features must be in place before we can safely move into steady-state service, and which bits of old process can be switched off.
The goal is a sustainable service model – something you can rely on day-to-day, not just a project.
Why It Matters
Identity is an enabler. Its real value shows up in other projects:
- Making CRM more effective by targeting groups accurately
- Helping the OxIntranet show the right content to the right people
- Keeping research computing safe with the right access controls
- Giving students a smoother start to their digital life at Oxford
- Powering MyOxford to tailor services and information to each person’s roles and needs
We’ll be working with these projects to understand which of their benefits rely on IIP, so we can show the bigger picture of how this work supports the whole university.
This Term’s Priorities
We’re focusing on the minimum viable product (MVP) use cases that give the quickest wins:
- CRM groups and mapping – feeding accurate data into CRM
- Trusted identity data source – a secure, reliable feed for other projects
- Research computing access – applying strong identity checks to protect valuable assets
- Groups for MyOxford and digital apps – enabling new services to target content and access
To deliver on these use cases, we are also building out capabilities in group management, including developing roll-up groups for key functions such as Heads of Department and Heads of Administration and Finance (HoDs and HAFs). Roll-up groups allow the devolved management of critical University-wide groups, ensuring that access to sensitive data is restricted to the appropriate decision makers. They are also key to targeting authorisation requests accurately, so services can be granted or withheld precisely.
Governance and Responsibilities
A big topic is who keeps groups up to date.
The current thinking: IT defines the group structures, while divisions, departments and colleges are responsible for keeping membership accurate.
This balance will be refined over the coming term, and we’ll share more as the model firms up. We are also beginning to compile a list of governance decisions that will need to be taken in the identity space, to ensure clarity and consistency as the programme develops.
How We’re Working
- We’ve added new tools (Aha!) to help us track progress more transparently.
- The team is growing! Product Owner, BA and tester are now in place, and we’re recruiting a delivery role.
Staying Connected
- We’ll be strengthening our communications – making sure departments, divisions, and colleges know what’s coming, and have the chance to shape how things land.
- Webinars will continue, with upcoming sessions on Introduction to Identity (22/10/25) and Group Management (26/11/25).
In a nutshell
This term is about delivering usable building blocks while also enabling value-adding use cases now and setting the direction for the long-term service. By keeping identity data accurate, well-managed and easy to access, we’re helping lots of other projects succeed — and making life simpler across the university.
