Who do we ask when school IT needs a decision?

Make the first contact easy to find

Staff should not need to understand the school's management structure to ask for help. Put a short contact list somewhere they can reach: the staff handbook, noticeboard or agreed online page.

Include everyday examples. “Computer not working” might go to IT support. “Permission to buy equipment” might go to the bursar. An online-safety concern should follow the school's safeguarding process.

Keep a printed copy where it would help during an internet problem. Include what to do when the usual person is away.

Explain who makes which decision

The IT team can say whether an app will work on school computers. The person responsible for spending can check the budget. The safeguarding lead and the colleague responsible for data protection may need to consider other questions.

One person may do several of these jobs in a small school. The important thing is that the request reaches them, with enough information to respond.

The Department for Education's digital standards for schools and colleges in England explain how school leaders should organise these responsibilities. Use the current guidance alongside your own arrangements.

Ask for the information people need

A request for a new app should explain what it helps staff or pupils do, who would use it and when it is needed. Include the price if known.

For example, a teacher wants a reading app for one class. Those details help colleagues check the teaching need, costs and information the app would hold. They can then explain the next step.

Try the list with a colleague

Ask someone who has not seen it before where they would send a broken-laptop report or a software request. If they hesitate, improve the wording.

A useful contact list helps new staff as much as experienced staff. Review it when roles change, and choose one person to keep it current.