In early 2020, the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) assessed its Information Technology (IT) services and delivery model to identify needs within the Faculty and how they were being met by the existing IT organization to ensure the Faculty continues to operate in an agile, nimble, and sustainable manner.
The FHS Information Technology Executive Committee
One of the highest priority recommendations was to implement an IT governance committee, with representation from crucial Faculty stakeholders and alignment with existing FHS and institutional governance structures. Based on this, the Faculty of Health Sciences Information Technology Executive Committee (FHS-ITC) was created with the following goals:
- Create an IT Governance model at the Faculty level that feeds into existing Faculty governance.
- Be comprised of key stakeholders from the user community.
- Be chaired by the IT Director.
- Establish a link into the McMaster institutional IT organizations and services to ensure FHS needs and concerns are considered in institutional decision-making processes and to enable and encourage effective collaboration and partnerships.
- To prioritize:
- The development of an FHS IT vision and strategy.
- Defining and validating core services within the Faculty, and how those services are best delivered.
- Setting priorities, accountability, and deliverables based on these priorities and goals.
The ITC had its first meeting in September 2020. The FHS-ITC mandate and purpose document outlines details related to the committee including current membership and operational information.
The FHS Governance Framework
In addition to the FHS-ITC, the governance framework within the FHS has been expanded to include several standing steering committees. These committees provide direction and decision making support for key initiatives within the Faculty. Each reports to, and collects feedback and direction from, the FHS-ITC. More information, including the mandate and activities of these standing committees can be found in their charters below.
The FHS Core Services Model
Another key recommendation of the IT needs assessment was establishing a set of core services offered at no cost to the Faculty. An essential task for the FHS-ITC is to review and endorse this set of core IT services. More information can be found on the CSU Services page under core services. The FHS-ITC continues to review new services as needs are identified and periodically reviews existing services to ensure effective delivery and that they are meeting the needs of the FHS.