All ICT and related technologies are to be used for professional purposes or uses deemed ‘reasonable’ by the Principal, Central IT Team or Trust Board. The policy applies to all adult users of the Trust’s systems. ICT facilities should be used sensibly, professionally, lawfully, consistent with duties, and with respect for all colleagues, learners and other stakeholders.
Colleagues are expected to comply with this AUP and all other relevant policies and keep passwords secure. Colleagues are responsible for the use of Trust IT equipment while in their possession/assigned to them and they should adhere to the Trust’s IT Acceptable Usage policy and UK GDPR policy at all times.
All electronic communications with learners, their parents/carers and colleagues should be compatible with the colleague’s professional role. Personal details should not be given out to learners. All contact with learners or parents/carers must be made using a Trust landline, Trust mobile phone, Trust e-mail address or other Trust-managed service (such as Reach More Parents or ClassCharts).
Personal data should be kept secure, whether this is within Trust premises, taken outside of the Trust premises, or accessed remotely. The use of external storage devices (such as USB sticks and external hard drives) is discouraged by the Trust – if they are used for non-sensitive information, they must be encrypted. All information relating to pupils, parents, and colleagues is personal and must be treated with utmost care – this information must not be stored on any non-Trust owned devices (such as external storage devices).
While all Trust systems are backed up, individual colleagues are still responsible for maintaining appropriate backups of all files stored on laptops, external drives etc. – using OneDrive and SharePoint for all of your file storage addresses this need, as they are backed up by both Microsoft and the Trust’s backup provider.
Colleagues should not register or sign up for platforms, websites or software that require or allow the processing of learner or staff data without prior authorisation from the Central Compliance Team.
Colleagues should not install, or attempt to install, any hardware or software on any Trust-owned device without permission from the Central IT Team or the academy IT Technician.
Colleagues should not browse for, download, upload, or distribute any material that could be considered offensive, illegal, or discriminatory. If you accidentally browse to such content, you should inform your IT Technician and Line Manager immediately.
Images of learners and/or colleagues should only be taken and stored on Trust-owned devices and used for professional purposes in line with Trust policy. Written consent must be sought for all images in line with the Trust’s Data Protection and Safeguarding policies – speak to your site’s Data Protection Officer or Principal for more information.
All use of Trust devices, network, systems and other related technologies can be monitored and logged. Files stored on the Trust network may be viewed by Principal, Trust Senior Safeguarding Officer, Chief Operating Officer or Chief Executive Officer at any time, without prior notice. You must submit for inspection, upon request and without delay, all devices owned by the Trust.
Colleagues should be aware that certain activities are criminal offences under the Computer Misuse Act 1990 and should take all steps to ensure that they are compliant with this legislation.
Colleagues should respect and comply with copyright and intellectual property rights at all times.
A colleague’s online activity, both in the Trust and outside the Trust, should not bring their professional role into disrepute. This includes social media.
Colleagues should support and promote the Trust’s e-Safety policy and help learners to be safe and responsible in their use of ICT and related technologies.
The use of personal mobile phones by colleagues is not allowed in the classrooms during lessons or during the supervision of learners unless in an emergency situation as sanctioned by the Principal. On entering the building, all personal mobile phones must be switched to silent. Personal phones should only be used at break times and not in the presence of learners.
Colleagues who have been issued with Trust-owned mobile phones may use these around the site, with reasonable consideration to the appropriateness of the situation and surroundings.
Colleagues must not use Trust equipment for personal activities without prior agreement of their Principal or the Chief Operating Officer. This includes the personal use of e-mail.
Colleagues should comply with the terms and conditions of internet sites.
Colleagues should read and understand this Acceptable Use Policy thoroughly. Any questions should be discussed with the Central IT Team.
Any inappropriate use of the Trust’s devices or systems, or violation of this AUP and supplementary policies and procedures may lead to disciplinary action.
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