NorthernNoel

I hate Intune and I hate printers. Found out recently that we don't deploy printers at our place so staff need them adding manually. Trying to fix this with Intune's polling rates is like pulling teeth. At least in the good old days I could create a GPO, deploy it and see instantly if it's actually working. Anyway here's what I've done. Printer is hosted on a local print server so I shouldn't need to deploy drivers. Written a PowerShell script with the following in: Add-Printer -ConnectionName "\\print-server-name\printer-name" Tested the script running it manually and check it installs the printer okay. Gone to Platform scripts in Intune, added the PowerShell script and assigned it to a device. Logged in on the device forced it to poll, wait an hour and printers arrive 👍. Reset the device in autopilot to check it re-deploys. Set the device to poll again and wait..... Printers don't connect and the status shows Failed in Intune 😡. Go to the cloud they said, it'll be easier to manage 🤬

and I was only commenting on someone that mentioned something I remembered years ago. Time for them to go I think.

This takes me back. Years ago I had a bunch of Elonex computers all on the same GUID. Managed to get a GUID editor from Elonex on floppy disk and had to go around every single one and manually create a GUID for them. Dark days indeed

I get that and I've covered lots of these roles from being a single tech to director of IT at MAT level as well as offering a traded service. I guess my issue is that they actually need to be more specific as the standards are mainly targeting people who are from a non technical background. I can easily see a member of SLT that fancies themselves as an 'IT expert' interpreting this as they should have an admin account for their emergencies. Emergencies that should be dealt with through the proper process.

I get that but don't really get what they'd do with it 😂 Unless the entire IT team was wiped out under a bus in the car park perhaps? I guess the worry is that an enterprising member of SLT thinks they know best and have a way of gaining access. I've certainly worked with some SLTs where a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Many years ago I had an member of SLT assert their authority by saying they 'needed' admin access. It was duly given and two days later they managed to play with things and lock out an IT room. Putting a failsafe in of keeping it in a sealed envelope makes sense. I just wish these standards weren't so vague sometimes for others (i.e. SLT) to misinterpret.

Just having a read through the standards again and this one jumped out at me in the cyber security section: Maybe it's just me but giving keys to someone without the correct knowledge seems a dangerous thing? Surely you mitigate this by ensuring you have IT support staff that are available?

Only just seen this so probably of no use to you now @timbo343 I used KeePassXC at the Trust for years. Stick the database file in Teams and your IT staff can access it anywhere. Recently rolled it out here to the IT team. With it being KeePass based there's plenty of options for how to open it so I've used KeePass2Android and Strongbox for iOS as well. I have two databases in place, one for just me and a shared one for the IT staff. The browser plugin can read from both when they are open. Set it up for the finance team as well when I found out they were basically storing all their passwords in plaintext in an Excel file. Many years ago I had used LastPass but binned them off when they got taken over. Quite happy that I have control of which cloud I stick my password data in and encrypt it myself. The only issue I've had is that occasionally OneDrive will freak out on the sync and create a duplicate database. However, KeePassXC has a merge database option in it so I just run that and delete the duplicate every so often.

Are you an IT enthusiast looking to take your first steps as an apprentice in the industry? This could be just the role for you! Baltic Apprenticeships and Ripon Grammar School are delighted to be recruiting for an IT Support Apprentice! Classed as the “Top State School in the North” by The Sunday Times, and one of the UK’s leading grammar schools, Ripon Grammar School is offers both day and boarding education for their students, pride themselves on being not only a place of learning, but a community! Based in Ripon, the ideal candidate is someone who has the confidence to work with both staff and students alike. In this role, you’ll work towards your level 3 IT Support qualification, delivered by our expert training team at Baltic Apprenticeships. A Typical Day in the Job: Unpack, configure and rollout new ICT equipment (software and hardware) as directed by Systems Manager. Diagnose and resolve day-to-day problems relating to computer equipment and software in a timely manner via the school’s helpdesk system. Provide friendly and efficient first line support for networking and application issues. Deliver hardware and resources to work areas and classrooms as required. Install, configure and support audio-visual equipment and requests. Assess physical security requirements to protect against loss of data and equipment. Work to and give guidance to others on the use of ICT and the ICT acceptable use policy. Full training and support will be provided by your workplace mentor and from the Baltic team. Salary, Hours & Benefits: £24,796 per annum Monday to Friday 8.30am-4pm Being paid a competitive salary whilst working towards a professional IT qualification Benefitting from 23 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) Access to a contributory local government pension scheme and other additional staff benefits Desired Qualities, Skills and Knowledge: Knowledge of AV Systems Experience with Windows Computers and associated hardware A passion for technology An understanding of the importance of good relationships with all stakeholders at the school. The ability to work under direction and independently and to use initiative but within the ethos of the school. To embrace change positively and work to further improve practices and systems. Reliable, honest and trustworthy. To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and follow the safeguarding policy. A grade 5/C in English and grade 4/C in Maths at GCSE is required for this programme. Your Training with Baltic: This apprenticeship provides the skills, qualification and experience you need to immerse yourself within an exciting, fast-moving industry and become an effective IT Support Technician. Next Steps: If this sounds like the role for you, send us an application! Once we receive your CV, one of our team will be in touch to help you with the next stage if you have been successful. The application process includes an informal chat with our recruitment team, followed by a more formal employer interview if shortlisted. Eligibility Criteria: You must have the right to work in the UK, and valid residency status to apply for this apprenticeship. https://www.balticapprenticeships.com/vacancy/j-012936/?job_ref=J-012936

Trust IT Technical Officer - Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust Our Trust of nine schools is seeking to make a key appointment to its Central Trust Team. [table=width: 400, class: grid] [tr] [td]Hours:[/td] [td]37 per week, full time, full year[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Working pattern:[/td] [td]Monday to Friday[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Salary:[/td] [td]Grade H (SCP18 – 23) £29,269 - £32,076 Pay award pending[/td] [/tr] [/table] This is an important role in the Trust for an an extremely ambitious and motivated individual to join our Network team as an IT Technical Officer. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of providing remote and onsite support in a similar environment. You will need to be flexible in your approach, undertake a range of duties and have excellent communication and people skills. Working knowledge and experience of network systems is required. Further details and an applications form can be found on the Trust website http://yorkshirecauseway.co.uk/vacancies/ Closing date for post: 12 noon, Wednesday 28th August Start date: As soon as possible Why join us: · We are planning to invest in our digital infrastructure so it’s a great time to join us. · The advantage of being school based is that many of your clients will go offline over school holiday periods, allowing some variation to your year. · A minimum of 25 days annual leave per year, rising to 34 days depending on length of service. · Auto enrolment into the local government pension scheme, which protects you and your dependents with a range of benefits. · Free onsite parking. · On-site catering. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and the promotion of the welfare of all children and the prevention of extremism. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to provide references, undertake an enhanced check through the Disclosure and Barring Service and comply with the Safeguarding Policy and child protection practices of Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust. The Trust has a strong commitment to achieving equality of opportunity in its schools and in the employment of staff. The postholder will ensure that the Trust meets it statutory obligations in relation to all aspects of equality legislation.

Trust ICT Technical Officer - Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust Our Trust of nine schools is seeking to make a key appointment to its Central Trust Team. [table=width: 400, class: grid] [tr] [td]Hours:[/td] [td]37 per week, full time, full year[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Working pattern:[/td] [td]Monday to Friday[/td] [/tr] [tr] [td]Salary:[/td] [td]Grade H (SCP18 – 23) £29,269 - £32,076 Pay award pending[/td] [/tr] [/table] This is an important role in the Trust for an an extremely ambitious and motivated individual to join our Network team as an ICT Technical Officer. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of providing remote and onsite support in a similar environment. You will need to be flexible in your approach, undertake a range of duties and have excellent communication and people skills. Working knowledge and experience of network systems is required. Further details and an applications form can be found on the Trust website http://yorkshirecauseway.co.uk/vacancies/ Closing date for post: 12 noon, Monday 29 July 2024 Interview date: Thursday 1 August 2024 Start date: As soon as possible The Trust is committed to safeguarding and the promotion of the welfare of all children and the prevention of extremism. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to provide references, undertake an enhanced check through the Disclosure and Barring Service and comply with the Safeguarding Policy and child protection practices of Yorkshire Causeway Schools Trust. The Trust has a strong commitment to achieving equality of opportunity in its schools and in the employment of staff. The postholder will ensure that the Trust meets it statutory obligations in relation to all aspects of equality legislation.

Trouble is that we're on a three year agreement and have only done one year. In theory that would have been fine, however since A1+ is being dumped it's left me with a headache. It's looking like around £20k per year extra unless I can get the OVS removed. It's annoying as they've changed the goalposts by removing A1+ but as that was 'free' they could do what they wanted with it.

We've been planning to move to A3 EES from our OVS-ES agreement since MS are dumping A1+. However on our yearly renewal we've asked for costs for A3 and we've been told that we would need to honour the agreement for the OVS-ES nearly doubling our planned cost! Some suppliers are saying it's fine, some are saying there's no way they'll accept it. Are others having this issue?

Ah @john thought I might finally get to work with you but not quite enough money for me sorry. Let me know if anything else comes up though!

St Aidan's Church of England High School, Harrogate ICT Senior Technical Officer – 37 hours per week Grade K £32,029 to £34,788 Full Time Welcome to St. Aidan's CE High School - St Aidan's | Church of England High School Benefits: Access to the on-site gym, library, excellent restaurant facilities and free parking. Cycle to Work scheme. Local Government Pension Scheme. We are looking for an ambitious and self-motivated individual to join our expanding and highly respected Yorkshire Causeway School Trust (YCST) Network team. In this varied role you will undertake a diverse range of tasks in order to support the continuous and smooth running of the IT systems within the Trust and beyond. The role will include, but is not limited to, maintaining the YCST infrastructure and delivering effective service, support and ultimately solutions to staff and students alike. The role provides further exciting development opportunities due to its expansion of IT support delivery at other local schools both within, and outside of, the Trust. This position will include support of the ICT Network Technicians where required alongside the Network Managers and lead for the support and development of ICT Apprentices. An integral and highly valued member of the ever-growing and evolving Schools Trust, you will be customer-centric and resourceful. You will add value by your methodical yet creative approach to problem-solving, and in your capacity to deal with situations calmly and diplomatically. Working knowledge and experience of network systems and trends is essential. Based in the well-established Secondary School, rated Outstanding by Ofsted and SIAMS, and a highly regarded Teaching School, St. Aidan’s is equally proud of its strong academic achievements and its pastoral approach where every individual is highly valued and strong relationships are key. If you believe you share our values, we would very much like to hear from you. For an informal chat about the role, please do call St. Aidan’s School on, 01423 885814 and ask to speak to the IT Director. Completed applications should be submitted via email to [email protected] or posted to the school by 4pm on Thursday 6th June 2019. Please include a covering letter indicating the particular skills and experience you can offer, with a completed application form that can be downloaded below. ICT Senior Technical Officer Job Specification ICT Senior Technical Officer Person Specification Support Staff Application Form

We sort of do. We have three schools in a way. There's us, another and then a joint 6th form. We use Sims, they use Bromcom and the 6th form database which is shared is Sims. Technically 6th Form doesn't exist as its own school but it does in some ways. For instance it has it's own exam centre number but the students are registered individually on each site. The students for each 6th form are also copied into each local schools MIS for census. It's a bit of a mess which involves us having to run three separate databases and never having any perfect import tool. Basically I import main school and have to fudge 6th form for other things. Or it doesn't work at all and I end up having to mess about with csv files.

St Aidan's Church of England High School, Harrogate ICT Network Technician – 37 hours per week Grade H £24,313 to £26,999 Full Time (Term-time, or school hours only may be considered on a pro-rata salary basis.) The position may be offered at a higher grade, dependent on qualifications/experience. Welcome to St. Aidan's CE High School - St Aidan's | Church of England High School Benefits: Access to the on-site gym, library, excellent restaurant facilities and free parking. Cycle to Work scheme. Local Government Pension Scheme. Potential options for flexible working. We are looking for an ambitious and self-motivated individual to join our expanding and highly respected Yorkshire Causeway School Trust (YCST) Network team. In this varied role you will undertake a diverse range of tasks in order to support the continuous and smooth running of the IT systems within the Trust and beyond. The role will include, but is not limited to, maintaining the YCST infrastructure and delivering effective service, support and, ultimately, solutions, to staff and students alike. The role provides further exciting development opportunities due to its expansion of IT support delivery at other local schools both within, and outside of, the Trust. An integral and highly valued member of the ever-growing and evolving School Trust, you will be customer-centric and resourceful. You will add value by your methodical yet creative approach to problem-solving, and in your capacity to deal with situations calmly and diplomatically. You will also, from time to time, be called upon to set-up IT/AVA facilities, so a flexible and can-do attitude is imperative. Working knowledge and experience of network systems and trends is essential. A well-established Secondary School, rated Outstanding by Ofsted and SIAMS, and a highly regarded Teaching School, St. Aidan’s is equally proud of its strong academic achievements, and its pastoral approach, where every individual is highly valued and strong relationships are key. If you believe you share our values, we would very much like to hear from you! For an informal chat about the role, please do call St. Aidan’s School on, 01423 885814 and ask to speak to the IT Director. Completed applications should be submitted via email to [email protected] or posted to the school by 4pm on Tuesday 2nd April 2019. Please include a covering letter indicating the particular skills and experience you can offer, with a completed application form that can be downloaded below. ICT Network Technician Job Description 2019 ICT Network Technician Person Specification 2019 Support Staff Application Form

St Aidan's Church of England High School, Harrogate ICT Technician – 37 hours per week £24,313 to £26,999 Welcome to St. Aidan's CE High School - St Aidan's | Church of England High School We require an extremely ambitious and self-motivated individual to join our Yorkshire Causeway School Trust (YCST) Network team as an ICT Technician. Working as part of the ICT support team, you will undertake a great variety of tasks. These will include, but are not limited to: maintaining the YCST infrastructure and delivering effective service, support and, ultimately, solutions, to staff and students of the YCST, and to other schools supported by the Trust. As an integral and highly valued part of the School Trust you will be customer-centric, pro-active and, where necessary, re-active, in order to support the continuous and smooth running of the IT systems within the Trust. You will be competent in diagnosing and resolving issues, and have the ability to work on your own initiative. You will add value by your methodical yet creative approach to problem-solving, prioritising tasks, and your capacity to deal with situations calmly and diplomatically as required. You will also, from time to time, be called upon to set-up IT/AVA facilities for assemblies, exams and other settings as needed, so a flexible and positive can-do approach towards all Trust school staff and students is essential. Working knowledge and experience of network systems and trends is required and ICT experience in the Education sector would be advantageous. The position is full time, but term time only may be considered on a pro-rata salary. Completed applications should be submitted via email to [email protected] or posted to the school by 4pm on Tuesday 5th March 2019. Please include a covering letter indicating the particular skills and experience you can offer, with a completed application form that can be downloaded from the link below. ICT Technician Job Description 2019 ICT Technician Person Specification 2019 Support Staff Application Form

St Aidan's Church of England High School, Harrogate ICT Technician – 37 hours per week Band 8 £21,074 to £23,111 Vacancies - St Aidan's We require an extremely ambitious and motivated individual to join our Network team as an ICT Technician. Ideally you will have experience of working in a busy environment. Working as part of the ICT support team, you will need to be flexible in your approach, undertake a range of duties, including maintaining the YCST infrastructure, service and solutions and provide support to staff and students of the member academies within the trust or other schools supported by the trust when required. Working knowledge and experience of network systems is required and experience in the Education ICT sector would be advantageous. Completed applications should be submitted via email or posted to the school by 4pm on Wednesday 30th January 2019. Please include a covering letter indicating the particular skills and experience you can offer, with a completed application form that can be downloaded below. Support Staff Application Form ICT Technician Job Description ICT Technician Personal Specification

St Aidan's Church of England High School, Harrogate ICT Technician – 37 hours per week Band 8 £21,074 to £23,111 Vacancies - St Aidan's We require an extremely ambitious and motivated individual to join our Network team as an ICT Technician. Ideally you will have experience of working in a busy environment. Working as part of the ICT support team, you will need to be flexible in your approach, undertake a range of duties, including maintaining the YCST infrastructure, service and solutions and provide support to staff and students of the member academies within the trust or other schools supported by the trust when required. Working knowledge and experience of network systems is required and experience in the Education ICT sector would be advantageous. Completed applications should be submitted via email or posted to the school by 4pm on Friday 23rd November 2018. Please include a covering letter indicating the particular skills and experience you can offer, with a completed application form that can be downloaded below. Support Staff Application Form ICT Technician Job Description ICT Technician Personal Specification

Are you an experienced IT Technician able to support our busy department? If so, we want to hear from you. £17,000 - £19,000 per annum The ideal candidate will have experience in support of desktop and server applications/operating systems. Education experience is an advantage but not necessary. An immediate start is available, once all relevant checks are completed. For more information about the role please click here: IT Technician | Ashville Closing Date: 8th January 2018 Interviews: w/c 15th January 2018 Please return your completed application form via email to, [email protected] or by post to The Human Resources Department, Ashville College, Green Lane, Harrogate, HG2 9JP.

SYSTEMS MANAGER Required from February/March 2017 This is an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to lead our busy ICT department. Responsibilities of the post include the maintenance, development, implementation, auditing and strategic overview of all ICT resources in school and in our boarding houses. Hours are 37 hpw, full time Salary is NYCC Band 11, points 31-34 (£27,394 - £29,854) + £4,000 Recruitment & Retention per annum Ripon Grammar School has been graded as ‘Outstanding’ (Ofsted) and has undergone significant investment in sports, sixth form, boarding, classroom and music facilities. The school is situated near to the Yorkshire Dales and with easy access to Newcastle, York and Leeds. Closing date for applications –10am on Thursday, 16 February Interviews to take place – Thursday, 2 March Full details of the post’s responsibilities, together with an application form, are available here: Vacancies - Ripon Grammar School

Director of Information Technology Circa £40-50,000 pa An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and ambitious IT professional to become part of the College Management Team at Ashville College. Working, directly with the Headmaster and Bursar, the Director of IT will be responsible for the strategic development and implementation of an IT strategy. It is expected that the successful candidate will lead and manage the College’s strategic IT function and have the skills, knowledge and confidence to advise staff of all levels, including Governors. A degree, and a minimum of five year’s experience in an IT department of a school of similar size and complexity is essential, and additional specialist IT qualifications are desirable. This is full time, all year round post. Further details and an application form are available to download from our website here Closing date: 7th December Interviews will be held w/c 12th December Please return completed application forms to [email protected] or by post to: The Human Resources Department Ashville College Green Lane Harrogate HG2 9JP Ashville College is committed to providing a safe environment for its pupils and staff. Applicants for this post will be required to provide proof of identity at interview if called, and the successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check before commencing employment. IT Director Job Description.pdf

St Aidan’s Church of England High School Harrogate www.staidans.co.uk ICT Technician 37 hours per week Full time (term time only may also be considered) Band 7 £18,560 to £20,448 Full Time (starting from £15,840 if term time only) Start Date: ASAP Closing date for applications: Friday 14th October We require an extremely ambitious and motivated individual to join our Network team as an ICT Technician. Ideally you will have experience of working in a busy environment. Working as part of the ICT support team, you will need to be flexible in your approach, undertake a range of duties, including maintaining the YCST infrastructure, service and solutions and provide support to staff and students of the member academies within the trust or other schools supported by the trust when required. Working knowledge and experience of network systems is required and experience in the Education ICT sector would be advantageous. Applications should be sent with a covering letter indicating the particular skills on offer, with a completed application form that can be downloaded below: Job Description Application Form

St Aidan’s Church of England High School Harrogate ICT Technician (Primary schools), 37 hours per week £16,772 to £18,560 We require an extremely ambitious and motivated individual to join our Network team as an ICT Technician. Ideally you will have experience of working in a busy environment. Working as part of the ICT support team, you will need to be flexible in your approach, undertake a range of duties, including maintaining the YCST infrastructure, service and solutions and provide support to staff and students of the member academies within the trust or other schools supported by the trust when required. Working knowledge and experience of network systems is required and experience in the Education ICT sector would be advantageous. Please visit our website Vacancies - St Aidan's for further information. Applications should be by letter indicating the particular skills on offer, with a completed application form that can be downloaded from the School website.

Nope it's all 32bit. Nice and simple