Meet Caroline Hargreaves

18 Jul 2024

Caroline Hargreaves is an Associate Director in IT Services working across the three Faculties.

Can you tell me about your role and the teams that you work with?

In June 2023, I transitioned from being a Senior Business Change Manager to the newly created secondment role of Associate Director (Faculty). The secondment was essentially about exploring and defining the value of a dedicated IT partner across the university's three Faculties. The primary objective was to assess the activities necessary for an effective IT partnership model and identify any gaps that exist. Initially, this appointment was a secondment that was intended to last for six months. However, the unexpected cyber incident saw me focusing more on providing major incident support to the Faculties which then extended the secondment.

I have been engaging with the senior leadership teams of all three Faculties to ensure that their objectives are supported by IT. Having a go-to IT person within the Faculty helps to bridge the gaps and foster a better understanding of IT capabilities. More recently, I have been focused on how IT partnerships with Faculties could evolve considering existing models within the university, like the Finance and People and OD partnership models, which have been very successful.

What are your priorities at the moment? 

My main priority is to fully explore what IT partnering looks like. Additionally, I want to ensure that I am working closely with the Planning teams in each of the Faculties so that both myself, and the members of the IT Services Leadership Team, can really understand faculty plans and priorities and how IT Services can support these.   

What's your favourite thing about the role?

I thrive on solving complex problems and enjoy the process of piecing together an approach. It's fulfilling to facilitate collaborations across different departments and find ways to support the University’s vision through technology.

How long have you worked at the University?

27 years.

What roles have you held previously?

Before joining the University, I worked for IBM. I've had many roles at UoM: service support, service management, project management, business analysis and business change management. These roles have provided me with insights into the operational and strategic aspects of IT, which is invaluable in my current position. This breadth of experience allows me to understand and connect different parts of our organisation effectively.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my two teenage daughters. We like to bake and take long walks in the countryside. My eldest is a keen dancer and my youngest sings in a band. We are currently looking forward to summer when we are going to spend time with my family in Sweden.

I love running and take part in half marathons twice a year. Another passion of mine is Formula One racing. I watch the races live whatever time of the day or night they are on. My interest in Formula One started back in the 90s when a friend introduced me to it, and I've been hooked ever since.

If you could only eat one meal, what would it be?

My favourite snack is Nairn’s oat cakes and roquefort cheese.