• The information below outlines the IT change freeze periods driven by key UoP events throughout the year. 
  • Strict guidelines on implementing changes to the IT environment during these times reduce the possibility of system failures and outages, which could affect the company's capacity to conduct these important, well-publicised events.
  • The change freeze timetable is scheduled in advance, allowing teams to prepare and complete necessary changes beforehand whenever possible.
 
2025 Dates Freeze Period Name Freeze Type
13 January - 24 January Assessments For awareness of key UoP event only
20 January Mid-year intake - January starters For awareness of key UoP event only
19 May - 27 June Examinations For awareness of key UoP event only
23 June - 11 July Board weeks For awareness of key UoP event only
21 July - 31 July

Graduation Change Freeze

 

 Change Freeze
Confirmation and clearing

 

Confirmation & Clearing (Pre): 31 July - 1 August

Confirmation & Clearing (Live): 1 - 22 August 

Confirmation & Clearing (Post): 22 - 29 August 

 

At Risk

Change Freeze

At Risk
August - September Registration period For awareness of key UoP event only
22 September

Induction Week 

Start of Teaching (Block 1)

 

 No new services
     

 

Glossary

  • At Risk: Changes to all systems and services will have a heightened level of authorisation.
     
  • Change freeze: No changes apart from the pre-approved exemption list (see below) will be applied unless authorised by the Change Advisory Board and IS SLT.

Note: Change will only be authorised to ensure a business critical service stays operational or to provide essential functionality to support the Change Freeze event in question.
 

  • New Services: No new services should go live during a change freeze, during induction or the start of teaching (Block 1). Unless specifically authorised by the Change Advisory Board CAB).
     
  • Exemptions: CAB pre-approved, standard, minimal-risk changes are excluded from change freezes. These are published before each Change Freeze event.
     
  • Change Freeze Process: If it is essential for a change to be made during a freeze, it will need to follow the Change Freeze Process which requires assessment of the risk of agreement to delay the implementation. This will need CAB and IS SLT approval.
     
  • Change Advisory Board (CAB): Responsible for evaluating and approving IT related changes within the University. The CAB includes representatives from affected business departments and IT to ensure any changes are assessed from multiple perspectives.
    The CAB assesses the potential impact, risks, and benefits of proposed changes. Makes informed decisions to approve, defer, or reject changes and ensures necessary communications. The CAB plays a crucial role in reducing disruption to business services whilst maintaining stability and continuity when enabling necessary improvements and updates.

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