Matt Scott

The University has appointed Matt Scott as the new Chief Digital and Technology Officer. He will join the University on 1 July 2025. With over 20 years’ experience in IT within the council sector, Matt’s expertise includes service design, digital infrastructure innovation and cyber security compliance. Matt’s most recent role was as Chief Digital Information Officer at the Orbis Partnership, a public sector partnership between Brighton & Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council, and Surrey County Council, where he led the delivery of IT and digital services.  

Having started his career at Brighton & Hove City Council, Matt moved on to IT and strategy and development positions at Portsmouth City Council and Leicestershire County Council before joining Central Bedfordshire Council as Chief Information Officer.  

Matt then joined East Sussex County Council as Assistant Director for Information and Computer Technology, leading design and governance, digital strategy and commercial partnerships. From there, he moved to the Orbis Partnership where he has been responsible for strategic and operational delivery of IT and digital services for Brighton & Hove City Council, East Sussex County Council, and Surrey County Council. 

Matt has won a number of awards, including Best Use of Data Insight at iESE Public Sector Awards in 2022 and 2023. He was named in the Government Transformation Top 100 list in 2024 and is a member of the British Computer Society. 

Matt said: “I am excited to join the University and play a leading role in advancing Sussex's goals, ensuring its continued success in the digital age as we work to deliver our Sussex 2035 strategy. I look forward to joining the team and fostering innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in education.” 

Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor, said: “Digital and data futures are one of the three transformational themes of our new strategy, Sussex 2035, and transforming our digital infrastructure will be vital in enabling us to realise the ambitions of the strategy to address the critical challenges of our time. Matt brings with him outstanding experience in technology leadership, strategy, and innovation, and I look forward to welcoming him to Sussex in July.” 

Emma Potts, Interim Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary said: “I am delighted that Matt will be joining us in this important role which will lead our IT services and oversee delivery of key digital transformation plans for Sussex over the coming years. From network replacement to digital infrastructure, cyber security, our new web estate and more, we have an exciting programme underway and Matt’s expertise and experience will help us drive these transformational changes.”