Sector Partners represent the peak bodies, alliances, and national organisations that support and strengthen higher education across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
These partners bring essential expertise in governance, policy, digital identity, finance, security, research, and institutional operations — ensuring that the MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard aligns with the broader needs and structures of the sector.
By collaborating on shared priorities such as interoperability, trust frameworks, financial reporting, digital identity, and cross-border data mobility, Sector Partners help ensure the MCDS remains robust, secure, and relevant across diverse institutional contexts.
Together, we are building a connected, trusted foundation for the future of higher learning — grounded in partnership, collaboration, and shared public value.

Council of Australasian University Directors of Information Technology (CAUDIT)
CAUDIT supports digital leadership and capability across universities in Australia and New Zealand. With a long history of advancing shared frameworks, procurement, and sector-wide technology uplift, CAUDIT provides critical coordination across CIOs, IT leaders, and strategic digital partners.
Their expertise in collaborative digital transformation and sector alignment brings essential support to MortarCAPS and the implementation of the Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS), ensuring institutions adopt interoperable, scalable, and future-ready data practices.
Canadian University Council of Chief Information Officers (CUCCIO)
CUCCIO drives national collaboration across Canada’s higher education digital and data landscape. Through its network of CIOs and technology leaders, CUCCIO strengthens sector cohesion, promotes shared digital infrastructure, and supports initiatives that enhance institutional capability and interoperability.
Their commitment to coordinated data strategy and cross-sector alignment provides significant value to MortarCAPS and the adoption of the Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS), helping ensure Canadian institutions benefit from consistent, trusted, and scalable data exchange.


Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO)
CAUBO supports financial, operational, and administrative excellence across Canadian universities. With deep expertise in reporting, finance standards, and institutional operations, CAUBO helps institutions navigate complex regulatory, financial, and data requirements to improve performance and accountability.
Their focus on consistency, reliability, and financial governance adds important alignment to MortarCAPS and the implementation of the Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS), strengthening how institutions manage cross-border reporting and interoperable financial data structures.
Australian Access Federation (AAF)
Australian Access Federation (AAF) enables trusted digital identity and secure access across Australia’s research and education sector. With deep expertise in authentication, authorisation, and federated identity management, AAF provides the infrastructure that connects students, researchers, and staff to essential systems and services.
Their commitment to interoperability, security, and trust brings crucial alignment to MortarCAPS and the implementation of the Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS), ensuring data exchange across institutions remains both seamless and secure.

