The merger of Colleges is a major event for everyone concerned, learners, staff and the wider local community. Tenet´s experienced consultants can provide specific support to Colleges from the very first stages of the merger process, initial feasibility studies, right through to post implementation reviews and monitoring. Our staff specialise in Curriculum & Quality, Governance & Management, Finance, HR and MIS Estates issues, all of which will require detailed assessment and careful planning if the merger is to be successful.

Our staff have worked on one of the major recent mergers in the sector, that between Broxtowe and Peoples Colleges in Nottingham to form the new Castle College. Here's the story of how it was achieved...

College Mergers-Castle College

The approach to the merger was rapid, responsive and decisive Ofsted annual assessment visit February 2007 Tenet´s Simon Eaton provided invaluable support in the merger between Broxtowe College and People´s College Nottingham to form Castle College. Originally contacted by Broxtowe College to fill a short term interim position as Finance Director pending the merger, Simon Eaton had to hit the ground running. There was no hand-over period, (the previous post holder had left) so Simon had to pick up the pieces quickly with the support of the rest of the finance team. Simon had previously worked with the Principal Nick Lewis so he knew the College and some of the senior managers. It was a high pressure situation. The timetable for the planned merger was ambitious to say the least but Principal Nick Lewis was determined the project would stick to schedule and it was fortunate Simon had experience from several other mergers in the education sector. As Simon commented, “A merger doesn't happen everyday in a College and for the most staff it's their first experience and they need some direction. Equally, some staff don't always support the merger so there is that initial reluctance to overcome as well” During the merger phase over 50 staff left either by voluntary redundancy or by restructuring. Several senior managers left the organisation before the merger. which left Simon Eaton holding the fort and a short interim project became a vital more long term role. Simon organised temporary support for the finance team and then managed both Colleges during this period. Castle College managed to achieve all of its planned restructuring within the first 12 months The first year budget showed an improvement compared to the detailed merger proposal. The College delivered on all of its merger implementation plans in the first year against an original plan of two years. The mid-year merger was less problematic. The split accounting year made only minor changes form a financial point of new and no difference to the staff whatsoever. Since the merger Simon Eaton has remained at the College fulfilling the role of VP Corporate Business. Overseeing an £85m accommodation strategy “Walking around a building site dressed like Bob the builder with Nick Lewis isn't exactly how I imagined the project when he first called me regarding the merger. But in 12 months the new College has made huge strides and seeing the buildings go up is very satisfying. it feels like a major achievement for everyone connected to the new College” *Simon Eaton Tenet education services MD