Standardisation: the challenges within a newly merged centre Jessica Borley: Head of Quality Perth College, UHI

Benefits of a Merger Economies of scale Opportunity for synergies Greater efficiency Greater profitability/less expenditure Improvement to standards Before considering the challenges lets look at the benefits – these can be true in the long term once the partnership has settled in but don’t show the reality of the challenges of a merger in the shorter term and the work involved in ‘settling in’ to the merger.

Corporate Challenges What do you think the main challenges of a merger are from a corporate perspective? Mapping Process mapping

Corporate Challenges of a Merger Autonomous Institutions which have different: Corporate Cultures College Vision and Mission Guiding Principles Governance structures Management structure - hierarchical or flat. Who would take the lead? Corporate/Operational planning cycles Different Awarding Bodies for HE How will it affect students expectations? How will it be perceived by the public?

Operational Challenges What will the College need to consider when planning standardisation of operations? Mapping Process mapping

Operational Challenges of a Merger Capacity of staff workloads Same awards, different structures, different delivery Academic contracts may differ Same roles, different responsibilities Rationalisation – portfolio, staffing, resources Software compatibility e.g. SITS/Banner, CELCAT Governance structures – responsibilities for quality? Policies, Procedures, Processes – similar but not the same Staff need to know and understand the rationale for a merger in order to accept it. Mapping of systems and processes but also portfolio of awards delivered. Process mapping

Challenges of Standardisation What are the considerations you will need to take into account in standardising operations? Mapping Process mapping

Challenges of Standardisation Mapping of existing process and systems Writing of new/revision of policies and processes: What is mandatory/controlled What is flexible Same or equivalent output? Standardisation (levelness) activity for moderation and marking Software compatibility Mapping Process mapping

Managing Change : Managing Expectations Change is outside staff ‘comfort zone’ Communication is key Consult staff and students, and other stakeholders Maintain staff and student awareness i.e. communicate changes clearly and in a timely way Be aware of how change affects people Workloads – does it really have to be changed at all or now? Mapping Process mapping

Best steps forward Big decisions: who leads/manages provision does rationalisation mean redundancies? Identify early who will be involved Plan a timeline for changes and stick to it Learn from best practice, don’t just stick with current practice that you are familiar with