Mergers in the higher education sector

A guide to good practice

This document is aimed at higher education institutions considering merger. It provides general guidance on the process of merger, some of which may be relevant to other forms of alliance. It is not intended to be prescriptive, but where institutions seek funding from us we will expect them to follow the broad outline of this guidance.

To:	Heads of HEFCE-funded higher education institutions Heads of universities in Northern Ireland
Of interest to those responsible for:	Strategic planning, Management
Reference:	2004/09
Publication date:	February 2004
Enquiries to:	On this document: David James tel 0117 931 7328 e-mail d.james@hefce.ac.uk On specific proposals: HEFCE regional consultants

Executive summary (read on-line)

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Executive summary

Purpose

1. This document provides good practice guidance to higher education institutions considering merger.

Key points

2. Institutions are responding to the challenges of a rapidly changing higher education environment, and some are discussing mergers and other forms of alliance. This guidance describes a general approach to managing the process of merger. Elements of it may be useful in planning other collaborative arrangements.

3. The first stage is to develop a business case for consideration by governing bodies and relevant external bodies. With agreement to proceed in principle, the next stage is to develop a business plan, which sets out in detail how the merger will take place.

4. This guidance is not intended to be prescriptive, although if institutions intend to bid for discretionary funding, for example from the Strategic Development Fund (HEFCE 2003/28), we will expect them to follow the broad outline.

Action required

5. This report is for information and guidance.

February 2004/09 Good practice Guidance for senior managers

This report is for information and guidance