Developed in collaboration with City St George's, University of London, the report captures insights from key stakeholders across both legacy institutions that formed City St George's. With independent analysis by Advance HE, it offers practical insights and recommendations for higher education leaders and governing bodies, considering or undertaking similar transformations.
Key opportunities for strategic transformation
The report provides evidence-based guidance on navigating the complexities of university mergers up to day one and identifies three critical areas where institutions can strengthen their approach to mergers and major transformations.
- Clarify strategic options early: conducting disciplined, evidence-based appraisal of all strategic alternatives before committing to merger, supported by scenario planning, mission alignment and transparent articulation of the chosen path.
- The importance of due diligence and assurance: moving beyond basic legal and financial compliance to encompass regulatory alignment, cultural compatibility and operational readiness with clear expectations, independent quality assurance and recognition of due diligence as both risk management and a strategic enabler.
- Enable unified leadership and decision-making: appointing designated senior leadership teams early through transparent processes, establishing shared authority structures and avoiding leadership ambiguity that can derail progress and erode confidence.
Report author, Kim Ansell, Senior Consultant, Governance and Strategic Transformation, Advance HE, said:
"Mergers are inherently complex, and like many major strategic initiatives, they require careful navigation across leadership, governance and management. This report explores a range of key themes, each highlighting the importance of balance in decision making. For example, where do you sit on the spectrum between transparency and confidentiality in communications, speed and precision in execution, or vision and operational realities?
“Every institution operates within its unique context, and we hope this report supports leaders and decision-makers in reflecting on the implications of their chosen approach.”
Professor Elisabeth Hill, Deputy Director and Provost of City St George’s, University of London who was the strategic lead for the City St George’s merger said:
“We are pleased to contribute to this important report and hope it will provide helpful guidance for colleagues across the sector.
“Our merger was the result of a great deal of hard work by staff from both legacy institutions and resulted in significant advantages in terms of scale, reach, capability, and resilience.
“As the University for business, practice and the professions, we are now one of the major London centres for higher education and research and produce leaders for the world of work.
“By joining our breadth of healthcare with business, law, policy, technology, and the creative industries, we are building transformative interdisciplinary opportunities for students and researchers to address the complex challenges that our societies face today.”
The publication forms part of Advance HE's commitment to supporting institutions through large-scale change and will be complemented in the coming months by two further Advance HE merger reports and a merger roadmap to provide ongoing support for institutions considering similar strategic initiatives.