A Work of Fiction - or What?

It appears that a report, ‘121031 Post Merger Evaluation final Vs 1 subject to change[1]’, proclaims the City of Glasgow College ‘merger’ a success!

We also note that Mike R has jumped to take this report as an accurate and complete evaluation of the ‘merger’... despite the “subject to change”! (Link to press release at end of this article)

“As other colleges around the country move towards a system of regional working – including a number of other possible mergers – to create a sector that delivers the best possible benefits for both students and employers, other institutions could learn a lot from the Glasgow model. This merger was well planned, closely consulted on and has created tangible benefits for all involved.”

We also note the timings of the press release and college staff being advised that Mike Russell MSP will have an opportunity to discuss it [the merger evaluation] with the College Board over dinner that evening! …”….  Hmm!

However the interesting aspect of this press release is that there is NO comment from the staff side or their TU representatives…!

We have Education Secretary Mike Russell saying …. (apparently before discussing it [the report] with the Board?)

“Today’s report clearly shows that City of Glasgow College has capitalised on its scale to deliver the benefits outlined in its merger plan for students, employers and staff. This is a credit to the Principal, Board and senior management team, as well as staff and student associations within the college. Glasgow can be proud of the way in which the college has positioned itself at the heart of the city’s economic development.

(We note the ‘as well as’….  And not being pedantic …are there ‘Staff Associations’ in the City of Glasgow College?)

We have the College Principal saying

“The merger process to establish the City of Glasgow College has been student focussed and was delivered by a superb team effort by the Board, senior management and college staff. Now as one of the largest colleges in the UK we have a resilient organisation – one that truly delivers enhanced learning experiences for all its students. In transforming three successful colleges to a single, world-class institution, we are doing more than ever to meet the employment, and future employment demands, of Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.”

And we have the College’s Student President adding

“ ….. In terms of the stability of their learning environment, most students have been oblivious to the merger,

“It hasn’t interfered in their education, which is a great bonus. When going from class to class, most students don’t see any difference – the only one is the sign above the door.”

Unfortunately this seems not to be the reality in College?

What is the ‘non-fiction’ position on this ‘merger’? – [‘City of Glasgow’ is the trading name for Metropolitan College] .

Can you have salary harmonisation without harmonisation of conditions of service? Indeed there is a question mark over salary harmonisation!

What is the impact on jobs, courses and students and the 'esprit de corps'? What courses / classes have been dropped?

Are the savings £5m or £7.5m - Well it is easy to be unsure as to £2.5m!

Are things just 'hunky-dory' or ‘bubbling over’ for other mergers?

In the John Wheatley, North Glasgow, and Stow merger did two principals withdraw their application for the new merged college post? 

See Snippet! "Then there was one"

Scot Govt Press Release- College Merger a Success!