Podcast: What does a successful higher education merger look like?

Merging with another university isn't easy. But some universities have taken this path recently to help make sure they would be fit for the future.

In the last year, universities have been facing difficult financial circumstances. This has meant looking at new solutions and ways of working together, from smaller partnerships and initiatives to more radical options.

In this episode of The future of higher education today, our panel of experts share their reflections on what makes a successful merger, including overcoming unforeseen challenges, stakeholder management and lessons learnt.

This is the beginning of a four-episode series in collaboration with Advance HE. It focuses on governing and leading change and transformation in the higher education sector.

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Transcript

Download a transcript of this show (pdf).

Episode guests

Gayle Ditchburn smiling in front of a plain background

Gayle Ditchburn, Partner, Pinsent Masons

Anthony Finklestein smiling in front of a plain background

Professor Sir Anthony Finklestein, President, City St George’s, University of London

Lesley Haig sitting in a university office

Professor Lesley Haig, Vice-Chancellor, Health Sciences University

Tadhg Leane smiling in front of a plain background

Dr Tadhg Leane, Senior Lecturer and Programme Manager, Munster Technological University

Episode host

Aaron Porter has a portfolio of roles within and beyond higher education. As Associate Director (Governance) for Advance HE, he leads a national development programme for higher education governors and board members with over 700 participants each year. He has also led board effectiveness reviews at over 50 universities in the UK, Ireland and Australia.

His board positions include: Chair of BPP University, Deputy Chair of Goldsmiths University, Non-Executive Director of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA), board member of a healthcare regulator and trustee of a London theatre.