Edinburgh colleges begin merger talks

Edinburgh’s Telford College has entered merger talks with Stevenson College and Jewel & Esk.

The move comes after Scottish Ministers urged higher education institutions to become more efficient amid cuts from the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition at Westminster.

Telford College’s director, Jim Donaldson, said:
"All three Edinburgh colleges work collaboratively already, but we consider that the best way now to develop skills and learning opportunities, particularly for the city's school leavers and young people, is to work together to create a single, merged college for Edinburgh.

"The decision to move towards merger is subject to satisfactory due diligence and satisfactory outcomes from a full consultation process with students, staff and our key stakeholders in industry and commerce."

Stevenson College and Jewel & Esk had previously been engaged in merger talks, but the latest addition of Telford College to the discussions is expected to delay the process by two months.

The presidents from the student associations at Stevenson College, Telford College and Jewel & Esk jointly stated: "A decision to merge could be beneficial to students at our campuses, but only if their input into the process is primary.

"In the short-term mergers often cost more money, and with Scotland's colleges seeing further funding cuts this year it is crucial that the decisions made throughout this process are driven by educational improvement, not by the potential for financial savings.

"If learners at our three colleges really are to be at the centre of the decision to merge, it is essential that students are at the table to ensure local access, teaching quality and places are protected and the need for greater entry-level courses is addressed."

Telford College’s Student Union told The Journal they wanted college principals to ensure “the connection between campuses and their communities are protected”, careers counselling and student support services are improved, and that more is done to recognise groups who need additional help.

The Telford College Student Union added:
“The Student Union is not against the idea of the merger but is enforcing the idea of funding a strong autonomous and well-resourced Student Association.

“We are backing the protection of the quality of courses available to all students including those who need the most like disabled, NEETS (not in education, employment and training), mature students and the poorest 20 per cent of society.”