Context

The external environment for higher and further education is becoming ever more demanding. Timescales (from confirmation of requirements to expected implementation) are ever shorter. The number of organisations and agencies introducing change is extensive (e.g. HESA, HEFCE, SFC, SAAS, SLC, UKBA, UCAS, governments with tuition fees and so on).

Most institutions internally are going through rapid change - responding to the external environment, improving the student experience, creating efficiencies, or seeking to find new revenue streams. Almost all involve change - re-engineered business processes, new or revised software, and the need for staff to adapt.

“Shared Services” are on the increase, and for many institutions may be a long-term solution to efficiency and therefore sustainability.

Meanwhile, the so often forgotten core processes (admissions, matriculation, fee invoicing, graduation etc) still need to continue, and to an ever more demanding standard and with greater impacts and inter-dependencies. Risks are increasing exponentially.

Agility and responsiveness are essential.

Institutions are struggling to meet all the short-term demands for change from their existing resource base. It is proving very difficult to source suitably skilled and experienced managers who have led these functions in a similar environment, and who have sufficient experience of systems development and change such that an immediate contribution can be made. It is not financially possible for most institutions to commit to yet more permanent appointments at the required remuneration to attract the best candidates.

tecsar ltd aims to provide a solution, with Bruce Johnson providing his services through an approach that is effective and sustainable, and results in knowledge transfer.