BOSSES at South Worcestershire College have insisted the future of its Malvern campus is in safe hands despite the college announcing plans to formally merge with Warwickshire College Group.
A public consultation has opened on the plans which have been put together in order to achieve ‘financial and operational sustainability’ for all of the college’s locations.
South Worcestershire College (SWC) has campuses in Malvern and Evesham, while Warwickshire College Group incorporates five colleges across Warwickshire, and Pershore College.
According to the college the only significant change from the merger would be the changing of the name ‘South Worcestershire College’ to Warwickshire College Group Should all plans be given the green light, the merger will come into affect from August.
A document detailing the plans titled ‘Stronger Together’ reads: “The proposed merger comes at a time when the FE sector is facing increasing pressures related to changes in Government funding mechanisms.
“We are also very aware of the ongoing Area Review process which is driving closer inspection of productivity and overall financial sustainability of FE colleges.”
Additionaly it also states: “It is the intention that ‘business as usual’ continues for SWC with both campuses (Malvern and Evesham) and course provision remaining in place for enrolled students.
“No students will be disadvantaged and all will be able to complete any courses still in progress at the effective date of the merger. The name of the organisation will be the only significant change in the immediate term.”
The college added the merger could increase their annual savings to more than one million pounds.
Malvern residents will be able to have their say on the proposed plans at a consultation event taking place on Thursday, April 21 at the Malvern Campus on Albert Road North between 6pm and 8pm.
Other consultation events will take place, at the same time, at the college’s Evesham campus on Tuesday, April 19 and Pershore College on Wednesday, April 20.
The deadline for consultation responses is midday on Friday, April 22.
Following the deadline, consultation responses will be analysed and the findings report published with the governing bodies taking a final decision on merger in June.
