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HEFCE has published a consultation report that sets out the lessons learned from collaborations, alliances and mergers (CAM) in higher education, and proposes guidance for universities and colleges that may be contemplating such arrangements for the future. By consulting on this report, HEFCE hopes to: enrich its content with further evidence from the sector; stimulate challenge to the conclusions it draws; and identify areas where further guidance would be helpful.

Collaborations, alliances and mergers among universities and colleges have been an important feature of the higher education sector throughout its history, but relatively little information has been published on this activity. We have therefore published this study to help the sector learn from the experiences of others and improve the likelihood of success considering or implementing change. The information has been drawn from case studies in England and overseas, interviews, existing literature and other published information.

Sir Alan Langlands, HEFCE’s Chief Executive, said:

'CAM activity might well continue to be part of the higher education sector’s response to change, and has the potential to provide opportunities for educational development, new research directions and greater effectiveness. However, any decision about change is a matter for institutions - there is no question of a top-down approach. HEFCE’s primary role is to safeguard the collective interests of current and prospective students and the wider public. In seeking to encourage the development of a more diverse and dynamic sector and supporting student choice, we will respect the autonomy of institutions and support them in any way we can.'

The consultation, 'Collaborations, alliances and mergers in higher education: Consultation on lessons learned and guidance for institutions' (HEFCE 2012/06), is available on the HEFCE web-site. The closing date for responses is 6 June 2012.