6th January 2025
When Vision Trust and The 1590 Trust decided to merge, Edwin People guided both organisations through the entire process; from strategic planning and DfE application through to leadership structure, stakeholder engagement and post-merger integration. The merger completed on schedule, forming Spark Education Trust, now overseeing 15 schools across the Tees Valley.
In January 2024, the Vision Trust and the 1590 Trust engaged the expertise of Edwin People to guide and support them through a strategic merger, with a target completion date of 1st September 2024, aligning with the start of the new academic year. VALT, whose CEO was approaching retirement, sought to merge with The 1590 Trust to create a stronger, more sustainable Trust that in turn would be able to deliver improved opportunities for children and young people.
The merger also aimed to enhance staff career opportunities, leadership development, financial efficiency and, develop greater school improvement capacity. Recognising the complexities involved, both Trusts sought the independent expertise of Edwin People to bring the two organisations together, manage capacity challenges, provide experience-based insights, oversee project deadlines, and work with key partners such as the Department for Education.
The ultimate goal was to ensure a seamless transition for students and staff while effectively managing the process by addressing operational, legal and stakeholder considerations.
Strategic Planning and Project Management
With our facilitation, both trust boards successfully agreed on an initial memorandum of understanding, accommodating merger needs and requirements. A comprehensive project plan and detailed timeline were then developed to align with expectations, meet key deadlines, and keep stakeholders informed and the project on track.
Leadership and Organisational Development
We worked closely with the shadow Board to agree the leadership structure, ensuring a strong foundation for the newly merged trust. This process involved identifying leadership capacity needs, defining roles and responsibilities and, in some instances, supporting the appointment process, helping to establish a strong, unified leadership team capable of delivering long-term success.
Regulatory and Compliance Support
We assisted in creating a thorough application for the DfE, outlining the merger’s mission, values, benefits, governance and leadership models, and an overview of both trusts’ financial positions. To ensure compliance and due diligence, legal teams for both trusts were engaged and coordinated throughout the process, and Edwin People attended meetings with the DfE and respective legal teams, providing expert advice, addressing regulatory requirements, and guiding both trusts throughout the application process.
Stakeholder Engagement
We led extensive communication with pupils, parents, staff and trade unions, ensuring all viewpoints informed decision-making and proposed changes aligned with stakeholder needs and expectations. TUPE requirements were carefully managed through consultation, identifying necessary changes and potential impacts on key stakeholders. To support a smooth transition, a post-merger 100-day integration plan was developed, providing essential support to central teams’ daily operations.
The merger was successfully completed, meeting the planned deadline of 1st September 2024. The newly formed Spark Education Trust now oversees 15 primary and secondary schools across the Tees Valley area. The process ensured a seamless transition, maintaining educational continuity while maximising the strengths of both merging trusts.
As we navigate the complex and unfamiliar world of MAT mergers and consolidation, it’s been fantastic having the team at Edwin People leading us through unknown territory. We have been supported through every aspect of the process by an experienced and professional project management team. The application process, HR and financial due diligence have all been managed effectively, with their wonderful team on hand to answer every query. We really could not have done this without them. Highly recommended!
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Edwin is already a trusted education partner for many schools and multi-academy trusts, so whether you're looking for practical support, fresh thinking or simply somewhere to share ideas with peers, we'd love to hear from you.