The Scottish Qualifications Authority was formed out of a merger of the existing SCOTVEC and Higher Education bodies for Scotland. Following the decision to merge the two organisations there was a change management requirement to bring two cultures, two locations and two very different working environments together to create a unified and cohesive organisation focused upon the development and management of education across Scotland.

The challenge was to operate as part of the corporate change management team with a particular emphasis upon the workplace, the environment that was desired within it and the working practices.

Our role was to review and evaluate all support services business processes and recommend changes.

• Undertake review of business support services and evaluate with regard consolidation and rationalisation opportunities.
• Operate as an integral part of the SQA change management team.
• Recommend new strategy for the delivery of facilities management services.
• Consolidate duplication of operations between the two locations.
• Determine new workplace environments and standards.
• Liaise with all stakeholder groups throughout change management process.
• Inform and motivate the internal champion’s network with regard to the consolidation and rationalisation process and its impact upon the working environment and routine operations.

• Consolidation of facilities function, storage and printing functions resulting in reduced investment, improved space utilisation and associated ongoing operational costs.
• New strategy developed for the delivery of facilities management services which would enhance the ability to deliver improved customer services, rationalise the resources required, reduce the supply chain support requirements and deliver reduced occupancy costs.
• Successful integration and liaison with in-house change management teams and champion’s network group.
• Extremely positive staff feedback regarding improved working environment, newly introduced standards and subsequent refurbishment project and relocation process.