FEASIBILITY STUDY

guide the decision-making of each Governing Body on how to build closer links and consider a
phased planning and implementation process towards merger.
A detailed estimate of the financial health and estate implications has been provided in the study.
However, issues linked to discrete financial savings based on potential rationalisation of physical
[estate and technology] and human resources have not been considered. This was deemed not
appropriate by both Principals and their governing bodies at this stage in the discussions between
both institutions. What is offered are a series of critical, reflective comments linked to
management capacity, organisational structure and function, curriculum, learning support and
estate development which will need to be considered if both institutions move forward to
embrace merger.
The views of external stakeholders reported in this study should be seen as independent
consultees. They do not represent the views of Treadwell Consulting.
This report is strictly confidential and has been specifically prepared following detailed discussions
with the Principals of each institution. The Governing Bodies of both Coleg Morgannwg and Ystrad
Mynach College will discuss the implications of the findings of this report. The work was
commissioned by both institutions following funding from the Welsh Government. The report will,
therefore, be shared with relevant officers in the Skills, Higher Education and Lifelong Learning
[SHELL] Division of the Department of Education and Skills [DfES], and with appropriate Ministers.
It is produced and issued in accordance with the terms of engagement agreed by Coleg
Morgannwg, Ystrad Mynach College and Treadwell Consulting. This feasibility study report should
not, therefore, be suitable to be used or relied on by any party wishing to acquire rights against us.
We are grateful to all the internal and external stakeholders who gave of their time so willingly and
helped provide us with reflective commentary, data and descriptive information for this study. This
cumulative source material has hopefully allowed us to present a balanced and informative report
that will help both Colleges and their Governing Bodies come to an informed decision as to their
next steps towards increased collaboration and possible merger.
In particular, we would like to thank both Principals, Judith Evans of Coleg Morgannwg and Bryn
Davies of Ystrad Mynach, for their specific inputs and guidance in the whole research process.
Their respective visions and core values were instrumental in shaping the nature of the research
engagement and with the discreet structure of the final feasibility study report.
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