We funded the Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) to publish two reports detailing the lessons that had been generated by its work on mergers. It was a consultant on the merger between British Association of Settlements and Social Action Centres (bassac) and the Development Trusts Association (DTA) which became Locality as well as that between TACT Fostering & Adoption (TACT) and four smaller charities which provide fostering and adoption services in England, Scotland and Wales. This report on both mergers offer a detailed account of the processes involved based on interviews with key participants including chief executives and IVAR staff. Together the reports give an insight into the planning, discussions and challenges faced by all the merger partners as well as some of the critical success factors. They should be essential reading for any organisation that is thinking about the opportunities and potential pitfalls of the merger path.
