Open University

The Open University is the UK’s leading provider of distance learning courses.

Large Volume of Government legislation projects = Solid Programme Management

The Open University is one of the most well established distance learning institutions in the country. The business is currently having to respond to significant changes imposed by new government legislation.

The challenge was put to Arras People - find a Programme Manager required to establish a framework for the Marketing function moving forward over the next two years.

The role was very strategic, looking at converting a 'wish list' of projects into a defined programme plan.

A Variety of Boxes to Tick

Arras and the Open University had collaborated in the past on a variety of project & programme management-related matters. To use the Arras process to find candidates with the right level of gravitas and strategic acumen.

This was a politically sensitive role and so candidates had to tick the key boxes not only in terms of skill set, but also when it came to personality and their general temperament.

Due in part to our close familiarity with the OU, we were better able to quickly assimilate a shortlist that featured four candidates with varied but equally strong backgrounds.

Following one dropout, two of those candidates were invited to interview; eventually, the OU ultimately tabbed the successful candidate to take charge of the programme's management.

Because Arras People had previously worked with the OU in terms of providing salary information and consultancy advice, our expertise and stature as an industry insider left a solid impression.

The Open University returned to us thanks in part to our know-how when a concrete opportunity became available, and have done so again in the weeks that followed.