ESO and BCOM join to create a new platform for delivering Osteopathic Education and Research

Here is the official letter from Ian Fraser (ESO) and Kerstin Rolfe (BCOM):

"Monday, 28th September 2020

The British College of Osteopathic Medicine and The European School of Osteopathy join to create a new platform for delivering Osteopathic Education and Research I am pleased to inform you that the Boards of OE&R Ltd trading as The European School of Osteopathy (ESO) and BCNO Ltd trading as British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM) have agreed to merge forming a new education outlet. The new enterprise will be a registered charity and will continue to trade as the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in London and as the European School of Osteopathy in Maidstone, Kent. This merge is subject to the satisfactory completion of due diligence, the approval from the respective company members and the regulatory authorities and conclusion of the required legal processes.

Both Boards with current Principals and CEO believe this is an exceptionally exciting opportunity, providing a stronger business platform and one that supports the continuation of osteopathic education and training at their current locations in London and Kent. In addition, it will bring an increased capability to deliver a broader academic programme within the UK and overseas. The education of our students will not be affected by these changes and our relationships with our validating partners will continue.

Existing stakeholders will be offered development options throughout the new business across all facets of our function. Ambitious strategies to further education and business growth are well developed and will be shared shortly after the official constitution is completed.

This presents a unique and impressive opportunity in our sector to build platforms that will develop new education, clinical, research and healthcare offerings.

An expansion in geographical coverage offers further opportunity for staff development which will see us come together as a united team working from Kent and London but not independent operations.

The Executive Leadership Team will be led by Ian Fraser as CEO, who is currently CEO and Principal of the ESO, and he will be joined by Kerstin Rolfe as Principal, who is currently Principal of BCOM, and will be responsible for Education Development and Strategy across all departments and sites.

Once the legal process has progressed further, we will be consulting with all staff in line with the requirements of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (“TUPE”). We anticipate that the legal process will take four to six months and therefore anticipate being able to commence the notification and consultation process within the next two months. We will keep you informed as the merger progresses and, in particular, if there are any changes to this proposed timeline.

The new Company’s Board and Executive Leadership Team are looking forward to building an even stronger hub of academic excellence and one which builds upon the hard work and rich legacy of their osteopathic forebears.

Any enquiries should be directed to:
Ian Fraser, CEO and Principal, European School of Osteopathy: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kerstin Rolfe, Principal, British College of Osteopathic Medicine: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it."