One of Australia’s leading institutions was undergoing a major transformation, relocating three campuses and introducing new ways of working. While these changes were designed to improve efficiency and modernise operations, they also brought uncertainty and resistance from staff and students adjusting to new locations and processes. On top of that, gaps in governance and inconsistent communication made it harder to align teams and keep the transition moving smoothly.

To make the transition as seamless as possible, we created a Change Management Framework that aligned with the university’s goals. A key part of this was setting up a Change Champion Network which is a team of representatives from different departments who helped their colleagues adjust, answered questions, and kept communication flowing.

We also developed a clear and structured communication strategy, ensuring that everyone, from leadership to frontline staff, stayed informed at every stage. Regular updates and transparent messaging helped ease uncertainty and build confidence in the changes ahead.

To prepare staff for new ways of working, we ran Future Operating Model (FMO) workshops. These hands-on sessions gave teams the practical tools they needed to adapt, clarifying roles and responsibilities while fostering collaboration.

The campus relocations were completed smoothly and with minimal disruption, allowing students and staff to transition without impacting daily operations. Clearer governance and better communication helped build trust and engagement, ensuring that everyone felt supported and aligned throughout the process.

To make future transitions even easier, we helped the university establish a long-term change model, providing a structured framework for ongoing improvements. With a more adaptable approach to change, this top-ranked Australian university is now well-equipped to evolve and grow while continuing to deliver high-quality education.