The background
University College London (UCL) is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary universities, known for its excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. With over 50,000 students and a complex technology landscape, UCL partners with trusted suppliers to support its digital transformation and operational resilience across education, research, and administration.
The challenge
UCL had developed a growing reliance over time on third-party suppliers and contingent labour to support key areas of the business, including the complex SITS (Student Information System) platform, a niche area with a limited talent pool and steep learning curve.
To drive strategic transformation, the university sought to reduce long-term cost pressures, modernise legacy systems, and scale its internal technical capability. This included building in-house teams with the skills to support digital innovation across multiple functions.
UCL required targeted support in specialist areas such as SITS development, alongside a broader strategy to strengthen engineering and software development teams, reducing dependence on short-term external resourcing.
The solution
La Fosse Academy has supported UCL since 2021, deploying a bespoke, multi-cohort Academy model aligned with their technology stack, team culture, and long-term hiring strategy.
Associates were hired with a view to full-time roles, offering continuity and cost-efficiency compared to contracting. Associates have been embedded across core digital workstreams, including the development and enhancement of UCL’s SITS platform, internal tooling, student services, and broader software and engineering functions.
Other bespoke elements have included:
- Delivering the first-of-its-kind SITS training through a sourced SME, delivering specialist upskilling to the first cohort.
- Tailored engagement including customer open days, roundtables, and on-site meet-and-greets to improve alignment and retention.
- Co-developed tailored training (e.g. a Business Analyst programme) to meet UCL’s unique needs.
- Pre-selection of Associates through UCL-led open days and interviews, giving the client full visibility and control. We ensured cultural fit through group onboarding, enabling strong cohort.
The snapshot
The result
Through a phased approach, La Fosse Academy helped UCL reduce reliance on contractors by building sustainable, in-house capability across key technical areas. Specialist hires in systems like SITS, alongside the development of permanent engineering teams, enabled greater control, consistency, and long-term value.
By combining early-career talent with experienced staff, UCL accelerated agile adoption, sparked a cultural shift toward collaboration and continuous learning, and became better positioned to deliver strategic tech initiatives while reducing long-term costs.
Supporting diversity
La Fosse Academy also supported a more diverse workforce within UCL, aligned with their organisational ethos. This consisted of the Academy Associate pool that we have provided since 2021 being made up of:
- 26% women
- 29% career changers
- 51% ethnic minorities (25% industry average)
- 85% from low socio-economic backgrounds
Why La Fosse Academy?
