Chest - 2019: Chest enters new era by joining Jisc

General Questions

The merger of two of the UK’s leading technology not-for-profit organisations in the field of education, government and charities will bring together expertise in digital and data technology solutions.

When is the merger going to happen?

1 January 2019

Who or what is Jisc?

Jisc is a not-for-profit membership organisation that provides digital solutions for UK education and research. Post-merger, the combined entity 'Jisc' will provide digital solutions to education and research, public sector, healthcare and commercial organisations around the world.

Who or what is Eduserv?

Eduserv is a not-for-profit technology partner of education, public and third sector organisations. Eduserv is comprised of three business units: Chest, OpenAthens and Eduserv Cloud Services.

What is the relationship between Jisc and Eduserv?

Jisc and Eduserv are not-for-profit tech companies that provide digital solutions to their customers and members. The merger will build on our strengths and expertise for the benefit of all our stakeholders.

What will the new organisation be called?

Jisc

Where is Jisc's Registered Office?

One Castlepark, Tower Hill, Bristol, BS2 0JA

What is Chest's Postal address?

Chest (A Jisc Enterprise, 4 Portwall Lane, Bristol, BS1 6NB. Please send any Chest licence or order forms to this address.

Why is the merger happening and what opportunities does this create?

We are merging to bring together our respective knowledge and expertise for the benefit of all our customers and members. Together we'll power and inspire the transformation of world-wide lifelong learning and research. We'll do this by: Promoting the adoption and use of standards-based information technology, enriching the educational experience and improving the quality of research and providing thought leadership. The merger will create new opportunities for customers and members to help shape the new organisation and the services we can offer going forward.

What is happening to Chest?

There will be no immediate change to the Chest service post-merger; we will continue to deliver trusted, value-for-money licences for software and online resources. By sharing the skills and talent within the new combined organisation Chest will be able to meet new licensing challenges and opportunities.

Is the Chest website going to change?

There are no immediate plans to change the Chest website other than continuous improvements that are already in the pipeline.

For Chest Agreement Customers

These answers are intended for all organisations that benefit from Chest Agreement licences.

What are the benefits of the merger for academic institutions?

By sharing the skills and talent within the new combined organisation Chest will be able to meet new licensing challenges and opportunities.

My organisation is not in the academic sector – will we still be able to benefit from Chest Agreements?

There will be no change to how you engage with Chest and you will continue to benefit from any of the value-for-money licences that are open to organisations outside the academic sector.

My institution is in the Republic of Ireland – how will the change impact us?

There will be no change to how you engage with Chest and you will continue to benefit from the value-for-money licences negotiated by Chest.

Who should I speak to about my Chest licences or Chest Agreements?

Contact the Chest Help Desk at help@chest.ac.uk or call 0300 121 0878 as usual.

Where do I find out about Chest Agreements?

Continue to visit https://www.chest.ac.uk/

Is the order process changing?

There will be no change for the immediate future.

Who will send out invoices for my Chest licences? Will I have to arrange a new Payee in our finance system?

After 1 January 2019 your Purchase Orders should be made out to JISC and the invoices we send out will show the bank details. Any invoices issued prior to 1 January should be paid to Eduserv.

Will my existing Chest licences still be valid?

Yes. In all Chest Agreements the licensor is the supplier of the licensed resources and your rights will remain unchanged until the end of your licence term.

Are Chest Agreement licence terms and conditions going to change?

There will be no change for the foreseeable future.

Does my organisation have to have Jisc Membership to take part in Chest Agreements?

Are Chest licences going to be provided with our Jisc Membership?

There are no current plans to provide this at the moment.

Will there need to be a novation of contracts?

No, your licence is between your institution and the supplier and that is not changing, novation is therefore unnecessary.

Where do I go for a copy of Jisc’s tax clearance certificate and W-8 Ben?

We will make these available via the Chest website as soon as we have received them. Please advise Chest Help if you need a copy.

For Chest Agreement Suppliers

These answers are intended for all software vendors and publishers that licence their resources through Chest Agreement.

What are the benefits of the merger for suppliers?

By sharing the skills and talent within the new combined organisation Chest will be able to meet new licensing challenges and opportunities.

Who do I contact about my Chest Contract?

Contact your key Chest Contact; Ben Offiler, Howard Moody or Nikki Rowe.

What are the implications for our contract with Chest/Eduserv?

All contracts will transfer to the new legal entity 'Jisc'. If you have any queries about this please contact your key Chest Contact; Ben Offiler, Howard Moody or Nikki Rowe.

Who do I invoice for payment?

Until 1 January 2019 invoice Eduserv in the ususal way. Your key Chest Contact will be in touch to advise you of changes to this once the merger is complete.

For other organisations

Chest collaborates with a number of other organisations either through membership, sponsorship or participation in events.

Will the merger have an impact on these relationships?

The ongoing success of Chest Agreements relies on collaboration so these joint activities will continue.