Valtech selected by Student Awards Agency Scotland to deliver Core Systems Replacement programme Valtech has been selected by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS), an Executive Agency of the Scottish Government, as implementation partner for its Core Systems Replacement (CSR) programme. The programme forms a key part of SAAS’s wider organisational transformation to modernise its services and ensure continued delivery of secure, resilient and accessible student support.
SAAS provides funding and support to around 160,000 students in higher education across Scotland. The CSR programme will replace existing core systems that are approaching end of life and establish a modern, scalable digital platform to improve efficiency, strengthen long-term sustainability and enhance the experience of students and stakeholders.
As part of the programme, Valtech will deploy the Appian process automation platform to underpin a modern case management and digital service environment, enabling more efficient, transparent and responsive handling of student support. The platform will support simpler, more intuitive online journeys, improve case handling and enable more flexible responses to changing policy and student needs. It will also strengthen data security, governance and service resilience, ensuring public funds are managed responsibly and transparently.
Catherine Topley, Chief Executive, SAAS, said:
Replacing our core systems is essential for safeguarding the future of student support in Scotland. This investment provides the foundation for secure, reliable and accessible services that meet the needs of students today and in the years ahead.
Sam Ineson, Public Sector Director, Valtech, said:
Modernising core systems at this scale is critical to strengthening long-term resilience in student support. By combining the strength and scalability of the Appian process automation platform with our experience delivering complex public sector change, we will support SAAS to build a future-ready case management capability that supports operational resilience and continuous improvement. This programme strengthens performance today and establishes a strong foundation for more intelligent, insight-led and data-driven services over time, supporting better service delivery for students across Scotland.
Peter Corpe, Industry Leader, UK Public Sector, Appian, said:
We are proud to partner with SAAS and Valtech to modernise the student funding experience in Scotland. By deploying Appian’s AI-powered automation as the foundation for SAAS’s new digital services environment, we are helping to create a more responsive and dependable service.
The CSR programme will be delivered in phases, with early improvements expected from April 2027 and further enhancements rolling out through to 2030. Throughout this period, SAAS will continue to maintain stable, secure and reliable services while building the foundations for long-term improvement.
About Valtech
Valtech is a global leader in experience innovation, focused on creating sustainable, human-centred digital solutions that transform how organisations serve their users. In the UK public sector, Valtech partners with government departments, regulators and national agencies to modernise legacy systems and improve services for citizens and service users. Combining expertise in data, AI and complex systems delivery, Valtech designs secure and resilient digital platforms, including AI-enabled case management solutions, that support more responsive and effective public services. Its public sector clients include the Department for Education, HM Treasury and the Government Digital Service.