The governance of higher education institutions has always been a matter of keen interest among IFUT members. With the introduction of the Higher Education Authority Act 2022, this topic has gained even greater significance. The new legislation introduced changes aimed at reducing employee and academic influence on governing authorities GA’s, while amplifying external representation. The assumption that diminishing the voice of employees and academics would be beneficial speaks volumes about the priorities of those who championed these changes.

While IFUT and others successfully campaigned for improvements to the original proposals, the Act, as it stands, represents the current framework for governance.

IFUT’s Commitment to Governance Issues

Governance remains a key focus for IFUT. This commitment is regularly reaffirmed at our Annual Delegate Conferences (ADC), where motions addressing governance are frequently raised. At the 2024 ADC, Motion 6, proposed by Maynooth University MU, addressed concerns about ‘Managerialism’ and ‘Executive Overreach.’ These concerns stemmed from attempts by some senior management to alter the selection process for employee representatives on their GA.  The MU Branch successfully campaigned against the efforts to introduce changes to the democratic election process in mid-2023, however the intent to dilute the staff voice on the GA’s remains as does the need for IFUT, and all those representing the academic voice including that of the students, to actively resist such change and to continue to campaign for a greater voice for staff on the GA’s.

The motion was passed, resulting in heightened attention to governance matters across IFUT’s Executive Committee. In response, IFUT is organising a Seminar on Governance to explore the challenges and opportunities in this critical area.

Seminar Details

• Date: Friday, February 28, 2024
• Time: 1:00 PM
• Venue: Gresham Hotel / Riu Plaza Hotel, Dublin

This seminar will feature:

• Presentations by IFUT Governing Authority members, sharing their experiences and insights.
• A contribution from the ICTU Assistant General Secretary, providing a broader perspective on governance.
• A Keynote Address from a distinguished expert, offering valuable insights into governance practices.

Purpose and Invitation

The seminar aims to deepen understanding of the role, purpose, and complexities of governing authorities in higher education institutions.

This event is open to all IFUT members. To attend, please notify Fiona at head office admin@ifut.ie , either directly or through your branch.

Schedule

A detailed schedule of the seminar will be shared closer to the event date. Stay tuned for updates!

Let’s come together to engage in this important conversation about governance in higher education. Your participation and insights will be invaluable in shaping IFUT’s approach to this vital issue.