Press release
Minister Harris invites expressions of interest for the board of SOLAS
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has today (26 January 2022) invited expressions of interest to the board of An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna (SOLAS), the Further Education and Training Authority.
The process is being managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) and applications can be made through the dedicated State Boards website . The closing date for applications is 3 February 2022.
Minister Harris said:
“This is a really exciting time for further education.
“Further education and training (FET) provides an opportunity for everyone to engage in learning whilst delivering on the critical skills needs of the economy and the future world of work.
“The work of SOLAS and the Education and Training Boards is key to our economic and social development. I invite those with an interest in contributing to the work of the board to apply and help us shape the next chapter for further education.”
PAS will undertake an assessment process in relation to the expressions of interest received and at the end of that process it will provide the minister with a list of candidates deemed to be suitable for appointment to the board. The appointments will be made by the minister following consultation with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Social Protection. Candidates who have been brought forward in this process may form a panel from which future vacancies may be filled during the course of the year.
An tSeirbhís Oideachais Leanúnaigh agus Scileanna (SOLAS), the Further Education and Training Authority, was established in October 2013 under the Further Education and Training Act, 2013.
Under the aegis of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, SOLAS is responsible for the strategic co-ordination and funding of the Further Education and Training (FET) sector.
The legislation sets out the overall structure of SOLAS and sets out its functions, including:
Section 10 of the Further Education and Training Act 2013 provides that the Board of SOLAS shall consist of 13 members appointed by the minister, of whom:
Of the remaining 10 members, 2 shall be appointed following their nomination by the Minister for Social Protection, while 8 shall be appointed by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, following consultation with the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Minister for Social Protection.
The board meets regularly, and members may also be required to serve on committees established by the board.
The act requires that members of the board have experience and expertise in matters connected with the functions of SOLAS or matters connected with finance, trade, commerce, corporate governance or public administration.
The board is collectively responsible for promoting the success of SOLAS. It does this by leading and directing the body’s activities, providing strategic guidance to the organisation and monitoring the activities and effectiveness of its management.
Appointments to the board of SOLAS shall be made with due regard to best practice in terms of gender balance requirements.