From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD has today invited expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill a Chairperson vacancy on the Governing Body of the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
The Chairperson appointment to the HEA Governing Body is for a term of four years.
Speaking today, Minister O’Donovan said:
“The Higher Education Authority has a key role to play in the oversight of the higher education sector. The role of the Chairperson of the HEA will be to lead the Board in setting the strategic direction and priorities for the HEA. He or she will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer of the HEA to ensure that the strategic priorities for the HEA are achieved and that there is ongoing oversight of the higher education sector in order to protect Exchequer funding. The Chairperson will also work closely with me to ensure the key priorities for the sector are implemented. A key role for the Chairperson will be to drive excellence in the higher education sector and I look forward to working with him or her.”
The process of filling the Chairperson vacancy on the HEA Governing Board is being managed by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).
A detailed Information Booklet can be found here and Expressions of interest may be made by submitting a Curriculum Vitae and detailed cover letter to stateboards@publicjobs.ie .
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 18 October 2024.
Established in 1972, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is the statutory agency responsible for higher education (including higher education research) in Ireland to ensure that a high- quality higher education and research system is in place which meets the needs of students and contributes to social, economic, cultural and sustainable development. The Higher Education Act 2022 sets out the objects and functions of the HEA, which have been expanded since its initial establishment.
The HEA is the statutory funding authority for the universities, technological universities, institutes of technology and other higher education providers and is the advisory body to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) in relation to the higher education sector. The HEA also has responsibility for the oversight of higher education institutions and the higher education system. As such the HEA is the lead organisation for the development of a higher education and research system that meets the needs of Irish society and the Irish economy and is accountable to the Minister for that leadership. A key aim of the HEA is to create a higher education system that maximises opportunities and ensures a high - quality experience for students.
The HEA and DFHERIS agree an annual service level agreement.
The offices of the Higher Education Authority are located at 3 Shelbourne Buildings, Crampton Avenue, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, DO4 C2Y6
Further details on the HEA may be obtained from the HEA website .
The composition of the HEA Governing Board is set out in Section 16 of the Higher Education Authority Act, 2022. The Board consists of eleven members, appointed by the Minister, including the Chairperson.
The remuneration for the position of Chairperson is €11,970 per annum.
It should be noted that in line with the ‘One Person One Salary’ principle, no public servant will be entitled to receive remuneration in the form of board fees, save for situations that are statutorily provided for e.g. Worker Directors.
Travel and subsistence allowances will be paid in respect of journeys undertaken to attend meetings of the Board or to transact its business. Payments will be made in accordance with approved public sector rates.