Údarás na hOllscoile

As the University’s Governing Authority, Údarás na hOllscoile oversees the overall governance of the University in accordance with the Universities Act 1997 as amended by the Higher Education Authority Act 2022. Its role is to provide active strategic direction and leadership to enable the University to succeed in its mission of education and research and to oversee the work of the President and the University Management Team. It is not involved in the day-to-day management of the University.

Under the HEA Act 2022, the membership of Údarás na hOllscoile is as follows:

• An external Chairperson, appointed by Údarás na hOllscoile ​
• The Chief Officer​ (President of the University)
• 9 external members, appointed by Údarás na hOllscoile - including 3 Ministerial nominees​
• 5 internal members, appointed by Údarás na hOllscoile
• 3 Student Union members, appointed by Údarás na hOllscoile.

Further details on the members of Údarás na hOllscoile is available to download here.

The key functions of Údarás na hOllscoile under the Universities Act 1997  as amended by the HEA Act 2022 include:

• Promoting the success (including academic success) and reputation of the university
• Ensuring that appropriate systems, procedures and practices are in place for the internal performance management and accountability of the university
• Reviewing and guiding strategic direction and major plans of action.
• Setting performance objectives, monitoring implementation and university performance.
• Overseeing risk management.
• Approving annual budgets and business plans.
• Overseeing major capital expenditure and investment decisions.

Údarás na hOllscoile meets at least six times per year. It has four Sub-Committees to support it in its work as follows: Standing & Strategic Planning Committee, Finance & Resource Committee, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & HR Committee and Audit and Risk Committee.  Further information on the Sub - Committees and their Membership is available here. 

The work of Údarás na hOllscoile is governed by its Standing Orders and Reserved Schedule of Powers and Delegated Authority ‌.

Further information on Údarás na hOllscoile and its Committees is available in the University’s Governance Hub.