Strategic and Performance Dialogue Process

What is the Strategic Dialogue Process?

The Strategy Dialogue process is the HEA’s primary mechanism for monitoring and enhancing the contribution of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to the national strategic objectives set out in the Higher Education System Performance Framework.

On a 3-5 year cycle, the University sets out the individual contribution it will make to delivery of the national system-level objectives, with reference to its mission, strengths and strategic plan and in ways that reflect the diversity of the institutional mission or profile. The University’s Performance Compact is expected to include a range of proposed strategic initiatives to meet the system-level objectives, clear KPIs and annual targets for each year of the process.

The University is required to report annually to the HEA on its performance against the targets set in the Compact via a Self-Evaluation Report (SER). The focus of the SER should be on outcomes achieved in the period and on the impact of the initiatives undertaken.

The Compact is intended to measure an institution’s performance and is linked to a proportion of the funding allocated by the HEA to HEIs. Unsatisfactory performance on the objectives set out in the Compact may result in a reduction in funding from the HEA in any given year.

The Strategic Dialogue process also provides for the rewarding of outstanding performance via an allocation of €5m in performance funding. HEIs are invited to submit one Impact Case Study in an area where the institution feels it has excelled. Performance funding is awarded on the basis of an evaluation of the Impact Assessment Case Studies (IACSs). The University is required to demonstrate positive performance on balance and good overall quality of reporting in its SERs, in order to be considered eligible for performance funding.

The HEA is supported in its review of the SERs and IACSs by a panel of independent expert advisors. The advisors will compile an SER feedback report for HEIs which will be shared in advance of bilateral meetings. Bilateral meetings will provide an opportunity to further discuss the contents of the SERs, advisor feedback reports and other issues arising.

Further Information