Údarás na hOllscoile - Governing Authority

Membership

The current Údarás na hOllscoile took office on 1 September 2023 and it will serve until 31 January 2025. It comprises an external chairperson and a total of 19 members with a diverse range of expertise and experience, in line with the provisions of the Universities Act 1997 as amended by the Higher Education Authority Act 2022. The President serves as an ex officio member.

The Universities Act 1997 as amended by the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 provides for the membership of Údarás na hOllscoile 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.

As required under the legislation, dedicated University of Galway Regulations were approved by the Governing Authority and the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to govern the appointment or reappointment of members as appropriate. The regulations provide for a competency-based selection process. The competency framework and an associated competency survey of members also informed the membership of the four Sub-Committees of Údarás na hOllscoile.

The membership of Údarás na hOllscoile 1 September 2023- 31 January 2025 is available to download here. Membership of the four Sub-Committees is available here.

Responsibilities

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.

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.

The agenda for meetings of Údarás na hOllscoile typically includes:

Strategy & Performance items: e.g. reviews of the implementation of the Strategic Plan and reviews of Strategic Risks
Academic Matters: report from Academic Council
Sub-Committee Reports: recommendations from the four Sub-Committees on matters delegated to them for consideration
Governance items: e.g. approval of the Annual Governance Statement
Financial items: e.g. approval of the University Budget
Report from the President & UMT

Údarás na hOllscoile Standing Orders 2025-2029 describe the distinct roles and responsibilities of the Chairperson, the President, individual Members and the Secretary to Údarás na hOllscoile, as well as how meetings are conducted and how decisions are made.