Mr. Gordon Clark:

I begin by expressing my gratitude for the opportunity to talk in my capacity as designate chair of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance Authority of Ireland. I understand the body's operational title will be Quality and Qualifications Ireland, or QQI, so I will use that acronym today. My written submission has already been made available to the members so I will briefly highlight four main points relating to my experience, my vision for QQI, the key challenges the authority may face, and some thoughts on the role of the chair.

I have had a keen interest and considerable experience in the areas of education and qualification systems for many years. Currently I am a retired European official and I wish to put my skills and knowledge to use on a voluntary basis. In particular, I am available to put my energy, time and expertise into some active role in the area of education and qualifications. It was for this reason I applied ten months ago through the publicly advertised process to be appointed a member of the QQI board.

The members have received a copy of my curriculum vitae so today I will only focus on those aspects of my career in education and public sector management most relevant to the chair of QQI. Before returning to Ireland in November 2010, I was a head of unit in the European Commission with responsibility for the development of the EU's lifelong learning policy. This included in particular the development and management of the European qualifications framework for lifelong learning, which is one of the most influential of the EU's initiatives facilitating co-operation, transparency and mobility in the field of education and training. I was also responsible for the development of the EU's overall framework for co-operation and exchange of good policy and practice in education and training, including leading and chairing key EU-level advisory and co-ordination committees in the field of qualifications and education, as well as membership of the boards of EU vocational training agencies.

The earlier part of my career was in financial management, having qualified in 1970 as an Irish chartered accountant. I initially worked in the private sector in auditing, accounting and management consultancy before joining the EU's audit and budgetary planning services. This experience, skill and knowledge is very pertinent to the role of chairperson, particularly in current times, when we have a very significant focus on good governance and value for money.

I will turn to my vision for the future of QQI. The QQI will shortly be established under the recently enacted Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. The new authority will take on the functions currently performed by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, the Further Education and Training Awards Council, and the Irish Universities Quality Board. These four bodies have respectively and collectively laid strong foundations in this area since 2001 and 2002. For example, they developed and implemented the national framework of qualifications, initiated award standards in external quality assurance of educational providers and programmes and facilitated the access, transfer and progression of learners within the framework.

Since the authority was first announced in 2008 and within the context of public sector reform, the four bodies, led by Dr. Padraig Walsh, have made significant progress in establishing the new organisation. The amalgamation process has resulted in efficiencies, producing a significant cost saving and reduction in staff numbers. Current staff have already been appointed to new positions within a new organisational structure.

My vision is for the new QQI authority to build on these impressive foundations and establish a more integrated, coherent and relevant qualifications and quality assurance system which will meet the needs of all learners or potential learners, whether they are unemployed, employed, in training or in education in an even more effective way so we can be equipped to respond to post-recession in Ireland and beyond in a state of readiness, with a well educated, qualified and confident work force. It is crucial that the new organisation ensures that all learners or potential learners have access to appropriate and timely information. It is equally important that learners are confident in the programmes of education and training recognised within the framework, and that they are given assurances that their qualifications are recognised within and outside the State for the purposes of employment or gaining access to further education and training opportunities.

In accordance with the Act, QQI will be independent in the performance of its functions as a qualifications and quality assurance agency. It will deliver a high-quality service to and have a strong relationship with providers in further and higher education and training, whether in the private or public sector. This is a vision that combines operational integrity and independence with an holistic and unified approach to working with providers to achieve the highest standards possible. It is a vision that I both share and endorse.

The new authority will face several short to medium-term challenges in order to complete the final stages of the amalgamation process and start fulfilling its functions as set out in the Act. For example, it must prepare and obtain consensus for the adoption of a strategic plan with a clearly defined rationale and goals that will provide direction and ensure measurement performance. We must build an identity and foster an organisational culture for QQI that is conducive to learning, development, growth and excellence. We must establish revised quality assurance and qualifications procedures for providers, programmes and awards which are fit for purpose, integrated and coherent across both further and higher education sectors. The body must develop new policies and procedures, particularly on a code of practice for international learners, as well as an international education mark. QQI must also engage actively in the ongoing reform process in education and training, including the development of effective relationships with the new stakeholders and institutions emerging, such as SOLAS, the local education and training boards and any future technological universities.

In meeting these challenges the new authority is fortunate to have a very well qualified, experienced and dedicated group of staff led by Dr. Walsh, who has been appointed chief executive designate of QQI by the Minister for Education and Skills.

Finally, I will comment briefly on my view of the role of chairvis-à-visthe board of QQI. The chair of a board of any large organisation is a challenging role with considerable responsibility, particularly in these economic times. I see my role as providing the necessary leadership, in accordance with the code of good governance, to ensure the board is clear about its mandate and that it effectively functions to provide strategic guidance while also monitoring the activities and effectiveness of the authority to ensure the highest operational standards of service are achieved. I will work very closely with the chief executive and will cultivate and rely on the co-operation, expertise and independent judgment of the board members to assist me in my role, duties and tasks. I look forward to working with the new board after my appointment. Our collective mission will be to promote the success of the new authority in fulfilling its functions under the Act in the interests of all learners and in accordance with the objectives set by the Government.