The Partnership of Stakeholders in the Technological Sector (POSITS Forum) comprising Fórsa, SIPTU, THEA, TU Dublin, TUI, Unite, the Higher Education Authority, and the Department of Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, is pleased to announce conclusion of a framework approach to continuity and completion of the academic year in line with public health guidelines. The focus of the consultation was on safety and especially in the context of continuing heightened restrictions at Level 5. This allows for a limited return to campus this academic year of some students and staff, on a targeted basis, in order to complete essential, time-critical course content which cannot be completed remotely.
The parties have agreed how to give effect to this in a managed and safe manner and will coordinate communication of the principles as agreed following concentrated and constructive talks. The outcome is set out in the attached core Principles Paper and a complementary communication. Respecting that this framework is calibrated to inform the operations of autonomous institutions, further developed by their own local consultation engagements, the Forum has committed to remain active to assist in the implementation of these principles in the interest of reasonable consistency of approach.
Stella Griffin, Assistant General Secretary, Forsa Trade Union
Gina O’Brien, Chair Higher Education Branch, Forsa Trade Union
Martin Marjoram, President, Teachers’ Union of Ireland
Dr Aidan Kenny, Assistant General Secretary, Teachers’ Union of Ireland
Con Casey, Industrial Organiser, Education Sector, PACD, SIPTU
Bob Stacey, Branch Chairman Technical Staff Group, Institutes of Technology Branch, Unite
Stephanie Goode, Assistant Principal Officer, Higher Education – Governance & Quality, D/FHERIS
Thomas Stone, Principal – Tallaght Campus, TU Dublin
Dr Ruaidhri Neavyn, Special Advisor, HEA
Billy Bennett, Vice President Academic & Registrar, LyIT & THEA
Dr Joseph Ryan, Chief Executive Officer, THEA, and chair of the POSITS Partnership Forum
