Calls to reform third-level structures to reduce 'hand-holding'

Management structures in third-level colleges need reform to reduce the amount of “hand-holding” being undertaken by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) with them, said its incoming chairman.

Michael Horgan says governance systems in the higher education sector are an area in which he would like to see changes during his term, as the authority is “doing a lot of hand-holding with various colleges”.

“From what I’ve seen, I don’t think they have a fit-for-purpose governance in place. A lot of issues come back to the HEA, somewhat like a child to a parent when they should be dealing with it themselves within the organisation,” he said.