Minister Lawless invites expressions of interest for appointment to Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Appeals Panel

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and experienced persons for appointment to Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Appeals Panel.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland, established in 2012, is an aegis body of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS).

Minister Lawless said:

The Department would particularly like to hear from candidates with demonstrable knowledge and experience in the tertiary education sector in Ireland and/or internationally, with expertise in the areas of quality assurance and programme design and with deep experience of public sector governance, regulation and policy implementation.

Appointments to the Appeals Panel will be for a four year term. There is a possibility of an extension of another four year period at the sole discretion of the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science depending on service requirements and performance. The appointment process is being managed by DFHERIS.

More information on the specific requirements for candidates considering an application along with an application form can be found here. Expressions of Interest may be made by submitting a completed application form, a short cover letter (maximum one page) and a Curriculum Vitae to the Department at qualifications@dfheris.gov.ie The closing date for the receipt of applications is 3pm on 12 January 2026. Submissions received after that time will not be considered.

Appointments will be made with regard to merit, transparency and equality of opportunity. In line with governance best practice, gender balance and diversity are important considerations.

Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

Quality and Qualifications Ireland was established in 2012 and its general functions derive from the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act, 2012. In 2019, these functions were expanded by the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) (Amendment) Act 2019 to improve the quality of Ireland’s education and training system.

Role and Function of QQI

QQI is responsible for maintaining and developing Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications, overseeing quality assurance procedures, validating programmes, setting and reviewing award standards, making awards, and regulating access, transfer, progression, and recognition of prior learning. It also authorises the TrustEd Ireland (international education) mark, lists awarding bodies and their qualifications on the NFQ, provides protections for enrolled learners, and regulates academic integrity.

Fees payable to Appeals Board members

Appeals Panel members will only receive remuneration when and if appointed to an Appeals Board.

The number of days of any appeal will depend on the nature of the appeal and the underpinning complexity. Appeals Boards members will receive remuneration for sitting days only which includes preparatory work.

For the duration of the Panel’s term of office, board members will receive a daily rate of €295.

While it is envisaged that much of the Appeals Panel’s work may be conducted remotely, where necessary, members of an Appeals Board may claim travel and subsistence expenses in respect of journeys undertaken to attend meetings of an Appeals Board and to transact its business. All expenses are paid in accordance with approved public sector rates. The remuneration is subject to tax in accordance with Revenue Commissioner’s Statement of Practice.

It should be noted that in line with the ‘One Person One Salary’ principle, no public servant will be entitled to receive remuneration in the form of board fees, save for situations that are statutorily provided for e.g. Worker Directors.