HEA Performance Funding rewards outstanding initiatives in higher education institutions



The Higher Education System Performance Framework 2018-2020 is the key policy framework that guides the Strategy and Performance Dialogue process that the Higher Education Authority (HEA) facilitates with higher education institutions (HEIs). The process, following the key priorities set out in the framework, serves as the foundation for system development and performance management, informs investment decisions and provides the basis on which to build greater transparency and accountability in the future. It also enables the HEA to manage system risks. 

Mission-Based Performance Compacts were agreed with individual HEIs in early 2019, aligned with the System Performance Framework 2018-2020 and each institution’s strategic plan. These compacts set out a series of objectives which are outcome-oriented, mission-based and subject to annual review by the HEA. 

In response to recommendations in reports such as the Review of the Allocation Model for Funding Higher Education Institutions in 2018, a process for recognising the positive performance of institutions was introduced in 2019. 

As part of the Strategy and Performance Dialogue review process, HEIs are required to make two annual submissions: 

  1. Impact Assessment Case Studies setting out exemplars of their progress in implementing performance compacts and the strategic initiatives identified within these, as well as evolving national policy objectives. 
  2. Self-Evaluation Reports of progress against interim targets set out within the compacts, relevant to the reporting period. 

In 2019, 2021, and 2022, €5M in performance funding was allocated to HEIs based on the external expert review of Impact Assessment Case Studies. Details of the allocations  for 2022 are available here

Further details on institutional case studies awarded funding are available on the Institutional Stories of Impact page. 

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