The Policy and Strategic Planning section of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) is responsible for coordinating the developing both the HEA Corporate Strategic Plan and the HEA Annual Plan.

HEA Corporate Strategic Plan

Policy and Strategic Planning oversee and coordinate the development of the HEA Corporate Strategic Plan, a requirement of the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 (Section 20). The Corporate Strategic Plan 2023-2026 (pdf) was prepared following a consultative process with the HEA Board, the Executive, and with stakeholders, was approved by the HEA Board in 2023, and laid before the Oireachtas in March 2024.

Policy and Strategic Planning oversee and coordinate the mid-term review of the Corporate Strategic Plan, which involves consultation with the Board and the Executive. A report on the review is presented to the Board for consideration and approval and informs next steps on the Strategic Priorities and Objectives set-out in the Corporate Strategic Plan.

HEA Annual Plan

Policy and Strategic Planning oversee and coordinate the development of HEA Annual Plans in response to the Higher Education Authority Act 2022 (Section 21) and to implement the strategic objectives of the Corporate Strategic Plan. The Board provides guidance and support to the Executive on the development of Annual Plan key objectives and performance targets/deliverables.

The Annual Plan is submitted to the Minister for consideration following approval by the HEA Board. Reports outlining the status of Annual Plan performance targets/deliverables are presented to the Board each quarter and an end of year report outlining the achievement of Annual Plan key objectives is presented to the HEA Board for consideration in quarter one of the following year.