Policy and public affairs

A view of the front of Leinster House

Influencing education, skills and public policy for lifelong learning

At The Open University in Ireland, we work strategically to shape higher education, skills and related public policy so that flexible, part-time and lifelong learning is recognised and supported across Ireland. We bring evidence, lived experience and sector insight into policy discussions to ensure that the needs of learners and the wider economy are part of the decision-making process.

Our approach is grounded in collaboration, evidence and impact – helping policymakers, institutions and partners understand how accessible higher education can contribute to personal opportunity, workforce development and inclusive economic growth.

Our policy engagement priorities

We focus on areas where policy can make a meaningful difference for students, employers and society:

Flexible and part-time higher education policy – ensuring that learners balancing work, family life and study have access to sustainable study choices.

Skills, workforce development and lifelong learning – aligning education policy with labour market needs and national skills strategies.

Widening participation – advocating for inclusion and equity in access to higher education for underrepresented communities.

Quality assurance and sector frameworks – engaging with national bodies to help maintain and strengthen academic standards and learner outcomes.

How we engage with policymakers and stakeholders

We contribute to the broader policy dialogue through a range of activities:

Government and parliamentary engagement

We engage with officials and elected representatives at the Department of Education and Skills, members of the House of the Oireachtas, and relevant committees on higher education, skills development and learner needs across Ireland.

Consultation responses and evidence

We regularly contribute to government and sector consultations with evidence-based responses that reflect sector insight and the experiences of learners. These submissions help inform policy on issues such as flexible study, funding models and lifelong learning frameworks.

Sector partnerships

We work closely with national agencies such as the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to help shape policy development, quality assurance frameworks and sector priorities.

Universities Ireland and cross-sector engagement

As members of Universities Ireland, we collaborate with other universities across the island to promote higher education cooperation, share best practice and engage on strategic issues affecting learners and institutions.

Media and public profile

We raise awareness of higher education challenges, learner experiences and policy priorities through engagement with national media, public events and sector briefing that amplify the voices of learners and educators.

Impact and Influence

Our policy and public affairs work helps to:

Highlight the importance of flexible, lifelong learning for individual opportunity and economic resilience.

Ensure that part-time and online supported learners are represented in national policy discussion.

Support evidence-based approaches to education, skills and workforce development.

Strengthen collaboration between government, universities and civil society on lifelong learning and inclusive policy outcomes.

Get involved

We welcome dialogue with policymakers, partner organisations, researchers and community leaders. If you are interested in discussing our policy work or exploring collaboration opportunities, please contact us.