How will the selection take place?

Eligible candidates will submit an expression of interest, a competency self-assessment and a candidate profile for review by a Governing Authority appointed Nominations Committee. The Nominations Committee will review all expressions of interest received and make a recommendation to Governing Authority on the candidates for appointment as external members of Governing Authority. If approved, Governing Authority will make the appointments and specify the term of office for the appointments.

Who is eligible to submit an expression of interest?

Suitably qualified candidates, who have a career history at a senior level in a complex organisation of scale and equivalent experience of relevance to Governing Authority membership. Further details can be found under ‘Candidate Profile’ on this page.

The following additional eligibility criteria apply:

• Candidates must have submitted a valid expression of interest, competency self-assessment and candidate profile in the prescribed format;
• Candidates must not be a member of the academic council of the University, an employee of the University or a person who is remunerated under a contract with the University (for the purposes of this subsection, a reference to the University shall also include a University subsidiary company);
• Candidates must not have already served two (2) or more consecutive terms of office on Governing Authority;
• Candidates must not have already served a cumulative period of terms of office on Governing Authority exceeding eight (8) years;
• Candidates must not be subject to any of the circumstances listed (a)-(g) in paragraph 7 of the Third Schedule of Universities Act 1997 (and Section B.2 of the UCC Principal Statute) which would cause an individual to cease membership of Governing Authority:
  1. is adjudicated bankrupt,
  2. makes a composition or arrangement with creditors,
  3. is sentenced by a court of competent jurisdiction to a term of imprisonment,
  4. is convicted of any indictable offence in relation to a company or any other body corporate,
  5. is convicted of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty,
  6. has had a declaration under section 819 of the Companies Act 2014 made against them or is deemed to be subject to such a declaration by virtue of Chapter 5 of Part 14 of that Act, or
  7. is subject or is deemed to be subject to a disqualification order, within the meaning of Chapter 4 of Part 14 of the Companies Act 2014 , whether by virtue of that Chapter or any other provision of that Act.

How do I submit an expression of interest?

Expressions of interest, the competency and skills assessment and the candidate profile can be completed online. The online form for submitting expressions of interest will be made available on 17th July 2026. If you have queries on completing the online submission, please email Governance@ucc.ie.

What is involved in the competency and skills assessment?

The competency and skills assessment involves a self-assessment using a competency framework and submitting a candidate profile demonstrating how the candidate meets the competencies they have assessed themselves as having. All Governing Authority members will complete this self-assessment.

Why do I have to complete a competency and skills assessment?

The competency and skills self-assessments will enable the Governing Authority Nominations Committee to assess the collective competency profile of the Governing Authority and will inform the selection process for other internal and external members to constitute a body with the requisite skills and competencies.

How often does the Governing Authority meet?

There are a minimum of 6 scheduled Governing Authority meetings per annum, with meetings typically from 9.30 to 4.00 pm. Preparation time for scheduled meetings would usually be of the order of 4-6 hours. Meetings are typically held at UCC (Council Room, North Wing, Main Quad) but occasionally meetings are held at other UCC owned venues.

Further information on the time requirements, travel and subsistence etc. can be found in the Governor Profile.

When will I be informed of the outcome of the selection process?

Candidates will be informed of the outcome of the selection process in November 2026.

What do I need to submit an expression of interest?

You will need a laptop or PC to complete the submission of interest. You can complete the expression of interest on a mobile device; however, this may be difficult due to the level of detail involved and so a laptop or PC is recommended.

I can’t access the expression of interest form when I click the link, what do I do?

The expression of interest form will be available from 17th July 2026 until 1 p.m. on 7^th August 2026. The expression of interest form will not be accessible outside this window.

If you are unable to access the form between 17th July and 7th August 2026, please contact Governance@ucc.ie and, if possible, include a screenshot of the error you are receiving.

How to take a screenshot varies based on the type of computer you have. Refer to the links below for instructions should you need them:

• PC/Windows screenshot
• Mac

Do I have to complete the form in one sitting/session?

Yes. However, if you wish to change any of the answers or content in your submission, you may do so by resubmitting a new form prior to the deadline for submission of expressions of interest at 1 p.m. on 7th August 2026. Where multiple submissions are made by a candidate, the last such submission will be treated as the final version.

Can I edit my expression of interest form and candidate profile after submitting them?

If you wish to change any of the answers or content in your submission, you may do so by resubmitting a new form prior to the deadline for submission of expressions of interest at 1 p.m. on 7th August 2026. Where multiple submissions are made by a candidate, the last such submission will be treated as the final version.

Will I receive a copy of my submission for my own records?

You will be presented with the option to save or print your submission upon completing the form. Alternatively, you can request a copy of your submission by emailing Governance@ucc.ie.