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Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and Ulster University (UU) mark 20th anniversary of Masters in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector
Unique North-South collaboration celebrates 20 years at event in Mansion House, Dublin.
A unique North-South collaboration between Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and University of Ulster (UU) has celebrated its 20th anniversary at a special event in the Mansion House, Dublin on 12 February. The Masters in Leadership and Innovation in the Public Sector, established in the wake of the Good Friday Agreement, is supported by government partners at the Office of An Taoiseach and at the Department of Finance, in Northern Ireland, and has over 250 graduates from its programme since its launch in 2005. The event in the Mansion House was attended by graduates of the programme and provided an opportunity for both universities and key institutional supporters to reflect on the achievements over the last 20 years.
Speaking at the event, ATU President Dr Orla Flynn praised the vision of those who established the programme; “By marking this milestone, we are taking time to reflect on the vision of those who established this unique programme, shortly after the Good Friday Agreement in 2003. We are delighted to be joined by so many past participants, as well as the academic teams who were involved in the formative years of the programme. In terms of impact, the programme has successfully graduated 250 participants from 60 departments and agencies across both jurisdictions, supporting civil and public servants to address shared challenges, while building cross-border relationships. I am also delighted to be joined by our partners in Ulster University, as we have a common mission to advance knowledge by providing teaching and learning of the highest standard to meet the needs of our region and beyond.”
Professor Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Ulster University remarked: “Programmes like this are successful because of the people who have created and delivered them and the academic staff who have the passion to drive and re-invent the programme year after year, keeping it up to date and industry relevant. At Ulster our strategy is based on People, Place and Partnership and this programme is the perfect embodiment of that, allowing graduates to lead transformation in the public sector using the knowledge they gain from the programme. It is a great example of how both institutions are working together to deliver for both the North West region, where we are committed to growth, and also wider – to addressing challenges faced on both sides of the border.”
In addition to academic learning, the programme provided the space and time for those in leadership roles to drive innovation and change within complex organisations, embedding a culture of transformation within their departments. Speakers at the event reflected on significant challenges faced throughout their careers, from the economic crash to covid 19 pandemic. Speakers at the event credited the skills and toolkits developed during the programme, as the blueprint for empowering them to lead significant projects and teams through periods of change.
The event coincided with the induction of the twentieth cohort on the Masters programme. Graduates from the very first cohort attended and shared their experiences, recounting the impact the programme had on their career, the development of their professional network and the positive impact on the public sector reforms.
Photo 1: Executive Leads & Programme Sponsors
LtoR: Mr Eoghan Duffy, Director of the Shared Island Initiative, Department of an Taoiseach; Mr Paul Hannigan, Head of College ATU Donegal; Dr Vicky O’Rourke, Programme Chair and Senior Lecturer, ATU; Ms Patricia Doherty, Head of Department Business Studies, ATU (Donegal); Professor Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice Chancellor UU; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Mr Michael Margey, Head of Faculty Business, ATU (Donegal); Professor Una McMahon Beattie; Professor of Hospitality Management, UU; Dr Emer Gallagher, Programme Chair and Lecturer, UU;
Photo 2: Event Speakers
LtoR: Professor Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice Chancellor UU; Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President; Mr Barry Lowry, Graduate and Government Chief Information Officer, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform; Dr Anne Burke; Senior Lecturer ATU; Mr John O’Sullivan, Graduate and Commissioner of Valuation (Retired), Valuation Office; Mr Bill McCluggage, MC and Non-Exec Chairman; Ms Joanne Timoney, Graduate and Deputy Departmental Solicitor, (Deputy Head of Government Legal Services); Mr Eoghan Duffy, Director of the Shared Island Initiative, Department of an Taoiseach
Photo 3: Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President
