A unique North-South collaboration between Ulster University and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has celebrated its 20th anniversary at a special event in the Mansion House.
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. She said:
“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 s 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. They 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.