A partnership of stakeholders in the technological education sector has unveiled a framework approach to underpin a limited and safe return to campuses for some students and staff later in this academic year.

Based on public health guidelines, the approach focuses on practical, studio, and laboratory-based activities essential to final year students and apprentices. It is designed to inform local discussions in individual institutes of technology and technological universities.

It has been drawn up by the POSITS forum, which brings together unions and representatives of the technological universities and institutes of technology along with the Higher Education Authority, and the higher education department.

The partnership forum was established to facilitate collaborative work to support technological universities and institutes of technology during the pandemic, particularly on plans for a limited return to campuses.

Fórsa official Stella Griffin, and Gina O’Brien, who chairs the union’s Higher Education Branch, are members of the group.

Technological education institutions are currently operating mostly online, with remote learning the primary mode of service delivery. Only the most essential and time-critical activities are taking place onsite.

The new framework aims to ensure a consistent approach to limited expansion of on-site learning over the coming month. It aims to ensure that onsite activity is managed and monitored carefully within public health guidelines.

The higher education department has also committed to revisit the guidance previously issued to institutions to ensure its consistency and alignment.

The POSITS forum, which will remain in place to assist the implementation of the new principles, also decided to invite the Union of Students in Ireland to nominate a member.

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