Annual Report 2008

The energy and optimism with which ICOS started the year was unfortunately replaced in the final months of 2008 with a period of uncertainty and insecurity. This mirrored the climate of the nation as a whole as the country struggled to come to grips with the banking crisis and the worst recession in decades. ICOS has come through the challenge a leaner and more focused organisation.

An evaluation of our strategic plan started at the end of 2008 has reconfirmed that we are providing a valuable service to our members on international student matters and to Irish Aid on the management of the Fellowship Training Programme. Looking back on 2008, we can be proud of our many achievements and the progress achieved in meeting our objectives. Our training output grew substantially suggesting a continuing need and appetite within institutions to invest in staff training in order to be able to deliver a better service to international students. Our annual seminar in June was well attended as it sought to answer some important questions about our current understanding of international education and the challenges and opportunities which face the sector over the coming decade.

Despite the Government’s decision at the end of the year not to proceed with the establishment of Education Ireland, ICOS continued to engage positively with various Government Departments on the policy front. ICOS also continued its active participation in the Irish Higher Education Quality Network (IHEQN) working group which presented its proposals for a new Code of Practice on the provision of education to international students to a wide stakeholder group in April at a seminar in Griffith College Dublin.

In October, we were uplifted by the warm reception we received from President Mary McAleese when she hosted Irish Aid study fellows, ICOS staff and board members on a visit to Áras an Uachtaráin. President McAleese had earlier agreed to become ICOS’ new President of Honour following the sad passing of Dr Patrick Hillery who had long distinguished that position and was a great supporter of ICOS over many years.

As we approached the end of the year, it became clear that we would not be able sustain all ICOS’ positions and we prepared to say goodbye to two loyal members of staff, Sue Heah and George Salib, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their contribution. We also said goodbye, in 2008, to our esteemed Chairperson, Philip Curtis from RCSI, whose drive and leadership was much valued and respected during his term in office.

We thank all who contributed to the work of ICOS during the year. Irish Aid’s support for the management services provided by ICOS on the Fellowship Training Programme remains vital and we are pleased that the FTP continues to deliver positive feedback regarding its effectiveness as a tool for capacity development in Ireland’s partner countries in Africa and Asia. We could not sustain our operations without the input of our members and especially our Board members who contribute on an on-going basis, attend meetings and volunteer for events. We thank them all for their encouragement and active involvement. Finally, we thank our small but dedicated staff team who have demonstrated considerable resilience and great commitment to ICOS over what has been a turbulent and challenging year.

Suzanne Buckley, ICOS Chair
Sheila Power, ICOS Director