Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today launched the national recruitment campaign for regional and national leaders to drive literacy reforms.

A Director of the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Programme Office will be appointed and will be supported by 16 regional Coordinators in Education and Training Boards.

The aim of the appointments is to ensure individuals struggling to read, write or have digital skills will be supported at a local level through national policy.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “This is a very important milestone in driving the implementation of the ALL Strategy.

“A number of important commitments under the Strategy have already been delivered, including the establishment of a one-stop-shop, adultliteracyforlife.ie, which provides over 210 local contacts points and access to a national Freephone.

“But we do need the right people to help us drive these important reforms and help the people who need it most.”

The Director will play a major role in the establishment and implementation of the ALL Programme Office, to deliver on the Adult Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy 10-Year Strategy for Ireland. The Director will ensure the delivery of the key targets identified in the strategy, as documented in the ALL implementation plan.

Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said: “This is a really exciting and innovative initiative for the public sector.

“The key change the ALL strategy talks about is embedding a truly cross-Government, cross-society and cross-economy approach.

“This new office, led by a dedicated Programme Director, will second people in across Government, from health, local government, education, equality & integration, and from the NGO sector to ensure this joined-up approach can drive real change in how to support people with unmet literacy needs.”

The Regional Literacy Coordinators will be located within the national network of ETBs. There will also be a strong monitoring and reporting relationship with the ALL National Programme Office, facilitated by the submission and subsequent approval of annual regional literacy plans in line with national templates, guidelines and strategic objectives.

The role will focus on working with stakeholders at a local level, as well as colleagues across the education, health, community development & local government supports & services to embed the required systems-based approach to addressing unmet literacy needs.

Fiona Maloney, Director of Further Education and Training in Education and Training Boards, ETBI, said: “We welcome the introduction of the Regional Literacy Coordinators, this role will ensure coordination at local level with stakeholders and enhance awareness and facilitate opportunities for all citizens to contribute to, and benefit from the realisation of the ALL Strategy.”

For information on how to apply for the Director of the ALL Programme Office and the Regional Literacy Coordinators please visit adultliteracyforlife.ie/careers