Chris Farrell

Background
Educator with over 20 years’ experience in FE and HE, passionate about learning and development that is accessible and people-centred.

Roles have included:

• Learning and Development Specialist (DCU, 2023–present)
• Head of Training and Development (CES UK/Ireland, 2014–2023)
• Lecturer (UCD/TCD, 2016–2023)
• Teacher/Trainer (Melbourne, Dublin, 2005–2014)
• Research Assistant (TCD, 2006-2008, Irish Parliament 2011)

Extensive experience in leadership, governance, and digital learning, including trustee at Eaquals (2021–2023), inaugural chair of English UK’s Academic Advisory Group (2019–2023), and founder and coordinator of the Irish Research Scheme for Teaching (2015–2023).

Personal Statement for DCU's Governing Authority

People
As a Northside Dubliner, I’ve seen DCU transform lives and communities, opening doors for family and friends. DCU’s commitment to widening participation and its impact on aspiration and advancement is incredibly meaningful to me. The culture of DCU and the culture of the Northside of Dublin are deeply connected and I am committed to ensuring that we as custodians of this culture are conscious of our responsibility to maintain and sustain it.

Focus
Throughout my career, I have championed educational excellence from classroom to boardroom, driven by collaboration, strategic leadership, and innovation. In governance, I am guided by transparency, inclusivity, and evidence-based decision-making. Facing challenges like financial stability, digital transformation, and inclusivity, I believe in taking bold, team-driven action while nurturing DCU’s collegiality and ingenuity.

Impact
As an L&OD Specialist in DCU, I am privileged to be able to collaborate with colleagues across the university, supporting staff in a range of contexts. I am constantly energised by the commitment to collegiality, progress, and a degree of professional generiousuty in this University. My focus has been on how I can have a positive and sustainable impact within each of these collaborations. This has often involved having difficult conversations, making challenging and unpopular decisions, and understanding how changes impact on colleagues accorss the University.

I believe that my blend of experience in the wider education sector, as well as within the DCU team, allied with my understanding of what makes DCU unique as an institution in our community make me an ideal candidate to represent professional staff as a member of DCU's Governing Authority.