ACESA, the Association of Chief Executives of State Agencies in Ireland, provides a forum for Chief Executives to discuss issues of mutual concern and enables them to develop and express a collective voice on issues that affect the sector.
ACESA achieves this by hosting briefing sessions on topics of common interest to CEOs, conducting an Annual Survey to learn more about the issues impacting the work of CEOs and government agencies, and providing support and an information network for members.
The Core Purpose of ACESA is to:
- Promote, develop and optimise the value of the ACESA network to CEOs by enhancing our approach to knowledge sharing for best practice.
- Identify matters of interest to members, providing a forum for joint exploration and shared learning.
- Develop considered and evidenced-based positions on matters of interest to members.
Our Strategic Priorities
ACESA’s vision is: to support members through knowledge sharing, reflective practice, collaboration and networking.
ACESA’s Vision and Strategic Priorities were adopted at the 2020 AGM following consultation with the wider membership. These priorities guide the Board’s work, with progress tracked at Board meetings. Several subgroups ensure the Vision and Strategic Priorities remain active and relevant. Currently, there are three subgroups: Communications & Outreach; Executive Leadership; Briefings & Events
- Redesign membership survey to reflect ACESA’s development while also providing an important channel
- Prioritise internal communications (on matters of benefit / interest to members) while recognising the potential value associated with external messaging and profiling of ACESA
- Continue to develop ACESA as a support network and resource for CESs – promoting same to existing as well as prospective members
- Leverage the Network’s collective knowledge and experience through mutual networking, information sharing and proactive updates
- Ensure accessibility of: (i) knowledge/
information and (ii) membership
events by enhancing delivery
channels, knowledge repositories
and opportunities for networking - Survey membership to determine areas of particular (niche/specialist) subject matter interest and develop channels for learning / information sharing
- Develop and agree research agenda which reflects members’ priorities, recognises value for money and supports CEOs
- Encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration by promoting awareness of ACESA research – both national and international – as well as relevant initiatives being undertaken by member organisations
- Develop: (i) knowledge base of membership queries and (ii) inventory of best practice / lessons learned across comparable organisations – both Irish and overseas
- Explore interest in establishing peer support or mentoring type arrangements into the future
ACESA Board
There are currently 10 members of the ACESA Board. Half the Board of ACESA is elected in two of every three years, ensuring a balance of experienced members and new members to bring a fresh perspective. Board members meet approximately 9 times a year, and oversee the work of the Executive Services Provider, ACESA Subgroups and the monitoring and implementation of the ACESA Strategy. The Board also has ultimate responsibility for governance, and regularly review financial and budgetary reports.
The current Board Chair is Rosalind Carroll. Elected as Chair at the 2023 AGM, Rosalind is serving a three-year term to the 2026 AGM Brian Doherty is the current Vice Chair and Joanne Walsh is the current Treasurer.
The current full Board Members of ACESA are
ACESA Executive Services
ACESA’s operations are delivered by Dermot Ryan, who provides Executive Services to the organisation. If you have any queries about ACESA, you can email Dermot at dermot@acesa.ie
You can connect with Dermot on LinkedIn here.