National Supervisors Forum Pathways Scholarship

The National Supervisors Forum was established to help and support board oversight/supervisory committee members in carrying out their duties in accordance and compliance with the Credit Union Act. The role of the board oversight/supervisory committee is to protect the safety and soundness of the credit union by overseeing the board of directors and assessing if it is operating in accordance with all relevant legislation, best practice and good corporate governance. The recent legislative changes in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland have focussed on increasing the role and scope of the board oversight/supervisory committee. The actions of the board oversight/supervisory committee are now seen as an essential element of good corporate governance.

The National Supervisors Forum, in association with the Centre for Co-operative Studies, University College Cork, and CU Learning & Development, Irish League of Credit Unions are offering 2 annual scholarships to current board oversight/supervisory committee members in any credit union throughout the island of Ireland who meet the entry requirements of the UCC-ILCU Accredited Learning Pathway for Credit Unions (Pathways Programme). Each applicant will be judged on the applicant’s written statement on their suitability for and expected benefits from completing the Pathways Programme and an interview by an expert panel.

Scholarship award

The successful applicants will receive a scholarship equivalent to the full cost of fees (not to exceed €1,750¹) to undertake the Certificate in Credit Union Governance and/or the Diploma in Credit Union Governance, where the candidate meets the entry requirements for each qualification. The expected duration of the Certificate is 3 months and the expected duration of the Diploma is 9 months.

Applicants are advised to familiarise themselves with the Pathways Programme content and delivery format. Further details can be accessed at www.culearn.ie.

Potential applicants should complete a scholarship application form and an applicant’s statement.

Applications should comprise of

1. 
   Completed application form
   
2. 
   Applicant’s statement
   

Two completed and signed applications should be posted to:

Dr. Olive McCarthy
Centre for Co-operative Studies
O’Rahilly Building
University College Cork
Western Road
Cork

The envelope should be clearly marked “NSF Scholarship”. Applications should be submitted by the second Friday in January each year. All applications will be acknowledged by email. Only completed applications received on or before the submission date will be acknowledged and considered.

Shortlisted applicants will be called for interview.

The award of the scholarship will be made pending acceptance by UCC and CU Learning & Development of the successful candidate on to the Pathways Programme. The participation of the successful candidate in activities during 2014/2015 to promote this scholarship may be required.

The applicant will be judged on the following criteria:

1. 
   Suitability to undertake the Pathways Programme
   
2. 
   Clarity and coherence in the applicant’s statement
   
3. 
   Anticipated benefits for the applicant and for their credit union of undertaking the Pathways Programme (or elements thereof)
   
4. 
   Commitment to the completion of the Certificate and/or Diploma if selected
   
5. 
   Performance at interview
   

Please write an Applicant’s Statement utilising the following headings:

1. 
   Why you think you are personally suitable for this scholarship
   
2. 
   What benefits (work, career, personal etc.) you expect to gain from pursuing the Pathways Programme (or elements thereof)
   
3. 
   What benefits you expect your credit union will gain by you pursuing the Pathways Programme (or elements thereof)
   
4. 
   Confirmation that you have reviewed and satisfy the entry requirements of the Pathways programmes
   
5. 
   Demonstrated commitment to part-time study
   
6. 
   Any other information you consider relevant
   
7. 
   Signature of applicant