AONTAS Annual General Meeting 2026 – Board Nominations Now Open
AONTAS Annual General Meeting 2026 – Board Nominations Now Open !
We are delighted to announce the 56th AONTAS Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 3rd June 2026 in The Dean Docklands Hotel (Formerly The Mayson), 81–82 North Wall Quay, Dublin 1.
As part of this year’s AGM, elections will take place for four positions on the AONTAS Board:
- 2 positions for Adult Learner Category
- 2 positions for Organisational Member Type (General)
Members are invited to nominate candidates who meet the criteria outlined in the relevant Category Nomination Form.
Role of the Board
The AONTAS Board of Directors is the managing body of the organisation, responsible for:
- Providing strategic direction
- Ensuring financial oversight
- Supporting the effective implementation of AONTAS’ Strategic Plan
- Upholding strong governance and accountability standards
As a Director, you will be expected to actively participate in Board meetings and contribute to guiding the future direction of AONTAS.
Candidate Profiles
Please read the definition criteria linked here.
Adult Learner Category
The learner candidate will preferably have undertaken formal or non-formal learning in the last three years and be passionate about advocating for the value and benefits of adult learning. Experience of learner representation at local, national or European level and/or participation on a Board is an advantage. AONTAS will provide support to successful Learner Directors in their new role on the Board.
Organisational Member Category (General)
Must be a paid up AONTAS Organisational Member who does not fit the criteria of an Organisational Member (Community Education).
For assistance, the definition of Community Education is:
Must be a paid up AONTAS Organisational member who is a local, self managed, independent community education organisation committed to social change.
“Community education” means a process of personal and community transformation, empowerment, challenge, social change and collective responsiveness. It is community led, reflecting and valuing the lived experiences of individuals and their community.
Through its ethos and holistic approach community education builds the capacity of groups to develop a social teaching and learning process that is creative, participative and needs-based. Community education is grounded on principles of justice, equality and inclusiveness. It differs from formal adult education provision due to its political and radical methodologies.
How to Nominate
- Review the relevant Category Nomination Form. Ensure the nominee meets the required criteria (eligibility varies by category, please refer to the Board Role Descriptions document for full details)
- Completed nomination forms should be signed by an Authorised Representative of the organization and returned to the Company Secretary as set out in the nomination form
Nomination deadline: Wednesday 6 May 2026 at 5:00pm.
Get Involved
This is an important opportunity to contribute to the governance and future direction of AONTAS. We encourage members to consider putting forward suitable candidates and getting involved in shaping the organisation.
We look forward to welcoming members on the day. Full AGM documentation and further details will be shared in the coming weeks!
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AONTAS Annual General Meeting 2026 – Board Nominations Now Open
AONTAS Annual General Meeting 2026 – Board Nominations Now Open !
We are delighted to announce the 56th AONTAS Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 3rd June 2026 in The Dean Docklands Hotel (Formerly The Mayson), 81–82 North Wall Quay, Dublin 1.
As part of this year’s AGM, elections will take place for four positions on the AONTAS Board:
- 2 positions for Adult Learner Category
- 2 positions for Organisational Member Type (General)
Members are invited to nominate candidates who meet the criteria outlined in the relevant Category Nomination Form.
Role of the Board
The AONTAS Board of Directors is the managing body of the organisation, responsible for:
- Providing strategic direction
- Ensuring financial oversight
- Supporting the effective implementation of AONTAS’ Strategic Plan
- Upholding strong governance and accountability standards
As a Director, you will be expected to actively participate in Board meetings and contribute to guiding the future direction of AONTAS.
Candidate Profiles
Please read the definition criteria linked here.
Adult Learner Category
The learner candidate will preferably have undertaken formal or non-formal learning in the last three years and be passionate about advocating for the value and benefits of adult learning. Experience of learner representation at local, national or European level and/or participation on a Board is an advantage. AONTAS will provide support to successful Learner Directors in their new role on the Board.
Organisational Member Category (General)
Must be a paid up AONTAS Organisational Member who does not fit the criteria of an Organisational Member (Community Education).
For assistance, the definition of Community Education is:
Must be a paid up AONTAS Organisational member who is a local, self managed, independent community education organisation committed to social change.
“Community education” means a process of personal and community transformation, empowerment, challenge, social change and collective responsiveness. It is community led, reflecting and valuing the lived experiences of individuals and their community.
Through its ethos and holistic approach community education builds the capacity of groups to develop a social teaching and learning process that is creative, participative and needs-based. Community education is grounded on principles of justice, equality and inclusiveness. It differs from formal adult education provision due to its political and radical methodologies.
How to Nominate
- Review the relevant Category Nomination Form. Ensure the nominee meets the required criteria (eligibility varies by category, please refer to the Board Role Descriptions document for full details)
- Completed nomination forms should be signed by an Authorised Representative of the organization and returned to the Company Secretary as set out in the nomination form
Nomination deadline: Wednesday 6 May 2026 at 5:00pm.
Get Involved
This is an important opportunity to contribute to the governance and future direction of AONTAS. We encourage members to consider putting forward suitable candidates and getting involved in shaping the organisation.
We look forward to welcoming members on the day. Full AGM documentation and further details will be shared in the coming weeks!
News
The very latest news from the adult and community education sector
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Beyond Funding: Building Capacity, Skills and Expertise for Lasting Change Through the AONTAS Community Education Network
9 October 2026
Beyond Funding: Building Capacity, Skills and Expertise for Lasting Change Through Our Community Education Network Written by Lorraine O’Connor Published...
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Reducing Barriers with Learn with NALA Accreditation
9 October 2026
Reducing Barriers with Learn with NALA Accreditation Written by Brian Desmond Published on October 9, 2026 Share This Attended by...
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The People Behind the STAR Awards: Social Change
9 October 2026
The People Behind the STAR Awards: Social Change Written by Brian Desmond Published on October 9, 2026 Share This (Part...
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AONTAS Members Have Their Say on New National Learner Survey
9 October 2026
AONTAS Members Have Their Say on New National Learner Survey Written by Rachel Ryan Published on October 9, 2026 Share...
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What does Budget 2027 mean for adult and community education?
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