The main object of Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) is the advancement of education and training, and specifically to collectively represent Education and Training Boards and promote the development of education, training and youth work in Ireland. ETBI comprises of the staff of ETBI, the ETBI Chief Executives, Directors of Further Education and Training, Directors of Schools, Directors of Organisation, Support and Development Forums and the respective networks and groups associated with these forums.

As objects incidental and ancillary to the attainment of the main object, ETBI shall have the following subsidiary objects:

• To inform, assist and advise the membership of ETBI in responding to and implementing the provisions set down in legislation of relevance to the Education and Training Boards sector.
• To represent, protect and actively promote the interest of the general membership within the Education and Training Boards sector.
• To promote and foster concordant action and general harmony amongst members of ETBI.
• To promote the development and implementation of appropriate education and training policies for the Education and Training Boards sector.
• To contribute, by way of negotiation, consultation and submission to the drafting and publication of legislation which promotes the interests and enhances the development of the Education and Training Boards sector.
• To conduct research, training and development and to identify and deliver appropriate areas in education and training as required within the Education and Training Boards sector.
• If requested to do so by the Minister for Education and Skills (the Minister), to make representations on behalf of a member Education and Training Board in respect of its functions, conduct surveys in respect of information sought by the Minister in respect of the performance of functions by member Education and Training Boards, and give such assistance to a member Education and Training Board as the Minister considers necessary for the effective discharge of its functions.
• To assist two or more members Education and Training Boards in the joint performance of their functions if so requested by the Minister.
• To give such assistance to member Education and Training Boards as the Minister considers necessary in assisting a member Board to comply with a Ministerial direction.
• To devise and deliver appropriate education and training programmes targeted at the general membership within the Education and Training Boards sector.
• To devise and organise a number of national/regional seminars, from time to time, as may be relevant and appropriate to the Education and Training Boards sector and other sectors involved in education and training.
• To consult and negotiate at national level on behalf of member Boards with Government Departments, Trade Unions and with a range of other relevant bodies and authorities as may be necessary from time to time.
• To represent Education and Training Boards at national level in their capacity as employers and managerial authorities in matters of industrial relations and to represent the general membership on fora including without limitation the Teachers’ Conciliation Council and the Teaching Council.
• To consult, associate and affiliate with other relevant Bodies on matters of mutual interest on policy development, education and training.
• To subscribe to and promote the aims and objects of any company or other body or agency having aims that are consistent with and conducive to achieving the main object.

Mission

To lead and advance the continued development of education, training and youth work in Ireland.

Vision

To harness our strength to influence and promote a strong education and training sector through collaboration and collective effort.

Values

ETBI’s five core values represent the core values of the ETB sector working collectively. Core values are like “branding” but on the inside. They help ETBI to make informed decisions and unify the culture. This will help ETBI hold ourselves accountable and others accountable in decision-making and in our engagement with partners and other stakeholders.

• Excellence includes excellence in education, training, and support. It is underpinned by the core values of care, respect, community, and equality. Excellence encompasses outcomes, experiences, and expectations of people involved.
• Care is about the welfare, wellbeing, and safety of all who are involved in education and training. It is exemplified in meaningful relationships, connectedness, and empathy, alongside support and solidarity.
• Equality is about treating everyone equally and recognising and celebrating the diversity of those involved in education, training, and youth work. It is exemplified in targeting resources on those who have need and prioritising a culture of inclusion.
• Community encompasses learners, their families, staff, and the local communities in which our services are based. It is about having shared vision, values and purpose, a sense of belonging, and a voice that is listened to. It is exemplified in productive collaboration, positive contributions, and effective communication amongst all stakeholders.
• Respect is about upholding the dignity, rights, and recognition of the identity and background of all those involved in education, training, and youth work. It is exemplified in relationships between all stakeholders, and decision-making that impacts positively on the rights, feelings, and aspirations of the diversity of people.