‘Our work has the power to transform lives’: Cork woman appointed as project director at RPL

Every time distinguished academic, , and advocate for inclusive education, Dr Ciara Staunton graduated, she threw her hat in the air!

“Yes, I did! I must have!” says Ciara, who is married to Steven and who is mother to three teens.

“I was always in a celebratory mood celebrating my achievement.”

Graduating from college is always a big deal, isn’t it?

“Of course it is,” says Ciara, who lives in Carragaline.

“Nobody can ever take that piece of paper away from you.”

She always looked the part of the proud graduate.

“I had the whole look; the make-up, the heels, the dress,” says Ciara laughing.

“Not to mention all the photographs!”

Today, Ciara is in one of those moods; a celebratory mood.

The 48-year-old is bringing over 20 years of experience at UCC to her new role as Project Director for the National Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

RPL Ireland is a National Project funded by the Human Capital Initiative, working in partnership with 14 higher education institutions across Ireland. The project allows learners to gain entry to higher education programmes or receive exemptions based on their prior learning - whether it’s formal, non-formal, or experiential.

“My dad, Dr Denis Staunton, working as assistant director in the Centre for Adult Continuing Education and Director of Access at UCC, instilled in me indirectly the huge benefit of education from a young age without really intending to,” says Ciara.

How young?

“Education begins from the cradle to the grave,” says Ciara, who in her early career held roles in teaching and research, including managing the Forensic Psychology Research Programme and coordinating the MA in Forensic Psychology.

“In Ireland, and here in Cork, we have wonderful pre-school and child-care facilities.”

Ciara’s mother, in her own role, instilled another ion in Ciara; motherhood.

“Mum was the nurturer,” says Ciara, “She was a stay-at-home mum, the nurturer, the most important role of all. Mum and dad were great role models for us kids.”

Growing up, Ciara and her sibling considered themselves fortunate.

“Having access to education and going to college, we counted ourselves very lucky and very privileged,” says Ciara.

Now Ciara, heading up the RPL project, is helping to enable others to access to the same privilege.

“My two decades in UCC, immersed in academia, teaching, programme management, and research, provided me with a forward-thinking approach to higher education, emphasising inclusivity and accessibility for diverse learners.”

RPL plays an important role in recognising the skills and knowledge individuals acquire outside traditional education systems, empowering workers seeking career advancement, migrants integrating into workforce, and those re-entering education after long gaps.

Ciara believes in inclusivity regarding education.

She has delivered lectures in Cork prison.

“There is no measure for the impact of education,” says Ciara.

“Knowledge is power. My current research interest is about gender-based violence.”

What is her vision for RPL?

“My vision is to see the project embedded as a normal academic activity within Ireland’s higher education sector, promoting life-long learning and enhancing opportunities for marginalised groups, ensuring a competitive workforce in a globalised economy.”

Outside of work, Ciara enjoys running, strength and conditioning and Hyrox - an indoor fitness competition. “I’ve taken part in three Hyrox events,” says Ciara. “Two in Dublin and one in Malaga. I also run and I completed the Great Railway Run, 25km, and I’ve run the Cork City half marathon. I run 5km and 10km by way of socialising with friends. It is a great way to catch up!

“I am an avid fan of exercise,” adds Ciara.

She is in peak condition, in the prime of her life.

She gets it.

“You’re right!” she says. “I am in the prime of my life! Look at me! I feel very fulfilled.”

“I like to be very mindful,” adds Ciara.

“The little mundane things always make up the bigger picture. I like to be kind, and I like to have positive interactions at meaningful moments. Big things come and go. It’s all about the little things on the journey to that. Having commitment and motivation, everyone can achieve their goals. That is empowering.”

Ciara, at the top of her game and loving family life, doesn’t dodge the curve balls that life can sometimes throw at us.

“I had all these education plans,” she says.

“I also had a very sick baby. I so wanted life to happen for her.

“We took her to Sweden for medical treatment. Today I am so proud of her living her life.

“I realise every day how privileged and how lucky I am.”

Hats off to Dr Ciara Staunton in her role as project manager for RPL.

She is proud of the diversity of the work she has taken in the realm of social justice.

“I am guided by the core belief that no one should be left behind, particularly in access to education. I am honoured to lead RPL at a crucial time. I look forward to driving initiatives that make education accessible to all, ing life-long learning, and Ireland’s educational landscape.

“Our work has the power to transform lives, and I am committed to ensure we continue making a meaningful impact.”