[2] He was a leading figure in the movement to integrate and rationalise education in the Irish border region where he developed new governance structures.

[citation needed] Kelly was well known in Ireland because of his work in merging schools with different traditions.

[citation needed][opinion] Kelly was founding editor of the journal Education, Knowledge and Economy,[3] serves on the editorial board of other international academic journals, and is an invited lecturer and Visiting Professor at several leading universities.

He serves on several national UK steering groups and approval panels, and has appeared before the House of Commons Select Committee on Education.

He is the author of approximately one hundred single-authored research reports, books and papers in leading academic journals.