Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet has marked a major milestone with the launch of a new leadership development programme that will support senior nursing home managers to build advanced skills in governance, leadership, and regulatory compliance.
The new QQI Level 9 Postgraduate Certificate in Residential Care Facility Management, developed by Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet in collaboration with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, represents a significant investment in the professional development of nursing home leaders, and the continued advancement of care standards across the sector.
Commenting on the significance of the programme launch, Minister of State for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD, said: "It is positive to see Skillnet Ireland continuing to work with the Department of Health on this important initiative, delivered through the Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet. It highlights the vital role Skillnet Ireland plays within the skills ecosystem, working to deliver the targeted skills development needed by the private sector."
Designed for senior management personnel, including Persons in Charge, the programme will equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to lead effectively in increasingly complex care environments, strengthen governance frameworks, and drive quality improvements.
The launch of the programme follows the announcement by Minister of State for Older People and Housing, Kieran O'Donnell TD, and Minister Marian Harkin, of €2.4 million in funding to support approximately 550 senior nursing management staff to undertake the qualification. The funding will be provided over a three-year period, beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year, with approximately 180 places funded annually. All nursing homes, including public, voluntary and private facilities, will be invited to select one staff member to undertake this qualification over this period.
Dave Flynn, Director of Business Networks, Skillnet Ireland, said: "Skillnet Ireland's enterprise-led model is designed to deliver meaningful impact for sectors facing complex workforce and leadership challenges. Through Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet's close engagement with leaders and decision makers in the Healthcare sector, a clear need was identified for specialist leadership and governance development within residential care settings. The Postgraduate qualification will provide nursing home leaders with the skills and confidence to lead effectively, strengthen governance practices, and support the delivery of high-quality care."
The programme will be managed by Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet for private nursing homes. Participants will complete a series of postgraduate micro-credentials designed to develop expertise in leadership, governance, quality improvement, safeguarding, resource management, infection prevention and control, clinical risk management and health and safety governance.
The launch of this new qualification for nursing home workers, comes as Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet was recently honoured at the Healthcare Centre Awards. The Network won the award for Healthcare Initiative for Older Persons Care Services-Private Sector for its Diploma in Gerontological Nursing Initiative. This initiative supported 398 Nurses working within private nursing homes in Ireland to complete their Postgraduate Diploma over the past two years.
This Postgraduate Certificate in Residential Care Facility Management programme reinforces the commitment of the Leading Healthcare Providers Skillnet to supporting workforce development and leadership excellence across private healthcare services, while demonstrating the value of industry, education, and government collaboration to address sectoral skills needs.
For further information, visit: www.lhpskillnet.ie.
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