Preparatory Programme

Preparatory programme for new QHubs National Quality Standard now open for applications

 Deadline for submissions is 30 November 2021

Following the announcement  of QHubs – the new National Quality Standard for enterprise centres and hubs around the country – the Preparatory Programme for the implementation of this Standard across the national network is now open for applications. This programme is open to all hubs and centres across the network.

Centres and hubs are encouraged to submit their application by November 30th to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the introduction of the new National Quality Standard in 2022.

 

The QHubs Journey – what you need to know:

  1. The QHubs Journey is intended to support applicants over the coming months as they prepare to join the new National Quality Standard in 2022.
  1. MentorsWork is the first phase of the QHubs Journey.  This preparatory programme offers the opportunity to join a creative learning pathway which is being designed to meet the ongoing training, mentoring, and learning support needs of the managers and staff across the national network.  The programme will support eligible enterprise centre and hub managers nationwide to improve the services of their centres and hubs across a wide range of areas with a focus on developing the mindset of all to Live the Quality Framework as they go about their role in the sector.
  1. This first phase is offered with the support of and in collaboration with the Small Firms Association (SFA) and Skillnet Ireland.
  1. Within the programme, the learner’s experience will be a modular journey comprising of 1:1 mentoring, mandatory and opt-in webinars, master classes and workshops and access to an online learning platform curated with targeted content.
  1. A key outcome will be a Business Improvement Plan for the centre or hub with a specific focus on next steps necessary for implementation of the National Quality Standard.
  1. The participating group will move as a cohort across the programme, with mentors providing support through three x 90-minute online sessions.  Support from the SFA MentorsWork team will be available to all participants through the first phase with the support of the Community Enterprise Association Ireland (NACEC CLG).
  1. The programme is 12-weeks in duration with a targeted completion date of mid-March 2022 for those who successfully apply and complete their onboarding by December 6th, 2021.
  1. Successful applicants must complete the online onboarding process by December 6th, 2021 (this is a 90-minute time commitment).  A range of date options from November 10th to December 5th will be available to you to allow you complete the onboarding process on time.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Process:

  1. All managers of Enterprise Centres that currently pay employer PRSI contributions are eligible. Managers of Enterprise Centres that do not currently pay employer PRSI contributions are ineligible and should not apply.
  1. All interested parties should apply to participate in MentorsWork by completing the application form here.
  1. Upon receipt and review of application, Enterprise Centre Managers will be asked to confirm they pay employer PRSI contributions (an email will be sent directly to them from the MentorsWork Programme Director).
  1. Successful applicants will be notified by email and invited to join an online onboarding session at their convenience which will prepare and guide them through the programme.

Please note that applicants who do not make an application before November 30th and/or complete their onboarding session by December 6th will have their application moved into the 2022 schedule, for which fees will apply.

If you have any queries, please get in touch here: [email protected]