Applications now open

Closing date 24th October 2025

A national team-based quality improvement and leadership programme for health and social care professionals working to strengthen integrated care delivery.

The ALICE programme is a national, structured learning initiative designed to empower HSCP teams to lead quality improvement (QI) projects that enhance service delivery and integrated care.

Following a successful inaugural cohort, Cohort 2 offers a refined learning experience with blended delivery, tailored coaching, and a robust evaluation framework. Participants will develop leadership capability, apply proven QI methodologies, and embed sustainable improvements within their own teams and services.

The programme includes a 7-month active learning phase (Dec 2025–Jun 2026) and an optional 12-month follow-on support programme (Sept 2026–May 2027) to promote long-term impact, peer networking and continued professional development.

“Strategically leading and supporting HSCP to maximise their potential and achieve the greatest impact for the design planning, management and delivery of people centred, integrated care”
 Vision of the National Health & Social Care Professions Office
 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

-Lead and contribute to quality improvement projects in integrated care settings

 -Apply key QI tools (e.g. driver diagrams, run charts, stakeholder analysis) in real-world contexts

 -Use data effectively to measure improvement and guide decision-making

 -Communicate improvement work through visual and verbal storytelling

 -Reflect on and grow their leadership identity and capacity

 -Engage meaningfully with the patient perspective in shaping improvement initiatives

 -Sustain and spread QI beyond the programme through peer learning and mentorship

Who is this course for?

Each team applying to the ALICE programme must consist of three members from the same or related HSE/HSE-funded care setting, including at least two health and social care professionals (ideally from different disciplines) and a third member from HSCP, nursing, medical, management, or another suitable role directly involved in the proposed care area. Teams require senior management endorsement and must identify a workplace-based quality problem aligned with local service priorities or the national HSCP strategy (access, coordination or delivery of care). All members are expected to attend programme dates, actively engage in project work and coaching, and while prior QI experience is welcome, a commitment to learning and collaboration is essential.

*Applicants must have a recognised HSCP qualification relevant to the professions encompassed in the National HSCP Office https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/health-and-social-care-professionals/the-26-health-and-social-care-professions/

USEFUL INFORMATION

-The closing date for completed applications is strictly midnight on 24/10/2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

 -All applications will be reviewed by a selection panel and applicants will be notified of the outcome by email.

 -This course is fully funded for successful applicants by the HSE National Health and Social Care Professions Office (NHSCPO).

 -Before applying, please read all sections carefully, including the What to Expect (includes essential course dates) and How to Apply tabs at the top of this page.

What to Expect

This collaborative learning programme includes five core learning sessions (three in-person, two virtual) and two virtual coaching sessions over a seven-month period. All team members are expected to attend every session to successfully complete the programme.

Participants will be awarded 28 CPD credits upon completion of the learning programme and an additional 12 CPD credits after the follow-on programme.

The course combines blended teaching, coaching and workplace-based project learning. Most of the learning occurs through team-based project work supported by coaching and guided assignments. Participants will also complete a small number of individual leadership-focused tasks throughout the programme.

Structure

 -Pre-course learning: ~2 hours of self-directed foundational content

 -Monthly sessions: Dynamic and interactive, with expert facilitation

 -Team project work: Central to the programme, developed across sessions

 -Individual assignments: Focused on leadership reflection and personal development

 -Coaching: Two targeted virtual sessions providing feedback and tailored support

Outputs

Each team will complete a quality improvement project in their workplace, with final outputs typically including: 

-A team abstract

-A digital and printed poster 

-A short video presentation

 Between sessions, teams will complete structured project tasks (e.g. SMART aims, driver diagrams, testing cycles), while individuals will reflect on leadership growth and engagement.

About the Application Process

Applications are invited from teams of three, including at least two health and social care professionals (HSCPs) working in HSE or HSE-funded community and acute settings. This is a team-based learning programme — all members should be involved in completing the application, although only one team member will submit the online form on behalf of the team.

Who Should Apply

Teams should have a shared interest in improving care delivery through practical quality improvement (QI) projects. You do not need to be experienced in QI — curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn and test ideas together are key.

Team Requirements

 -Three team members from a HSE or HSE-funded service

 -Minimum two HSCP members

 -Willingness and capacity to participate in all programme sessions

 -Commitment to carrying out a workplace QI project

 -Support from a senior organisational sponsor who can endorse your participation

 You will need to name this sponsor and provide their contact details as part of your application.

What You Need to Provide 

The application form includes the following sections:

- Team contact information and demographics

- The problem area you have identified in your workplace (see tip below)

 -Brief information on your team's prior experience with QI

 -A statement on why your team should be selected

Choosing a Problem Area 

Your project should aim to address an issue that aligns with national priorities, particularly from the Sláintecare Action Plan 2023 or HSCP Deliver: Strategic Guidance Framework. 

You will need to briefly describe an area of your work that you think could be improved. This could be a recurring frustration, a gap in care, or something that just doesn’t work as well as it could for staff, patients, or service users.

At this stage, we ask that you don’t try to suggest a solution yet. Jumping to solutions too early can make it harder to fully understand what’s really going on. During the course, we’ll help you explore the problem in more depth and identify meaningful changes based on evidence and input from others.

Here are some examples of eligible themes and previous project topics to help guide your thinking. These reflect common issues across health and social care settings and are well-suited to quality improvement:

Theme 1: Improving Safe, Timely Access to Care

Typical problems include inefficient transfer of care between settings, missed patients due to unclear criteria or processes, duplication across waiting lists, and delays from referrals not being made or received.

Theme 2: Coordination of Care

Projects in this area often focus on addressing unclear service boundaries, disconnected care pathways, or patients and staff facing multiple and confusing contact points across teams or services.

Theme 3: Delivery of Care

Common challenges include care being delivered in settings that aren’t appropriate for the patient’s needs, services running below capacity or efficiency, and patients experiencing long wait times for essential interventions.

Before You Begin

-Please review all website tabs, including the Timetable and Programme Overview, before starting your application.

 -Ensure that all team members are available for the programme dates and have discussed their quality problem.

Key Dates 

-Applications close at midnight on 24/10/2025

 -Applications will be reviewed by a panel

 -All teams will be notified of the outcome

This programme is fully funded by the HSE National HSCP Office for successful applicants.