Skills Building
Building Skills for a Stronger Sector
The Wheel is committed to ensuring that nonprofit workers, both paid and unpaid, and the organisations they work in, have the skills they need to deliver their varied and important missions across Irish society.
We do this through various means, including an extensive training and events calendar every year, working with partners to provide specially designed accredited programmes, developing and delivering The Leadership Academy, funding peer-led training networks through our Training Links scheme, taking part in skills-building European partnerships, researching the skills and training needs of the sector and advocating on behalf of the nonprofit workforce with key stakeholders.
We work to ensure that nonprofit organisations, of all types, and those that work for them, are well served by the state's skills development infrastructure.
In order to inform this work, we have recently commissioned and collaborated in important research reports to provide evidence on training and skills-building in the nonprofit workforce in Ireland. We have also participated in significant skills-building initiatives and programmes for the Irish nonprofit sector, as detailed below.
Page Contents:
1. Training Links
Training Links funds networks of social economy organisations to undertake training together. The programme is uniquely placed to meet the training requirements of our sector's workforce.
Since 2005 The Wheel’s Training Links programme has supported the training and development needs of more than 50,000 social economy workers across Ireland. This includes volunteers and employees across many disciplines from charities, community and voluntary organisations and social enterprises.
For a deeper dive into Training Links visit: www.wheel.ie/training-links-programme
Get in touch by emailing: traininglinks2025@wheel.ie.
2. The Leadership Academy
Supporting Nonprofit Leaders
The Leadership Academy is where leaders from Irish charities, community organisations and social enterprises come together to learn from and inspire each other. Start by taking the self-assessment to reflect on your leadership skills or browse our Leadership Library to discover a wealth of relevant resources from accredited training to the latest podcasts and articles.
Visit the Leadership Academy website to find out more: https://www.leadersacademy.ie/
If you would like to chat to us about oppotunities or areas on interest in relation to Leadership, please get in touch with Sharon at sharon@wheel.ie.
3. National Skills Council
The National Skills Council is the national advisory body on skills policy, made up of representatives of social partners, industry and other stakeholders. The Wheel is represented on the Council by Mairead O’Connor, who currently holds the Community and Voluntary Pillar seat on the Council.
Read the National Skills Council’s first publication – Skills Matter - published in July 2025.
4. EU Projects
The Wheel participates in and delivers a number of European programmes and projects that aim to activate involvement in Europe among Irish community, voluntary and charitable organisations and social enterprises, and improve our offerings to members. The projects below were designed specifically to improve the knowledge, skills and abilities of the sector in Ireland and across the EU.
Some of the EU projects we are involved in are:
baSE
The Erasmus+ baSE project (Blueprint for Advanced Skills & Trainings in the Social Economy) aims at upskilling and reskilling workers of the social economy sector.
The baSE partnership developed an online learning platform with 10 courses designed to upskill workers in the sector in areas related to the digital, the green and the inclusive transitions. The platform and all courses are currently being finalised and will launch officially in 2026.
The partnership also worked on:
- Reports on social economy skills gaps defining a long-term and sustainable strategy
- A competency framework for the social economy
- Policy recommendations to strengthen social economy VET training provision
- A social economy magazine.
You can find all these resources on the project’s website.
To know more about baSE or if you wish to be involved in focus groups, activities and trainings linked to this project, please contact Perrine – perrine@wheel.ie.
RISE
The Erasmus+ RISE (Engaged Research in the Social Economy) project will build the skills of social economy organisations to partner in projects with research institutes.
This will enable more engaged research, a practice that creates more socially impactful projects through collaboration between researchers and communities. Social economy organisations can be the key to accessing communities and practitioner expertise and achieving real change, but they can lack the capacity necessary to navigate the research landscape.
RISE will address this need by creating:
- An innovative, validated & accessible Engaged Research course for organisations
- A publication outlining the project’s methodology, results, and sustainability plans
- Awareness raising of the value of engaged research.
For more information on RISE and the course on engaged research for social economy organisations, please contact Perrine – perrine@wheel.ie.
SCOPE
The purpose of the SCOPE programme is to provide free, sector specific eLearning modules to social economy workers and volunteers. Learners can work at their own pace and their learning will be validated using digital badges.
eLearning modules include:
- Governance Basics
- Financial Basics
- Fundraising Basics
- Communications Basics
- Risk Management Basics.
To learn more about F4S3 visit our project website here - https://scope-skills.eu/en-ie/.
Get in touch by emailing CathyAnne: cathyanne@wheel.ie.
F4S3
The purpose of the Foundations 4 sector 3 programme is to support new entrants into the sector through a series of training workshops and webinars.
The F4S3 programme offers two training modules using a blended learning approach. Module 1 focuses on sector-specific knowledge and will consist of two days face-to-face training augmented by two online training sessions utilising webinars and online communication platforms. Module 2 focuses on personal and professional development. Similarly, it will have two face-to-face training days augmented by two online training sessions. Learning will be validated using digital badges.
To learn more about F4S3 visit our project website here - https://www.f4s3.eu/.
Get in touch by emailing CathyAnne: cathyanne@wheel.ie.
RevitaLESE
The purpose of the RevitaLESE programme is to assist and engage with long established social economy organisations who wish to revitalise their social mission, business model and activities.
The RevitaLESE partnership has created a wealth of resources for the European social economy sector including blogs, case studies, podcasts, comprehensive training materials for LESE organisations and an Impact, Validation and Sustainability Report examining the success of the programme.
To learn more about RevitaLESE visit our project website here - https://revitalese.eu/.
Get in touch by emailing CathyAnne on cathyanne@wheel.ie.
5. Collaborations and Projects
This new offering from The Leadership Academy is designed to upskill CEOs in response to current identified challenges common in the nonprofit sector by providing a bespoke and targeted programme focused on impactful learning outcomes for both new and experienced CEOs.
The Transformative Leadership programme is brough to by The Wheel in conjunction with CAN Consultancy trainers Monica Manning and Bronagh O’Neil.
This Applied Practice programme is a Level 8 accredited course from Maynooth University. The programme aims to strengthen and deepen the leadership capacity and ambition of the Irish community and voluntary sector.
The Wheel works closely with the Employer Engagement Unit of SOLAS to promote access to skills building programmes and subsidised training among employers in the nonprofit sector. Organisations and individuals can access low-cost and free upskilling and training through their local Education and Training Boards all around the country. Find out more at https://www.solas.ie/programmes/skills-to-advance/.
You can also access a free recorded webinar that The Wheel ran in conjuction with SOLAS and ETB's all about Local Training for Your Employees which will explore the opportunities available in more details and how your organisation could benefit from accessing training opportunities through an ETB.
The Wheel works closely with colleagues on the MicroCreds Expert Advisory Group to guide the development of MicroCredentials – an initiative of the 7 universities in Ireland to create and promote short, flexible and responsive accredited courses. These courses are designed with and for employers and workers and are tailored to the workforce needs of today and tomorrow. You can find out more at https://microcreds.ie/ or watch The Wheel’s webinar where we introduce and explain MicroCreds in this video here
The Wheel has partnered with Carmichael, a leading provider of training in the community and voluntary sector in Ireland, to deliver a varied training schedule, supported by the National Training Fund. Topics covered include Leadership, EDI, Impact Management and Annual Reporting. Find out more at https://www.carmichaelireland.ie/courses/?type=scheduled-courses
The Wheel has supported the development of the Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership and Management, designed and delivered by Quality Matters, in collaboration with National College of Ireland, since 2014.
This Level 9 qualification in nonprofit leadership and management develops skills such as change management, outcome measurement, ethical decision making and team and stakeholder management.
Visit the National College of Ireland webpage for course information.
The Wheel, Quality Matters and Whitebarn Consulting coordinate the Social Value Ireland network. Social Value Ireland is a network of individuals and organisations who are interested in changing the way Irish society accounts for value. Membership is free and the network is open to all organisations and individuals who have an interest in social value and its measurement. Find out more and join today.
6. Research
Pay and Benefits in the Community and Voluntary Sector 2024
In December 2024, with support from Community Foundation Ireland, we launched the sixth edition of the Pay and Benefits in the Community & Voluntary Sector report. This survey looks at pay in the community, voluntary, and charity sectors in Ireland.
The report arrives during a time of major change and challenge for the Irish sector. Its aim is to provide a clear overview of pay and benefits. It also examines key HR metrics like absence and turnover rates, training investment, and more. Additionally, the report highlights the main priorities of HR departments to show common challenges across the community and voluntary sector.
NfPResearch conducted the research for The Wheel, involving 592 organisations. These organisations employ over 10,800 staff and engage 34,272 volunteers.
Community Foundation Ireland funded the research.
You can download the report in full here.
You can find the report launch recording here.
Adult Literacy for Life
The Wheel is proud to support the Adult Literacy for Life 10 Year Strategy. Many people in Ireland have unmet needs in literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. One in six Irish adults struggles with literacy. This affects their ability to fill out forms, help children with homework, understand health info, or access community services. These skills are vital for active citizenship and community well-being.
The Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Strategy aims to address these challenges. The ALL Office has united a diverse group of stakeholders, including government, civil society, education, business, and community members, to raise awareness and support the strategy.
Learn more about our recent work with the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) to boost literacy awareness in the community and voluntary sector.
Consultation Report on The Support Needs of the Nonprofit Sector; Sheila Cahill Consulting, 2021
This important report for Ireland's nonprofit sector comes from Sheila Cahill Consulting, on behalf of Carmichael and The Wheel. It is co-funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The report presents new qualitative research on the training and support needs of this sector.
It highlights the challenges faced by nonprofit organisations in Ireland today, from small community groups to larger national bodies. The study examines the current supports available at local, regional, and national levels. It also suggests how to improve these supports to better help organisations tackle their challenges. Additionally, the report acknowledges positive new strategies from the Department of Rural and Community Development, which aim to meet the identified needs.
This research complements the 2020 report on Appraisal of Upskilling Employees in the Non-Profit Sector by Indecon for The Wheel. That report quantified the training and upskilling levels of individuals in the nonprofit sector, both paid and unpaid.
The author engaged with 19 focus groups across the country, including representatives from voluntary organisations, community groups, charities, and social enterprises. The report also features results from a broad consultation involving diverse organisations, policy-makers, regulators, and funders.
To tackle the main challenges facing the sector, the report outlines a support agenda that includes training tailored to the diversity of organisations in the Irish nonprofit sector. These supports should be delivered by those who understand the sector well.
Carmichael and The Wheel hope this report will offer valuable insights to anyone looking to support nonprofit organisations in promoting the public good throughout communities in Ireland. We appreciate the support from the Department of Rural and Community Development in this effort.
If you would like to find out more about this area of our work, please drop Mairead O’Connor, our Skills Development Senior Manager, an email: mairead@wheel.ie.
Investment Appraisal of Upskilling Employees in the Nonprofit Sector; 2020, Indecon International Research Economists
This landmark study by Indecon, for The Wheel, quantifies training and upskilling in the nonprofit sector—both paid and unpaid. The authors also conducted a cost-benefit analysis of investing in these workers' upskilling. With input from various stakeholders, including charities and social enterprises, the study highlights the need for skills development in the sector.
Indecon carried out new research among a diverse group of CEOs, staff, and volunteers in nonprofit organisations, collecting nearly 700 survey responses. The strong engagement shows that organisations recognise the value of workforce skills in meeting community needs.
The report pinpoints areas needing investment to close current and future skills gaps in the Irish nonprofit sector. It also highlights sectors requiring more training due to expected growth, such as IT, marketing, project management, and human resource management.
The report reveals that training investment in Ireland's nonprofit workforce is low compared to other sectors and similar nonprofits abroad. It identifies barriers to investment, like training costs and the lack of time for workers to engage in training, while suggesting solutions to these challenges.
The research includes a cost-benefit analysis showing a clear net benefit to investing in nonprofit workforce development. On average, for every €1 invested, there is a return of €2.86 in quality and impact. This demonstrates the positive outcomes of increased investment in training, including improved innovation, productivity, and lower operating costs.
The Wheel acknowledges the support of the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for funding this research.
If you would like to find out more about this area of our work, please drop Mairead O’Connor, our Skills Development Senior Manager, an email: mairead@wheel.ie.
7. Meet the Team
Maria Couchman - Director of Sector Skills
Maria directs The Wheel's Sector Skills unit and can be contacted here: mariacouchman@wheel.ie.
Mairead O'Connor - Senior Sector Skills Policy Manager
Contact Mairead on mairead@wheel.ie about skills policy and advocacy.
Bre Connolly - Senior Sector Skills Manager
Contact Bre on bre@wheel.ie with questions about any aspects of The Wheel's training offerings.
Lauren Carroll - Senior Sector Skills Manager
Currently on Maternity Leave
Contact Lauren on lauren@wheel.ie if you would like to discuss Training Links funding or find out more about The Wheel’s work with the Education and Training Boards.
Sharon Hughes - Leadership Academy Manager
Email Sharon on sharon@wheel.ie to find out more about The Leadership Academy or our collaborations with Higher Education providers.
Eileen Cunningham - Training Manager
Contact Eileen on eileen@wheel.ie with your training queries, particularly regarding our Training Calendar.
Sinéad Vaughan - Training Manager
Currently on Maternity Leave
If you have a need for a particular training topic or if you are a trainer that would like to be featured email Sinéad on sinead@wheel.ie.
Ames Poland - Training & Events Officer
Contact Ames on ames@wheel.ie if you would like more info on our training calendar of events.
Ciara Power - Sector Skills Officer
Contact Ciara on ciarapower@wheel.ie if you have questions around our Training Links programme or The Leadership Academy.
