In 2022, the PSI published a Workforce Intelligence Report which identified that greater leadership of and for the profession was required within Irish pharmacy. Recommendation 5.2 of that report recommends that IIOP provide access to dedicated leadership and governance training resources which can support pharmacists’ career pathways.
IIOP is currently exploring and scoping options for development of the leadership agenda to inform medium-term plans. As part of this exploration phase, it will be undertaking a pilot programme in partnership with Leading Ireland’s Future Together (LIFT), a social enterprise initiative aimed at increasing the level of positive leadership in Ireland. The pilot programme will involve training twelve pharmacists to be certified LIFT facilitators. These facilitators will host the IIOP/LIFT Leadership Pilot Programme for pharmacists in small, regionally distributed groups. The pilot programme will be evaluated, and learnings will be used to inform future planning for leadership development. The IIOP is currently seeking expressions of interest from pharmacists who would be interested in being involved in this pilot programme as IIOP/LIFT facilitators.
Previous involvement in the IIOP is not required. However, evidence of proactive involvement in supporting peers within the profession will be an advantage. Demonstrated experience in facilitating groups would also be an advantage.
An overview of the IIOP/LIFT Leadership Pilot Programme
LIFT Ireland is a social enterprise initiative aimed at increasing the level of positive leadership in Ireland. More information can be found at www.liftireland.ie. The IIOP/LIFT Leadership Pilot Programme is being delivered in partnership between IIOP and LIFT. Facilitators will be trained on the delivery of LIFT materials during a central, face-to-face training event which will take place in Dublin on Wednesday 10 April (10.30am - 3.30pm). The facilitators will then deliver the programme to a local group of 4 pharmacists by facilitating a weekly roundtable discussion for 8 weeks. Roundtable discussions generally take 40 minutes. IIOP/LIFT facilitators will share their insights and experiences with IIOP as part of the evaluation of the pilot programme.
A webinar will take place on Wednesday 6 March, which will be presented by IIOP and LIFT,and will provide more context and information on the programme for anyone interested in learning more. You can register for this webinar here.
If you are interested in being involved in the IIOP/LIFT pilot as a facilitator, you can download the expression of interest information here, and the link to the application form to be completed here.
If you are interested in being involved in the IIOP/LIFT pilot as a participant, a separate expression of interest process will be undertaken in the coming weeks.