**Feedback for Delegates **

SOLA Symposium 2016

‘From providing a service to being of service’

Jointly hosted by the Disability Federation of Ireland, Continuing

& Professional Education at the University of Limerick and

Johnson & Johnson

16.12.16

We would like to begin by thank you all for both attending and

participating in our recent Symposium. The event would not have been

the success it was without your vital contribution. Please see some key

points and pictures below.

SOLA – The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Quality in the

Community Voluntary Sector hosted its annual Symposium on Quality in

the Community Voluntary Sector on Friday 2nd December at the

Millstream Plaza, University of Limerick.

The Centre of Excellence is committed to building sustainable

communities of practice and service provision with appropriate

governance and sustainable quality systems within the changing social,

economic and political context.

Opening the Symposium, Jan O’Sullivan, Limerick East TD, referred to the

‘unique partnership’ that is responsible for developing the Centre of

Excellence, between The Disability Federation of Ireland, University of

Limerick and Johnson & Johnson.

Speaking at the symposium, Senator John Dolan, DFI, CEO, spoke about

the importance of the work being carried out in the Community, Voluntary

& Disability sector. Referring to the work of his former colleagues who

both sadly passed away in 2016 Michael Corbett and Martin Naughton.

Sen. Dolan stated ‘Michael and Martin were both advocates for equality

and may their work long continue’.

The symposium was strengthened by the calibre of guest speakers and

panellists. Research presented by Deirdre Nally looked at ‘The potential of

quality systems to protect a persons’ rights as enshrined in the United

Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons’ with a Disability, (UNCRPD).

This was followed by a presentation from Billy Stack whose work was ‘A

review of research using Lean Principals to enhance transport services for

persons with a disability. Both Deirdre & Billy’s work was undertaken as

their ‘In Company Project’ while studying for a Level 9 Specialist Diploma

in Quality Management at the University of Limerick.

Symposium delegates were then treated to a talk on the ‘journey’ or

practical steps on implementing a quality management system from

Stuart Lawlor of NCBI. Stuart, unable to attend the symposium presented

the story of the NCBI journey to quality via video link. Stuart spoke at

length about the practical improvements resulting from the

implementation of a Quality Management System.

Dermot O’Donnell, symposium organiser and Development Manager

Governance & Quality with DFI spoke about what is meant by standards

and why we should use them, stating that, ‘standards, in common

parlance can be described as, what ‘Good’ looks like. It’s the conduct,

product and disclosure practices within each sector, that promote

consumer and investor trust, confidence and market integrity’.

Dr Ann Ledwith, Director of Continuing & Professional Education at the

University of Limerick and Dr. John Noonan (UL), speaking after the

symposium, were in agreement that ‘it was the best yet’, noting in

particular ‘the interesting balance between the academic and practitioner

input, it was a great opportunity for the students to showcase their effort,

the venue was homely, warm and bright and reflected the optimistic

nature of the work of the community and voluntary sector. The workshop

element and panel discussion allowed for delegate input and participation

and therefore were key factors that impacted the success of the

symposium.

SOLA – The Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Quality in the

Community Voluntary Sector continues its mission of to empower

individuals and organisations in the community, voluntary and disability

sector by engaging in research, education and training to implement

proven governance and sustainable quality systems.

For further information on this years’ Symposium or on the training and education programmes

available through SOLA, contact Claire Gallery on 061 202960 clairegallery@disability-federation.ie

Symposium Picture Library Below;

From left to right, Sen. John Dolan (DFI) Gerry Greaney (J&J), Jan O’Sullivan TD, Dr. Ann Ledwith (UL),

Dermot O’Donnell (DFI), Dr. John Noonan (UL), Deirdre Nally & Billy Stack, (UL).

Sen. John Dolan (DFI) speaks about the work of his former colleagues Michael Corbett and Martin

Naughton

Margaret Kinnane (former CEO of Disabled People of Clare) kept the Symposium on point in her role

as MC, pictured here with Dermot O’Donnell Development Manager Governance & Quality (DFI)

Professor Eamonn Murphy (emeritus) (UL), Jan O’Sullivan TD & Dermot O’Donnell (DFI)

John McDonald (Co-Manager, Waterford Centre for Independent Living) & Valerie Moran (Manager,

Longford Centre for Independent Living) chair the lively panel debate at the Sola Symposium on

Quality

SOLA Founding Partners: Gerry Graney (J&J), Dr. Ann Ledwith (UL) & Dermot O’Donnell (DFI).

Symposium delegates, Helen Riney & Karen Gibney, Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland get ready to

put some significant questions to the panel.

Some graduating students from SOLA Innovation Management & Quality Management Level 8

courses. From left to right, Dr. John Noonan, Valerie Moran, Dr. Ann Ledwith, Alfredo Rodriguez,

Michael McGagh & Dermot O’Donnell