National Social Inclusion Office has launched a new Learning and Development Programme for services working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
The programme gives staff in homeless services a consistent, trauma‑informed approach to help them provide high‑quality, person‑centred support.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is intended for staff working with people experiencing homelessness, including:
- frontline and support staff
- team leaders and managers
- staff working in HSE services, Section 38 and Section 39 organisations
- staff working in private emergency accommodation, probation services and local authorities
The programme is suitable for new staff as part of induction and for existing staff as ongoing professional development.
Programme objectives
The programme aims to:
- establish a standardised framework for nationwide learning and development
- set out baseline training topics to ensure new staff receive consistent and essential knowledge
- build staff confidence and self-efficacy, improving motivation and retention
- embed trauma-informed and person-centred practices in service delivery
- inform strategic decisions through data-driven insights into training needs
What does the programme include?
The programme offers a blended learning approach, including:
- online learning modules hosted on HSeLanD
- in-person training and workshops
- a 'train the trainer' model, allowing organisations to deliver training internally
- flexible delivery pathways that can be adapted to each service’s needs and infrastructure
More details are available in:
- National Homeless Learning and Development Programme Manual and Induction Record (PDF, 815 KB, 58 pages)
- NSIO Homeless Services Learning and Development Programme 2025 Webinar
Accessing the programme on HSeLanD
If you already have a HSeLanD account, you can access the programme in 1 of the following ways:
- HSeLanD direct link
- via HSeLanD menu:
- sign in to HSeLanD
- select courses
- choose catalogues
- select profession or unit
- click HSE National Social Inclusion Office
- choose National Homeless Services Learning and Development Programme
If you do not have a HSeLanD account
HSE, Section 38, Section 39 and NGO staff working in health or allied services:
Staff working in private emergency accommodation, probation services or local authorities:
Implementing the programme in your service
For queries about implementing the programme in your organisation, contact:
Fin O’Brien - email: finn.obrien@hse.ie
Clara Leonard - email: clara.leonard@hse.ie