Services and knowledge work now account for more than 70% of developed economies, yet most performance methods still come from manufacturing. The Service Excellence Network exists to close that gap.
How it started
A number of leading service organisations in Ireland wanted an industry network built around the particular challenges of service and knowledge work. Many people had solved part of a problem inside their own organisation; working with colleagues elsewhere was the obvious way to complete those solutions.
The network was set up in conjunction with the Irish Centre for Business Excellence and now extends to members in New England, where the same sectors face the same problems.
What we’re for
To help service and knowledge-work organisations improve performance by sharing practice, benchmarking against each other, and building capability that lasts:
- Knowledge-sharing forums
- Benchmarking and site visits
- Training grounded in proven methods, adapted for service work
- Research and insight from people who have done the work
Who it’s for
Leaders and practitioners responsible for how work gets done: operations and shared-services leaders, continuous improvement and quality managers, and executives in financial services, healthcare, insurance, the public sector, technology and professional services.
How the network works
The council runs the network. Members take part in four ways.
Topic forums
Discussion on end-to-end process management, remote work, technology, leadership, process improvement, staff retention and standard work. The call-for-support forum is for live problems.
Special interest groups
Smaller groups that work on one area in depth, design solutions together, meet regularly and run events for the wider network.
Events
Webinars, site visits and member meetings in Ireland and New England. See the events calendar.
Insights and resources
Articles on Insights, and a resource library for members.
Working with the Irish Centre for Business Excellence
The ICBE is a not-for-profit knowledge-sharing network set up by leading Irish companies. Its remit covers all sectors; this network focuses on services and knowledge work, and the two work closely together. ICBE also runs training programmes and events.