Over the past 12 months, HABIC has invested significant time in researching the requirements and needs of the industry. Through our research and consultations we have identified 5 Key Pillars on which we will focus our energy and the support and expertise so generously provided by organisations and committed individuals within our sector.

These 5 Key Pillars will form the framework to industry advancement and to achieving our goals as set out. Each Pillar will have a supporting committee, all of whom are members of the Executive Council and are contributing their professional experience and expertise on a voluntary basis.

  1. Upskilling & Talent Development
  2. Driving Standards & Quality
  3. National Professional Register
  4. Industry Supports
  5. Public Relations

Pillar 1: UPSKILLING & TALENT DEVELOPMENT

  • Define the entire Industry in terms of occupations and qualifications
  • Carry out an analysis of the current workforce, an in-depth Skills & Competencies Audit (TNA) and future skills report.
  • Detail and document qualifications from level 3 to 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications.
  • Start to identify and develop progression routes between level 7-10 on the National Framework of Qualifications (e.g. – Cosmetic Science/ Marketing for the Beauty Industry).
  • Clearly defined industry career progression paths.
  • Research and implementation of a Continuous Professional Development framework.
  • Engage with all educational stakeholders both public and private.
  • Engage with the Department of Education and Skills.
  • Encourage and enable learning and development opportunities.
  • Ensure the industry continues to be highly supported by Skillnet Ireland through the continued development and funding of Image Skillnet.
  • Ensure standardisation of training delivered.
  • Upgrade training, standards & qualifications (national minimum pass rate).
  • Promote Hair and beauty as a positive career option.
  • Design a school campaign that represents the potential of the industry to students, parents and guidance teachers.
  • Support vulnerable new entrants and up-skilling in the industry by making education affordable and accessible.
  • Develop a management/ owner level entrepreneurial development program specific for the needs of the industry.
  • Leverage technology to further enable talent and development opportunities.

Pillar 2: DRIVING STANDARDS & QUALITY

  • Raise awareness of public health risks and potential hazards.
  • Develop a recognised quality assurance mark for skilled professionals.
  • Review, research and carryout consultation around standards, quality, current work practices and education.
  • Research the willingness by professionals to adopt a voluntary national standard.
  • Research the requirement for industry regulation.
  • Engage with state agencies and key stakeholders to work towards development of safe minimum national standards or regulation as identified in research.
  • Raise the quality and standards of professionals through the delivery of quality education and CPD training.
  • Ensure education certification bodies work to uphold standards in the industry and that these standards are regulated and monitored.

Pillar 3: NATIONAL PROFESSIONAL REGISTER

  • Define the membership of a register.
  • Define the benefits and use of the register.
  • Define how a member will register.
  • Develop the register.
  • Maintain a register of certified professionals.
  • Maintain a register of trade suppliers.
  • Maintain a register of schools and educators.
  • Ensure the public are aware of the importance of the national register.

Pillar 4: INDUSTRY SUPPORTS

  • Develop a centre of excellence that supports an entire industry.
  • Develop an in-depth analysis of broader industry needs.
  • Develop a package of benefits and supports.
  • Develop an active and engaging community for all members.
  • Become the point of reference, advice and support.
  • Develop a bank of industry research.
  • Foresee key trends and areas of innovation.
  • Raise the profile & visibility of the industry.
  • Develop a public education/information campaign.
  • Leverage technology capability to support HABIC members.
  • Provide additional support to members to lessen the effects of Brexit and during times of economic downturn.

Pillar 5: PUBLIC RELATIONS

  • Raise the Reputation of the entire industry and how people view the sector.
  • Establish Ireland as a world leader in the Hair and Beauty industry.
  • Develop pioneering Economic impact industry research that clearly outlines the GDP impact of the industry both directly and indirectly through enabled activities.
  • Develop strong engagement from all stakeholders, particularly at government level.
  • Increase recognition and supports afforded to the industry by government.
  • Input on national policy that will affect the industry.
  • Develop an industry working group with various state agencies to ensure a joined-up approach by stakeholders.
  • Gain inclusion on various working groups that will affect the industry.
  • Build strong alliances with relevant international organisations and colleagues.
  • Decrease and eliminate the significant impact of the black market on register enterprises.
  • Develop a yearly well researched pre-budget submission.
  • Develop impactful awareness campaigns.
  • Develop strong multi-platform media campaign in relation to the industry.
  • Develop a customer focused media campaign to outline the skills and knowledge of industry professionals.