Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is the national body responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training in Ireland. It sets the standards for awards in further and higher education and ensures that learners receive qualifications that are recognised both nationally and internationally.

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The Limerick Community Education Network (LCEN) plays an important role in supporting community education providers to engage with QQI-accredited programmes. Through its network, LCEN works collaboratively with local groups to build capacity, share knowledge, and ensure that quality assurance standards are understood and implemented effectively. Currently we have four centers and over 150 learners per annum gaining their QQI accreditation.

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LCEN supports tutors and community organisations in developing programmes that meet QQI requirements, while also maintaining the core values of community education—accessibility, inclusion, and learner-centred practice. This includes guidance on programme development, assessment processes, and quality assurance systems.

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By bridging the gap between grassroots community education and national accreditation frameworks, LCEN helps ensure that learners not only benefit from supportive, local learning environments but also gain recognised qualifications that can support progression into further education, training, or employment.