Quality Challenge: Building a Culture of Co-Responsibility and Peer Learning in Care Services

Name of Organisation

Coopselios

Name of Practice

Quality Challenge

Topic

Workforce development, organisational learning, and participatory quality improvement in disability and older persons' services

Location and Level

National

Problem Identified and Solution Found

Fragmented innovation, limited cross-service learning, and uneven implementation of effective approaches were identified as key unmet organisational needs. Quality Challenge 2.0 was designed to move beyond isolated "good practices" and build a shared culture of quality, co-responsibility, and learning, where staff are empowered as protagonists of innovation rather than passive recipients of top-down change. Initially launched as a pilot quality contest, it evolved into a biennial organisational learning and HR development model combining innovation, peer learning, leadership development, and knowledge transfer across services.

Success Factors and Key Lessons

Concrete results of this practice include increased participation across services, greater visibility of frontline innovation, and tangible outputs such as posters, documented project evolutions and shared learning materials. The biennial structure strengthens follow-up and accountability: participants are required to return and report on the development and impact of their initiatives. Qualitative evidence highlights stronger professional engagement, increased confidence in sharing practice, and a growing sense of belonging to a learning organisation.

Beneficiaries

Frontline professionals in disability and older persons' services; middle managers and service coordinators; emerging internal leaders; indirectly, people using services and their families; the wider organisation and partner services through knowledge transfer. Coopselios supports approximately 6,500 people daily across eight Italian regions.

Transferability and Replicability

The practice is embedded within existing organisational structures and relies primarily on internal resources. The model is modular and adaptable: a clear cycle, local evaluation moments, inclusive recognition tools, and a multiplier role for winners can be applied in different service areas, regions or organisations. It is low-cost and grounded in universal HR principles – participation, recognition, learning and co-responsibility – making it replicable across diverse contexts.

Contact

Michele Di Chiara – Financial Director / mdichiara@coopselios.com

Opportunities for Collaboration

Hosting an information session