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Employer Excellence Programme: Eligibility and guidelines

Find out who can join the Employer Excellence Programme, what participation requires, and what your business needs before applying.

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Before you apply

Check your fit

  • Is your business based in Ireland and open to tourists or domestic visitors?
  • Do you have at least 5 employees?
  • Can you commit to a two-year programme?
  • Is your business already enrolled in the current programme cycle?
  • Have you selected from one of our Fáilte Ireland approved survey providers? 
Survey providers

Who can take part?

Employer Excellence is for established tourism businesses ready to invest in their people and strengthen their workplace over the long term.

  • Based in IrelandYour business provides a tourist experience or product catering to domestic or international visitors.
  • You have at least 5 employeesThe programme is built for businesses with an existing team. You need people to survey and a workplace to improve.
  • You can commit to two yearsThe programme runs for two years. It includes employee surveys, action planning sessions, and regular check-ins with your Fáilte Ireland-approved HR mentor.
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What you need to know about State aid funding

The Employer Excellence Programme is funded under the De Minimis State aid regulation. The €7,370 support provided through the programme counts towards your business's De Minimis allowance over a rolling three-year period.

Learn more

Programme commitment

Employer Excellence is a two-year programme. You will need time, leadership commitment, and input from your team.

  • Two years of active participation in the programme. 
  • Complete annual employee engagement survey with chosen survey provider. 
  • Attend 121 supports from our HR mentors to support with action.  
  • Provide a lead contact on the programme (usually a HR Manager or General Manager) 
  • Complete any necessary online training via learniFI  
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    What to have ready

    Before you start your application, make sure you have:

    • Your business Eircode or registered address
    • An up-to-date employee count
    • Contact details for the manager or owner leading the programme
    • Made contact with and chosen from our selection of Fáilte Ireland approved survey providers

    If you are new to the programme, express your interest. Returning businesses can sign up for the next phase of Employer Excellence.

      Survey providers

      What’s included

      Participants receive:

      • Two years of structured advisory support from a Failte Ireland approved HR Mentor 
      • Annual Employee Engagement survey (Business pays Survey Provider directly) 
      • EEP annual certification mark (plaque, certificate and digital assets) 

      Awards, conference and resources

      • Invite to our annual Employer Excellence Programme Awards ceremony 
      • Invite to our annual Employer Excellence Programme Exchange conference 
      • Access to Fáilte Ireland resources, online training and toolkits on learniFi 

      Explore the specific requirements and journey milestones of the Employer Excellence Programme.

      • Overview

        Learn how you can support your people, attract talent, and build a stronger tourism business.

      • Programme journey

        See what the Employer Excellence Programme looks like from application to certification.

      • Help and resources

        Find answers, download programme guidance, and access key Employer Excellence resources.