State Laboratory Strategy 2024 – 2034

I am delighted to present the State Laboratory’s 10-year strategy, which sets out the long-term strategic goals of the Laboratory for the period 2024 – 2034. This strategy is complementary to the State Laboratory’s Strategy Statement, which describes the 3-year strategic plans. The State Laboratory is part of the Civil Service and provides a comprehensive analytical chemistry and advisory service to over 30 clients across a range of Government Departments and Public Sector Bodies. Our clients continue to indicate high satisfaction ratings in our annual Customer Satisfaction Surveys. This reflects the high quality, responsive and expert scientific service provided and it is our mission to continue to provide the same high standards of service to clients. Demand for analytical chemistry and advisory services continues to grow significantly from both new and existing clients. Our strategic goals will ensure we can adapt and grow to meet the evolving requirements from clients. The State Laboratory is fully committed to Better Public Services – the Public Service Transformation 2030 Strategy and to the vision of an Agile, Innovative and Professional Laboratory. The State Laboratory recognises and values all of our staff as our most important asset. This strategy supports a highly talented, diverse, skilled and motivated workforce who are empowered and engaged through working in a collaborative, inclusive and supportive working environment.

In 2024, the State Laboratory celebrated 100 years of providing services to improve the lives of the people of Ireland. As we enter our second century, our strategic goals will enable us to continue providing a high quality, efficient and excellent service to clients.

Barbara O’Leary

State Chemist

To deliver a high quality analytical chemistry service and provide specialist advice to the State

Excellence in chemical analysis and innovation

• Rigorous, independent and objective scientific analysis
• High quality, agile service to clients
• Accountable, professional, collaborative and responsive

Goal 1: People

In the State Laboratory, we have a culture of high performance and continuous improvement, which encourages high levels of engagement and personal development. We support the well-being and work-life balance of staff with policies that include flexible working hours, part-time working options, career breaks, blended working, and sports and social activities. The State Laboratory is committed to championing an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects modern Ireland and the people we serve.

We strive to create a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunity and feels comfortable and confident to be themselves at work.

Actions

• Promote a collaborative, high-performing, positive and inclusive work environment
• Invest in our staff to enable them to reach their full potential
• Develop exceptional leaders

Goal 2: Innovation and expertise

The State Laboratory embraces innovation in order to continuously improve, deliver best in class services and to tackle the many challenges and opportunities that arise. Developing expertise in chemistry is essential for the future success of the Laboratory and this requires training, on-the-job learning, a research culture, participation in international working groups and attendance at conferences and workshops. To succeed, expertise in disciplines including IT, Finance, HR, Health and Safety, and Communications is also essential.

Actions

• Cultivate an environment where innovation and expertise thrive
• Pioneer the use of the latest technologies in order to allow us to meet changing requirements of clients
• Establish clear pathways that promote continuous learning and skill acquisition for staff throughout their career

Goal 3: Quality

Our clients consistently tell us that the quality of the results is the most important aspect of the service they receive from the State Laboratory. Those impacted by the analytical results and advice we provide trust us to deliver accurate and reliable information. The State Laboratory is committed to the highest standards of professionalism and scientific excellence and to a public service ethos of independence, integrity and impartiality

Actions

• Maintain a culture of accountability and scientific excellence
• Operate a Quality System that meets the requirements of ISO 17025
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement

Goal 4: Service to clients

The State Laboratory’s clients include a range of Government Departments and Public Sector Bodies with a variety of requirements for chemical analysis and advice. The State Laboratory is committed to providing a quality and responsive service to clients with service level agreements in place, tailored to the specific requirements of each client, and a clear pathway for resourcing new requirements.

Actions

• Demonstrate a commitment to quality and reliability in all interactions with clients, building trust and loyalty over time
• Gather feedback from clients regularly to identify areas for improvement and tailor services to their preferences
• Be agile to respond to evolving requirements from clients

Goal 5: Sustainability

The State Laboratory must be sustainable to deliver its essential services for the long-term. This means adapting quickly to economic, social and environmental changes including government policy, legislation and client requirements. As part of the Civil Service, the State Laboratory is committed to embracing civil service strategies and values. Taking actions in response to the climate crisis and becoming more energy efficient is an important part of our sustainability approach.

Actions

• Minimise our impact on climate and the environment
• Strive for efficiency in all we do
• Adapt quickly to external changes to maintain a thriving organisation
• Forge collaborative initiatives with other organisations to accelerate progress towards our objectives

The work of the State Laboratory supports these UN Sustainable Development Goals:

2 – Zero Hunger

3 – Good Health and Well-being

4 – Quality Education

5 – Gender Equality

7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

13 – Climate Action

14 – Life Below Water

15 – Life on Land

16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

17 – Partnerships for the Goals

A PDF version of this strategy can be downloaded or viewed below: