Covalen supporting public sector partnerships
Suzanne Dolan, Managing Director of Covalen talks to eolas Magazine about Covalen’s plans for partnership growth in the public sector and the importance of a collegial workplace culture in underpinning these ambitious plans for growth.
Over two decades, Covalen, a managed services provider, has grown into a household name across a range of sectors in Ireland.
Renowned for its focus on building strong client relationships, delivering exceptional services, and fostering a workplace culture rooted in collaboration and mutual respect, Covalen has positioned itself as a reliable partner for organisations seeking to scale operations effectively and efficiently.
Dolan’s journey with Covalen is one of dedication, persistence, and a clear focus on team dynamics. In this time, the company has grown steadily, guided by values orientated around teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement. Her story, along with Covalen’s evolution, highlights the company’s approach to solving challenges, empowering employees, and setting long-term goals for sustainable growth.
The evolution of Covalen
Covalen was established with a mission to deliver flexible and scalable solutions for businesses. Founded in 1998, the company has expanded its scope, providing managed services to clients in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and finance. The organisation is structured to meet the diverse needs of its clients, from scaling resources and operational support to end-to-end process management.
Dolan, who has been with Covalen from the beginning, has been instrumental in shaping the company’s direction. Her leadership style emphasises collaboration and a shared sense of purpose, though she is keen to emphasise the integral role played by her wider team.
“Covalen’s success is not about any one individual; it is about the team,” Dolan explains. “We work together to achieve common goals, and we are always looking for ways to improve and grow.”
One of the company’s distinguishing traits is its adaptability. “Covalen prides itself on understanding each client’s unique needs and tailoring its services accordingly. This flexibility has allowed the company to build lasting partnerships and deliver measurable results,” she says.
Covalen’s core values
At the heart of Covalen’s operations are values that guide the company’s decisions and interactions. “These values – be brave, be proud, be wise, and exceed – are woven into the fabric of the organisation,” Dolan says.
“We believe in working as a team, not just within Covalen but also with our clients. Our approach is always collaborative. We aim to enhance our clients’ existing strengths and help them achieve their goals.”
These principles extend to the company’s internal culture, where employees are treated as valued contributors to Covalen’s success. The company’s workforce, which represents over 90 nationalities, is a testament to its inclusive approach. This diversity, Dolan notes, is one of Covalen’s strengths, bringing a range of perspectives and skills to the table.
Client success and industry reach
Covalen’s focus on client success has been a cornerstone of its operations. By providing customised managed services, the company enables its clients to concentrate on their core objectives while Covalen takes care of operational delivery needs. This approach has proven successful across various industries, including healthcare, technology, and finance.
A notable example of Covalen’s impact is its work with the Health Service Executive (HSE) over the Covid-19 pandemic with contact tracing and vaccination support.
On the role played by Covalen through the pandemic, Dolan says: “We were able to get 100 people together at short notice, working in a socially distanced manner and deliver advice to the public. I was especially proud because this was a time of great uncertainty and our team stepped up to the mark in a way we can all be proud of.”
Through its broad range of clients, the company has played a vital role in addressing capacity challenges and streamlining operations, demonstrating its ability to “deliver under pressure”. “We take the time to understand our clients’ challenges and provide solutions that make a difference,” Dolan says.
Covalen’s partnerships often begin with relatively small-scale engagements that grow organically over time. “We typically start with a core team and build from there,” Dolan explains. “This approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of our clients’ needs and establish trust.”
Talent retention and acquisition
A key element of Covalen’s success is its strong position to source and hire top talent as part of the Cpl Group, which specialises in recruitment and talent solutions. This partnership has enabled Covalen to onboard highly skilled professionals from around the world.
“Our collaboration with Cpl has been invaluable,” the Managing Director notes. “It has the expertise and resources to find the right talent for our clients’ needs, whether it is for a short-term project or a long-term engagement.”
Cpl’s ability to source talent from diverse backgrounds has been particularly beneficial, allowing Covalen to maintain a workforce that reflects the global nature of its clients’ operations.
Onboarding and scaling
One of Covalen’s standout capabilities is its ability to onboard with agility and scale quickly to meet client demands. This is achieved through a combination of experience, well-defined processes, and a deep understanding of operational requirements.
“We have built systems that make it easy to onboard new employees and scale teams efficiently,” Dolan explains. “But we also focus on retention, ensuring that our employees see Covalen as a place where they can grow their careers.”
Covalen’s approach to onboarding includes clear processes that are regularly reviewed and updated. “We assess our processes every three months to ensure they are still effective,” Dolan says. “This continuous improvement mindset helps us stay ahead of the curve.”
Employee empowerment and retention
Dolan firmly believes that a company’s success is tied to the wellbeing and positive growth trajectory of its employees. At Covalen, she says that professional development is a priority, pointing to the fact that employees are offered opportunities to enhance their skills and take on new challenges, fostering a sense of progression and achievement.
The company also encourages employee involvement in decision-making. Employee-led committees and focus groups provide a platform for employees to share their insights and contribute to Covalen’s direction. “We want our employees to feel that their voices are heard and valued,” Dolan says.
This supportive environment has led to impressive employee retention rates, with some team members having been with Covalen for nearly 30 years. “Our team’s longevity is one of my proudest achievements,” Dolan says. “It is a testament to the culture we have built, a culture of respect, collaboration, and shared success.”
“We take the time to understand our clients’ challenges and provide solutions that make a difference.”
Suzanne Dolan, Managing Director, Covalen
Collaborative leadership
Dolan’s leadership style is characterised by humility and a focus on collective success, reiterating that many of Covalen’s achievements are the result of the dedication and talent of her team, which she says emanates from the company’s collaborative culture. “I am fortunate to work with an incredible group of people who make everything we do possible”.
Her approach to leadership, she states, is informed by her personal values, which emphasise family and community. Dolan, who comes from a large family, draws parallels between her upbringing and her role at Covalen. “In a big family, you learn the importance of teamwork and pitching in,” she reflects.
As Covalen continues its journey, the company remains committed to its core values and mission. With a focus on client success, employee empowerment, and sustainable growth, Covalen is well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Dolan’s leadership, grounded in collaboration and a genuine care for people, has been instrumental in shaping Covalen’s identity. As the company looks ahead to its next chapter, Dolan states that it does so with the confidence that comes from a “strong foundation and a clear vision for the future”.
Vision
Covalen has ambitious plans for growth. Over the next five years, the company aims to double its business and expand its footprint within Ireland. A key focus area is the public sector, where Covalen sees significant opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
“Our work with the HSE demonstrated to us what is possible when we apply our expertise to public sector challenges,” Dolan says. “There is a real desire among our team to do more work that benefits the community.”
In addition to expanding its client base, Covalen plans to continue investing in its employees and refining its processes. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the company remains a trusted partner for clients and a great place to work.
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Suzanne Dolan has been Managing Director of Covalen since 2019. She says that, while travelling around the |
