Directors urged to continue punching above their weight

Northern Ireland’s directors and senior executives are punching above their weight when it comes to recognising the importance of professional director qualifications in strengthening leadership prowess and corporate governance – and must continue to do so.

That was the message from the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland (IoD NI) as it launched the 2015/16 Chartered Director Programme. In the 2014/15 Certificate exam, which took place in March, almost a third of all distinctions achieved throughout the UK – 10 out of 34 – were attained by candidates from Northern Ireland.

IoD NI Chairman Paul Terrington is urging current and aspiring local directors to help maximise their performance in the workplace by undertaking the internationally-acclaimed Chartered Director Programme, which regularly attracts participants from some of Northern Ireland’s leading businesses.

He said: “The IoD is at the forefront of the drive to raise standards of governance and performance across all sectors in Northern Ireland and the Chartered Director Programme is one of our most effective tools.

“The course provides participants with a solid understanding of the role of a director – focusing on areas such as strategy, marketing, finance and legal responsibilities – all of which help to greatly improve their day-to-day decision-making and contribution.

“Last year’s results and the fact we were oversubscribed for the course is evidence that the Northern Ireland business community recognises that leading professional qualifications such as the Chartered Director Programme will equip the directors of today and tomorrow with the skills which their companies will greatly benefit from.

“Over 600 people from Northern Ireland have successfully completed the course to date and I greatly look forward to welcoming new participants on to this year’s programme.”

The Chartered Director Programme is delivered in Northern Ireland by Director Development Ireland Ltd, headed by former management consultant Peter Martin, who leads a team of highly experienced presenters who know the practicalities of implementation.

He commented: “The importance of directors having the appropriate skills and knowledge seems obvious but the endless examples of high-profile company failures should serve as a warning to businesses to help their directors prepare as fully as possible.

“Recent results suggest that Northern Ireland’s senior executives and directors are very much punching above their weight, with our region regularly viewed as one of the best in terms of exam results, low drop-out rates and highly positive participant feedback.

“Each year the course attracts around 40% of participants from the public sector and is tailored for busy executives, meaning there are no dissertations or assignments to eat into their precious spare time. As well as the opportunity to attain a qualification recognised across the business world, the sessions are also the ideal platform for participants to network with peers, share ideas and exchange best-practice methods.”

The Chartered Director Programme leads to the IoD Certificate and Diploma, and for many paves the way to becoming a Chartered Director. The modular course, which is open to both IoD members and non-members, sees delegates sit two exams after attending 12.5 learning days spread over a 9-month period. Some of the sessions are residential.
Fiona Hampton, Head of Sales and Marketing at Ulster Rugby was a participant who thoroughly enjoyed last year’s course and felt it hugely benefitted her professional development.

She said: “I found the IoD Chartered Director Programme hugely beneficial. It must be the most practical, business-focused course available and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“There was a great balance between theory and practice with the presenters ensuring it was entertaining and educational. I am now employing the skills learnt in many aspects of my professional life.”

For further information or to apply for the 2014/2015 programme, please visit www.iodni.com or contact