In today’s fast-paced business environment, strong and confident leadership from a qualified Board and Senior Management Team is essential to ensure a company stays on course — across governance, finance, strategy, and leadership.

The Institute of Directors (IoD) Ireland is dedicated to making Ireland a benchmark for corporate governance by providing practical, up-to-date courses and guidance for directors.

Empowering them to excel in every role they undertake.

A flagship offering is the IoD Chartered Director Programme, widely regarded as the gold standard in director education and development.

This transformative educational experience is designed to develop exceptional directors and equip leaders to navigate the complexities of a globalised business environment.

This comprehensive programme delivers practical, proven frameworks and tools to elevate your strategic thinking, governance capabilities, and leadership impact.

Inspiring Excellence in Ireland’s Boardrooms

The Chartered Director Programme stands apart for its exceptional learning experience, led by a faculty of seasoned non-executive directors who bring real-world boardroom insight to every session.

Participants engage in immersive, in-person modules that are both intensive and interactive, designed for immediate application in their professional roles.

With small cohorts of no more than 20 participants, the programme fosters meaningful collaboration, peer learning, and valuable networking opportunities.

Real-world case studies further enrich the experience, allowing participants to apply their knowledge to practical scenarios that mirror the challenges faced in today’s boardrooms.

This prestigious designation validates advanced directorship competencies and signals your commitment to excellence in corporate leadership.

IoD Ireland is the sole provider of the full Chartered Director pathway in the country.

The Path to Chartered Status

This structured qualification is designed for directors and strategic business leaders, combining academic rigour with real-world relevance.

The journey to becoming a Chartered Director begins with two foundational stages: the Certificate and Diploma in Company Direction.

Upon successful completion, participants may be eligible to attain full Chartered Director (CDir) accreditation.

IoD Ireland is the only organisation in the country authorised to provide the route to this professional designation.

Real-World Learning with Eileen Gleeson CDir

According to Programme Director Eileen Gleeson CDir, the Chartered Director Programme offers far more than a credential.

“This programme is grounded in real-world experience,” she explains. “Our expert faculty are the secret sauce.

"They bring current boardroom insights, and participants benefit from peer-to-peer learning with senior leaders from a diverse range of industries.”

“What sets this programme apart,” Eileen continues, “is its comprehensive coverage of governance, strategy, finance, and leadership—all in one place.

"It gives participants the rare opportunity to step back from their demanding roles and invest in their own professional development.”

Who Should Apply?

Tailored for senior executives and board members, the programme spans ten months and includes an average of two classroom days per month.

Participants join a cohort of around 20 peers, progressing through the programme together.

This structure fosters strong peer learning, collaboration, and networking—an invaluable resource for leaders at the top of their fields.

The programme welcomes individuals from all sectors, including private and public companies, state boards, charities, social enterprises, and international organisations.

Stage One: Certificate in Company Direction

Participants begin their journey with the Certificate in Company Direction, an exam-certified programme covering four core areas: governance, leadership, strategy, and finance.

Programme Director Eileen Gleeson CDir highlights the strength of the faculty: “Our tutors don’t just teach the subject—they live it. For example, in the governance module, we have two outstanding tutors:

• Carol Bolger CDir, former Chair of An Post, current Chair of a government department audit committee, and director of a regulated financial services company.
• Marie Collins CDir, Chair of Home Building Finance Ireland DAC and director at Bank of Ireland’s Dawson MT DAC and Dunnes Stores PT ULC.”

“All of our tutors hold senior board positions and bring both academic insight and real-world experience to the classroom,” Gleeson adds.

“Participants gain knowledge they can apply immediately—not just in theory, but in practice.”

This stage is designed for senior professionals who want to bring strategic insight and governance excellence to their organisations, even those without formal board structures.

Stage Two: Diploma in Company Direction

Upon completing the Certificate, participants progress to the Diploma in Company Direction, where they integrate and apply their learning in a practical, strategic context.

“Our goal at this stage,” Gleeson explains, “is to ensure participants can confidently assess any organisation—its strategy, risks, governance, and financial health—and help chart a sustainable path forward.”

The Diploma phase deepens participants’ ability to lead effectively, combining all four pillars of the programme into a cohesive, applied learning experience.

Becoming a Chartered Director

After earning the Diploma, participants may apply for Chartered Director (CDir) status. To be eligible, candidates must have served on a board for at least three years within the past decade.

“Chartered status isn’t about potential—it’s about proven capability,” says Gleeson. “You must demonstrate your experience and effectiveness as a director.”

Even if participants don’t yet meet the eligibility criteria, they retain their academic qualifications and can apply for Chartered status anytime within ten years of completing the programme.

Beyond the Classroom: A Lifelong Network

Graduates of the Chartered Director Programme join a vibrant alumni network, designed to support their ongoing journey as directors. All participants also become part of IoD Ireland’s membership community, a collective voice shaping the future of Irish business.

From exclusive events and peer networking to cutting-edge insights and lifelong learning opportunities, the benefits extend well beyond the classroom.

Chartered Director Programme Details

Start Dates: January and September annually

Next Intake: September 2025 (now open for booking)

Learn More: Visit the IoD website for full details

Photo: Eileen Gleeson CDir, Programme Director, Chartered Director Programme in Ireland, IoD Ireland