IoD Members' Update
April 2021

As the Government treads cautiously on its planned reopening of the economy and society, in parallel with the rollout of the national vaccination programme, there are some grounds for optimism as we move to a more normal time.
 
In this context, we would appreciate if you could complete our latest quarterly Director Sentiment Monitor survey (see below), if you have not done so already. This research tracks sentiment amongst our members on a range of issues and is valuable feedback to the IoD. We very much appreciate you taking the time to complete our short surveys.

We would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate recent IoD Ireland members and participants, from Cohorts 46, 49, 51, 53, 54, 55 and 56, who recently received either their Certificate and/or Certificate and Diploma in Company Direction. We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to you all, and to thank you for joining us on the Chartered Director Programme journey.  
 
Our 2021 series of webinars, online workshops and networking events continue this month. It is also worth highlighting our latest exclusive blog (see below), from David Kirwan of Accenture, on the topical issue of increased digitalisation and its critical relevance to business leaders. Please be aware, also, that webcasts of IoD webinars are available exclusively to IoD members via our website on a 24/7 basis, so if you missed one of our webinars or would like to view them again, this is another of the benefits of your IoD membership.
 
It is with tremendous sadness that we recently learned of the death of Ann Riordan, former President of the IoD. Below, there is a tribute by Maura Quinn, Chief Executive of IoD Ireland, and a link to an obituary in The Irish Times. Our condolences to Ann's family and all who are saddened by her passing.

Stay safe and well.
IoD Director Sentiment Monitor Q1 2021
Tell Us Your Views
The quarterly IoD Ireland Director Sentiment Monitor tracks our members’ sentiments across a range of parameters and issues. The latest research covering the period Q1 2021 is currently underway and all members are invited to complete the survey.
 
We value and appreciate your participation.
 
This latest survey addresses a number of key areas/issues. These include: D&O Indemnity Insurance; accountability; Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) issues; business confidence; financial performance; Brexit; international trade; and the national COVID-19 vaccination programme.
 
If you have already completed the Director Sentiment Monitor survey, thank you. If you would like to complete the survey, please click on the button below.
Director Factsheet: Parent Company Liability for a Subsidiary’s Operations: Latest Judicial Guidance
McCann FitzGerald Factsheet
April 2021


Our latest Director Factsheet, from McCann FitzGerald, looks at the latest judicial guidance regarding parent company liability for a subsidiary’s operations. It also addresses the legal background, including the judgement in the Vedanta Resources case and the observations of the Court.

This Director Factsheet also looks at a number of matters that commercial groups of companies (including those with subsidiaries in multiple jurisdictions) ought to bear in mind.

Our sincere thanks to McCann FitzGerald for their ongoing assistance in producing the IoD Factsheets.

Please note: To read this members’ only content, you must be logged into the members' area of our website.  For more Director Factsheets, please visit our website.
The IoD Blog: Three Ways to Extend a Digital Vision Beyond the Tech Team
In this blog, David Kirwan, Managing Director, Head of Technology at Accenture, observes that 'technologists are applying software and hardware capabilities in increasingly lateral ways, meaning tech is no longer the preserve of the essential nuts and bolts of a business – it’s driving business ambition, purpose, and re-invention'.

He writes that, 'Business leaders must develop first-rate technology know-how to lead the charge in their organisation; employees must be empowered to become technologists in their own right; and, finally, the right tech stack – underpinned by cloud – must be implemented to future-proof the business.'

Previous blogs are available on our website. If you are interested in contributing to our blog or for further information, please contact Paul O'Mahony at [email protected] or call 01 411 0010. 
In Memoriam: Ann Riordan
On 5th March, Ann Riordan, former President of the IoD, died peacefully at home after a long illness. IoD Ireland Chief Executive, Maura Quinn, paid the following tribute to Ann:

“Ann Riordan was IoD President from 2009 to 2011. I had only joined the IoD the year before. It was a period of great change at the IoD. She and I worked very closely together to effect that change. She was supportive and challenging in equal measure and we both enjoyed the experience. She was extraordinarily self-effacing about her own professional successes, which were many. These were achieved at a time when there wasn't just 'a glass ceiling' but one that was also reinforced by a concrete roof! 

"Ann had an abundance of humanity which was always evident in any interaction with her. She was thoughtful and kind, too, wonderful traits. She was a devoted mother to Lisa and John and an adoring grandmother. She was an exceptional person and it is my pleasure to have known her. We will all miss her, but none more so than her family and close friends.”

May she rest in peace.
IoD Webcast: High Performance in the Boardroom
In this webinar recorded on Friday, 19th March, Tony Gaffney, Corporate Director (NED), and Founder, Lambay Group, presented a session entitled, 'High Performance in the Boardroom'.
 
In this exclusive webinar, Tony shared insights from his recently published report, ‘High Performance in the Boardroom’, which he developed in partnership with 30+ leading board chairs.
 
He also discussed reflections from chairs on the accelerating pace of change that confronts them and how their practices are evolving to stay ahead, essentials to board effectiveness, and the obligations of all directors to engage in continuous improvement.
 
This webinar is part of our Briefings Series, and is sponsored by Accenture.
 
Please note: To view this members’ only content, you must be logged into the members' area of our website.  For more webcasts, please visit our website.
Meet a Member
Pedro Gato Andeyro is a Partner at Parangon Partners, Global. For the past two years he has been an Independent Non-Executive Director (INED) at Rodman Group, Spain.

As an Independent Non-Executive Director, he provides the boardroom with specific guidance in corporate strategy and in the implementation of corporate governance best practices, ensuring the integration of the best talent in the board and in the executive management team, as well as in the fields of nomination and remuneration.

What qualities do you think a business leader should have to succeed in business?
Successful business leaders should live their corporate purpose and values, such as humility, exemplarity, predictability and courage. They should show an inspiring and solid leadership, be able to assemble diverse, collaborative and complementary team networks, balancing their strategic vision in the long-term with implementation capacities. They need to be passionate, resilient, able to manage adversity and uncertainty, agile in decision-making, and able to innovate in the digital era.

What do you hope to gain from your membership with the IoD?
After completing my exams in Corporate Governance at the Spanish Institute of Directors (Instituto de Consejeros Administradores, IC-A), I hope to build a solid network in the Irish business environment, where I can contribute with my knowledge and business connections developed in Spain, as well as internationally.
Deliver Results for Your Board: IoD Ireland Board Evaluation Service
Avail of the IoD Ireland Board Evaluation Service to learn how effectively your board is executing its roles and responsibilities.

Through the lens of best practice governance standards and your organisation’s business context, IoD Ireland's experienced Board Assessors examine how effectively your board and board committees are operating.
 
The service is efficientrobust, and completely confidential. It has an average completion term of just six weeks. Furthermore, the entire process can be undertaken virtually.

Our team of Board Assessors include Chartered Directors and/or governance specialists - Dr Margaret Cullen, Carol Bolger CDir, Marie Collins CDir and Clare Duignan. Our Assessors have worked across sectors as diverse as telecoms, financial services, hospitality, property, healthcare, communications, construction, energy, and education.
IoD Webcast: Edelman Trust Barometer 2021
Edelman, in partnership with IoD Ireland, launched the Edelman Trust Barometer 2021, on Tuesday, 9th March 2021. Edelman’s Trust Barometer is the most robust global examination of trust, surveying more than 34,000 respondents in 28 countries. 

In this recorded webinar, Joe Carmody, Managing Director of Edelman, presented the findings of the Barometer and hosted a panel discussion with: Lord Jim O’Neill; journalist Andrea Catherwood; and HSE CEO Paul Reid.

Please note: To view this members’ only content, you must be logged into the members' area of our website.  For more webcasts, please visit our website.
On the Bright Side…
Positive News in Business
While there may be many negative business stories in the news recently, there are also plenty of positive ones. Here are just a few stories we have selected:

IoD Webcast: Flattening the Curve of Disinformation
In this Lunch Bites @ the IoD Webinar recorded on Thursday, 11th March, Mark Little, CEO, Kinzen, presented a session entitled, 'Flattening the Curve of Disinformation'.
 
In this fascinating webinar, Mark discussed how we are living through an 'infodemic' age, when online conspiracies and lies create real-world harm.

He highlighted how he has been fighting back against online deception for more than a decade, and shared some lessons about how we can stop its future spread. 

This webinar is part of our Lunch Bites @ the IoD Series, and is sponsored by IQ-EQ. 

Please note: To view this members’ only content, you must be logged into the members' area of our website.  For more webcasts, please visit our website.
Policy and Announcements Hub
Implementation of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)
A significant regulatory change took place in the European Union (EU) from 10th March 2021, with the implementation of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). It is part of the European Commission's roadmap for the implementation of the EU’s sustainable finance regulatory framework.

Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC)
Applications for Phase 1 of the Small Business Assistance Scheme for COVID (SBASC) are now open. SBASC gives grants to businesses who are not eligible for the Government’s COVID Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS), the Fáilte Ireland Business Continuity grant or other direct sectoral grant schemes. This scheme aims to help businesses with their fixed costs, for example, rent, utility bills, security. Applications should be made to your Local Authority. The closing date for receipt of applications is 21 April 2021.

Extension to €2bn Credit Guarantee Scheme
The Government has announced that the €2bn Credit Guarantee Scheme will be extended and will remain open for applications until the end of the year. The Credit Guarantee Scheme is the biggest ever state-backed loan guarantee in Ireland. The Scheme offers an 80% Government guarantee to participating lenders to provide Irish businesses, including those in the farming and fishing sectors, with access to low interest loans as they respond to the impacts of COVID-19.

Cabinet Approves Gender Pay Gap Legislation Proposals
There has been Cabinet approval to amendments to the Gender Pay Gap Information Bill and to introduce the strengthened Bill at Report Stage in Dáil Éireann.

Our Rural Future: Government’s Blueprint to Transform Rural Ireland
On 29th March 2021, the Government published its Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, entitled 'Our Rural Future', which sets out its ambition on broadband rollout, remote working and other key factors.

Brexit Business Supports
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment provides a range of supports to help businesses of all sizes navigate Brexit changes.

Access2Markets Online Portal
Mindful of the challenges that COVID-19 and Brexit continue to pose for Irish companies, Minister for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy TD, has reminded businesses of the Access2Markets online portal Access2Markets Welcome home page (europa.eu) to assist small and medium businesses grow their trade beyond the EU’s borders.
IoD and Members in the News
IoD Member Benefits: Build Your Profile with Access to Our Exclusive Network
Connect with Ireland’s leading business leaders and directors in our exclusive network…

What is the IoD Ireland Member Benefit?
  • Exclusive access to our Online Networking Event Series, subject to availability, which includes networking advice and expertise from Jean Evans, founder, NetworkMe, as well as the opportunity to network online with other members in breakout sessions. 
  • Facilitation of member connections. All IoD members who register for a webinar will receive a copy of the webinar attendee list. As part of this, the IoD is happy to facilitate an introduction between another member you may wish to meet, subject to affirmation from the other member. 

Benefit Availability 
This benefit is available to members only and may be subject to availability. 

How to Avail of the Member Benefit
All IoD Ireland members will receive invitations to our Online Networking Event Series, and other events, where we can help to facilitate a connection. 
COVID-19: Information and Resources
Government Announces Phased Easing of Public Health Restrictions
In line with the plan set out in COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery 2021: The Path Ahead, the Government has announced the continued phased easing of restrictions for the month of April. These new measures will take effect on the 12th, 19th and 26th April 'subject to the prevailing public health situation', as will further measures in May. 
Get the Most Out of Your Membership
with the IoD Ireland Website
Have you reset your password and accessed the new members' area on the IoD Ireland website? If so, you will have already gained access to our exclusive member only content, such as webcasts, Director Factsheets, blogs and much more. 

If you have not yet created your new login details, please follow the below steps to get the most out of your IoD Ireland membership:

Step one: browse to this IoD Ireland website page and on the left hand side of the screen in the 'Returning Members' section please press the 'Password Reset' button. Please then enter your email address to reset your password.

Step two: you will receive a ‘Password Set Request’ email. Please click on the link in this email to create your password and login to access the exclusive members’ area of the IoD Ireland website. (If you do not receive this email, please check your spam/junk email.) 

If you have any queries or issues regarding the above, please contact the IoD Comms team.
Connect with the IoD
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Follow our latest updates at @IoDIreland and #IoDevents.