IoD Members' Update
July 2021

Dear Member

As we begin the summer holiday season in Ireland, we have some reasons for optimism, with the accelerated rollout of the national vaccination programme across age groups, the reopening of much of society and the welcome economic growth forecasts.

However, these remain challenging times for business. We will continue to support you, our member, by providing leading governance and business expertise, through our insightful blogs and Director Factsheets, engaging webinars and webcasts, online networking events, and more. These are added to our website on a continual basis, and we will notify you as soon as new content is added.

This summer we can also admire the sporting talent, development, focus, and resilience of athletes of all codes and disciplines, such as rugby union, golf, Gaelic games, association football, tennis, cricket, and more. In this context, many Irish people will also follow the glorious successes and noble failures of Team Ireland in the games of the XXXII Olympiad. We are delighted, then, to publish in this newsletter an exclusive, timely blog for IoD members by Sarah Keane, President of the Olympic Federation of Ireland. We wish Team Ireland the very best in Tokyo.

We also welcome the return of live performances and we all know how hard the pandemic period has been on that sector.

Much to be positive about, then, as we enjoy the longer, brighter days of summer and look forward with optimism to the second half of the year and beyond.

And, finally, it is with great sadness that we note the recent passing of Tom Byrne, IoD President 2011-2013. We will miss him very much.

Stay safe and well.

Maura Quinn
Chief Executive
Institute of Directors (IoD) in Ireland
In Memoriam
It is with profound sadness that the Institute of Directors in Ireland has learnt of the death of our former President, Tom Byrne. Tom served as IoD President from 2011-2013, and provided exemplary leadership and guidance during this time. Our sympathy and thoughts are with his wife Phil, his sons, and their families and his many friends. 

May he rest in peace.
Tell Us Your Views: IoD Director Sentiment Monitor Q2 2021
The quarterly IoD Ireland Director Sentiment Monitor tracks our members’ sentiments across a range of parameters and issues. The latest research covering the period Q2 2021 is currently underway and all members are invited to complete the survey. It takes approximately five minutes to complete.

We value and appreciate your participation.
 
The survey addresses a number of key areas/issues. These include: board skills and experience; Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) issues; the role of the State during the COVID pandemic; return to office workplace; the potential impact of international tax reform and Ireland's future competitiveness; business confidence; financial performance.
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: Employers Beware | New Whistle-Blowing Rules on the Horizon
McCann FitzGerald Factsheet
July 2021


Our latest Director Factsheet, from McCann FitzGerald, looks at a general scheme for an amendment to the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 (the “Act”), which was recently published.

The proposed Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2021 (the “Bill”) is intended to implement into Irish law the Directive on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law (the “Directive”). While the scope of the Directive is limited to disclosures relating to certain areas within the scope of EU law, the proposed content of the Bill extends well beyond this.

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: The Tokyo Olympics: An Exciting New Chapter for Irish Olympic Sport
In a timely insightful blog ahead of the Olympic Games later this month, Sarah Keane, President, Olympic Federation of Ireland, and CEO, Swim Ireland, writes that, ‘Team Ireland is an embodiment of modern Ireland, both a collection and a reflection of our finest talent, from every region of the country, each with different backgrounds and different stories that we hope will inspire the next generation as they develop into young adults.'

Sarah adds that, 'the changes made to the organisation in recent years as we prepared for these Games are every bit as important and provide a significant foundation for the realisation of our ambitions for Irish sport during the cycles of Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.'

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.
IoD Webcast: The Importance of Fitness, Probity and Ensuring Responsibility
In this IoD Briefings Webinar, recorded on Thursday, 10th June, Derville Rowland, Director General, Financial Conduct, Central Bank of Ireland, presented her webinar titled, 'The Importance of Fitness, Probity and Ensuring Responsibility'.
 
In this webinar, Derville discussed: the importance of effective culture in firms; the directors’ role in shaping culture; and how the fitness and probity regime and individual accountability framework can support effective culture.
 
This webinar is part of our IoD Briefings Series and is sponsored by Accenture
 
The recorded webinar and presentation slides are available to view at the link below.

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
Ewan Dunbar is the Founder and Principal Consultant of xPotential Limited. 

xPotential Limited was founded one year ago with the goal of supporting executives and businesses to accelerate their growth. This means providing support and development to executives and businesses through business advisory, financial and strategic planning, coaching and leadership classes. xPotential supports leaders from start-ups to MLE-sized businesses in developing themselves and their businesses

Ewan has years of experience in accountancy and coaching, including previously working for KPMG/EY, Group FD for Virgin Media Ireland, sitting on the Board of Virgin Media Television and listed in the Top 100 CFOs in Ireland. Ewan Dunbar has been a member of the IoD since January 2017. 

Why did you decide to join the IoD?
The Institute of Directors is one of foremost organisations in Ireland for senior executives, providing great support for leaders from all backgrounds.

How do you think business leaders can best prepare for the future?
The key is to build your mental and physical health whilst continuing to develop your skillset and your support network. It is extremely important that leaders have strong support networks which they can confide in… be it personal friends, business acquaintances, peers, organisations (like the IoD), mentors, sponsors, business advisors and executive coaches who can provide support, guidance and encourage adaption when required. 
Latest Qualified Chartered Directors Announced
The Institute of Directors (IoD) in Ireland is delighted to publish its list of recently qualified Chartered Directors
 
As part of this qualification, Chartered Directors may also use the designation CDir after their name.
 
The Chartered Director Programme is a unique qualification for directors and strategic business leaders combining learning and professional experience. This sought-after programme has been running in Ireland since September 2008 and is delivered exclusively by IoD Ireland.

IoD Ireland offers its congratulations to all of our newly qualified CDirs.
IoD Webcast: Directors’ Duties in Uncertain Times and Navigating the 'Twilight Zone'
This IoD Ireland webinar, held in partnership with McCann FitzGerald, titled, ‘Directors’ Duties in Uncertain Times and Navigating the 'Twilight Zone', was recorded on Tuesday, 22nd June. This webinar included presentations from Ciara O'Herlihy, Senior Associate, McCann FitzGerald, and Áine Murphy, Senior Associate, McCann FitzGerald.
 
In this webinar, Ciara and Áine provided a short refresher of directors’ duties under Irish company law; looked at some of the key challenges that have faced directors and general counsel of Irish companies over the last 12 months; and gave practical tips and advice to assist in navigating these issues over the coming months.
 
The recorded webinar and presentation slides are available to view at the link below.

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.
How to Network Successfully in a Virtual World:
Catch-Up On the IoD Website
Our Online Networking Event series continues to be popular with members. The sessions include a presentation from Jean Evans, Founder, NetworkMe, titled 'How to Network Successfully in a Virtual World', as well as allowing members to network in a number of break-out sessions. The series will continue in the autumn.

If you would like to revisit Jean’s presentations, or if you were unable to attend, the four presentations to date are available on the IoD website. Each presentation covers some different topics and strategies on how to successfully network. View the presentations below:

  • In the June session, Jean’s presentation offered more tips and strategies to ensure successful online networking.
  • In the May session, Jean’s presentation focused on providing tips and strategies to ensure successful online networking.
  • In the April session, Jean explored LinkedIn content management, and how to use this to network strategically. Jean also provided tips and strategies to ensure successful online networking.
  • In the March session, Jean outlined key tips on: LinkedIn, including your personal brand and profile; networking online; virtual networking etiquette; maximising online networking opportunities; and nurturing your network.
  • In the February session, Jean outlined key tips on: networking online; virtual networking etiquette; maximising online networking opportunities; and nurturing your network.

Please note: To view this members’ only content, you must be logged into the members' area of our website.  For more event presentations, please visit our website.
The IoD's Boardroom Centre
The IoD’s Boardroom Centre is the leading independent source of non-executive directors and chairpersons in Ireland.

The Boardroom Centre provides two services: working with companies to recruit non-executives to their boards, and supporting IoD members on their non-executive journey.

  • For Companies: The Boardroom Centre is a dedicated and independent service which assists client companies to source and appoint independent non-executive directors and chairpersons to their boards. Our panel of available candidates comprises some of the most experienced senior business leaders in Ireland, all of whom are members of the Institute of Directors in Ireland. We work with a company from developing the criteria for their ideal candidate through to the appointment process and remuneration guidelines.
  • For Directors: The Boardroom Centre provides advice to IoD members on preparing themselves for the role of non-executive director. Members can also apply to join the Boardroom Centre’s confidential panel of available non-executive directors.

If you would like to know more about what the Boardroom Centre can do for you and/or your organisation, please visit our website or contact Thora Mackey directly.
UNICEF's "Get a Vaccine - Give a Vaccine" Campaign
UNICEF global Goodwill Ambassador, Liam Neeson, has launched a public campaign inviting people in Ireland to "Give" a vaccine when they "Get" a free vaccine from the HSE.

In recent months, UNICEF has been working with the HSE and the Department of Foreign Affairs in connection with Ireland's support for the global vaccination campaign.

UNICEF is building on its seven decades of experience as the largest vaccinator of children in the world by procuring and delivering 2 billion COVID-19 vaccines in 12 months, in partnership with the World Health Organisation.

UNICEF is asking IoD members to consider supporting the campaign by engaging with this act of solidarity, either in their own right and/or by involving staff in their organisations.

Read more about the "Get a Vaccine - Give a Vaccine" campaign and/or email for more participation information.
IoD Webcast: Where Are We Now?
In this IoD Briefings Webinar recorded on Wednesday, 26th May, Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Finance and President of the Eurogroup, presented his webinar titled 'Where Are We Now?'
 
In this webinar, Minister Donohoe provided an update on the Programme for Government and the Irish economy. 
 
This webinar is part of our IoD 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.
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:

Policy and Announcements Hub
Further Economic Supports for Businesses 
The Government has announced a number of measures to provide support to businesses as they re-open and resume normal trading. The Government has noted that the measures will "provide certainty to businesses as public health restrictions are lifted and allow them to plan for the future as they re-open and resume normal trading".

William Fry Global Trends in Technology & Data Report
William Fry has launched its Global Trends in Technology & Data Report. The report is an analysis of the key factors driving data investment and is based on insights from over 300 C-suite executives from leading companies around the world.

Public Consultation: Review of the Occupations Lists for Employment Permits
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment invites submissions from representative bodies, Government Departments, Agencies, and other interested parties to a public consultation to review the eligibility of occupations appearing on the Critical Skills Occupations List and the Ineligible Occupations List for employment permits. You are invited to make a submission with your observations if you feel that there are skills/labour shortages or surpluses in relation to occupations in your sector, the impact of which is adversely affecting your industry, to be received by close of business Thursday, 12 August 2021.

Report on the Competition Bill 2021
In a pre-legislative scrutiny report on the Competition Bill 2021, the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment has identified 17 issues it would like addressed in the drafting of the bill, including specific limits on how the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) might conduct covert surveillance.

Green for Micro
The objective of the Green for Micro programme - a new initiative from the Local Enterprise Offices - is to help prepare small businesses for the low carbon, more resource efficient economy of the future. This is a free programme, available to companies with up to ten employees. Developing a ‘greener’ policy can offer many benefits to your business, including: increased cost savings; improved resource efficiency (for example: using less energy, water and materials); reduced environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions; opportunities for higher and additional value on products and services; increased access to customers, improved corporate image; and increased resilience to climate change impacts.

Living City Initiative
The Living City initiative (LCI) is a tax incentive scheme to assist and encourage people to live in the historic inner city areas of Dublin city. It allows owners and investors to claim tax relief for money spent on refurbishment and/or conversion of residential property - either as income tax relief (for owner-occupied residential) or capital allowance (for rented residential) in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Kilkenny.
IoD and Members in the News
IoD Webcast: Diversity and Inclusion: The Changing Landscape for Directors
In this Lunch Bites @ the IoD Webinar, recorded on Thursday, 13th May, Charlotte Valeur, Founder, Global Governance Group, presented her webinar titled, 'Diversity and Inclusion: The Changing Landscape for Directors'.

The webinar explored the importance of diversity and inclusion in the boardroom and the workplace.

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.
IoD Member Benefit: Discounted Rates at Druids Glen and Golf Resort
IoD members can avail of discounted accommodation and green fee rates at the five-star Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort.

Druids Glen is nestled in 360 acres of countryside between the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea, yet only forty minutes from Dublin Airport and thirty minutes from Dublin city centre.

The resort offers 145 spacious guestrooms and suites, eight conference and event spaces, dining options to include Hugo’s Restaurant, which holds two AA Rosettes, Garden Rooms and Bar with one AA Rosette, and the Sycamore Lounge along with a spa, health club and two championship golf courses, Druids Glen and Druids Heath.

What is the IoD Ireland Member Benefit?
  • 15% discount on advertised best available Bed & Breakfast rates.
  • 15% discount off meeting room hire. 
  • 10% discount on green fees. 

Please note the above discounts are available on all bookings from Monday to Sunday and are not valid on special offers or packages. The offer is subject to availability.

Benefit Availability 
This benefit is available to all members until 31st December 2021. 
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.
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