Member's Update

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Caroline Spillane CDir | Tuesday, 2nd September 2025

Dear Member

Welcome to your IoD Ireland Member Update, bringing you the latest insights, events, and opportunities to support your role in today’s business world.

This edition introduces our Leading in Governance Conference 2025, a flagship networking event for directors and C-suite leaders.

You’ll also find details of upcoming webinars on board effectiveness, governance, and AI, alongside thought leadership articles from Jim Power, Steven Roberts CDir, and David Carlin, a due diligence factsheet for prospective board members, and our Member Spotlight on Natasha Adams, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Tesco.

We invite you to explore new sustainability workshops, browse our 2026 Workshop Catalogue, and join us in celebrating newly accredited Chartered Directors. We are also proud to sponsor the CEO of the Year – Medium Business award at the Business Post Leadership Awards.

Finally, a reminder to make the most of your member benefits, from expert advice via our Legal Panel, to our Director Development Toolkit - an essential guide to smarter governance, strategic insight, and boardroom excellence.

If you need assistance, just reply to this email – we’re here to help.

Best wishes,

Caroline

Caroline Spillane CDir

Chief Executive Officer

Institute of Directors Ireland

EXCLUSIVE UPCOMING EVENTS

A promotional image for the Leading in Governance Conference 2025 organized by the Institute of Directors Ireland. The background is purple with a subtle pattern of small circles and lines. The text reads Institute of Directors Ireland at the top left followed by Leading in Governance Conference 2025 in large white letters. At the bottom it says Sponsored by fieldfisher & OnBoard with their respective logos

16 OCTOBER 2025 | 2:00PM -6:30PM

Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin 4

Book your place at our flagship Leading in Governance Conference 2025. We are delighted to design and deliver this event exclusively for members which brings together accomplished leaders and governance experts to discuss competitiveness, the latest trends and challenges facing organisations, business leaders and boards.

Join fellow IoD members, directors, and C-suite leaders at our flagship conference, an ideal opportunity to connect, share insights, and expand your network. Proudly sponsored by FieldFisher Ireland and OnBoard.

Book Now

Leading Better Governance | Board Evaluations

3 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 12:30PM - 1:30PM

Location: Online

Join Dr Margaret Cullen and Carol Bolger CDir for this webinar, where they will share how an expertly facilitated Board evaluation can enhance effectiveness, sharpen strategic focus, strengthen governance, and build stakeholder confidence.

Book now

Creative Boardroom Exhibition Launch – Belfast

4 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 4:30PM - 6:00PM

Location: Invest Northern Ireland, Invest NI Office, Belfast, BT2 7ES

IoD Ireland members are invited to the official launch of the Creative Boardroom: Collaborate4Climate exhibition. The exhibition designed using sustainable principles, spotlights key climate areas: transport and mobility, the built environment, agriculture and food, and consumables. Learn more about the exhibition.

This initiative is a pioneering, all-island initiative addressing the urgent challenge of climate change through creative collaboration and leadership. Led by IoD Ireland, IoD Northern Ireland, and Creative Futures Academy.

To RSVP for this exhibition, please click on the button below.

Book now

In Conversation with Richie Boucher

9 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 12:30PM -2:30PM

Location: Dublin 2

Final places now remain for our in-conversation event with Richie Boucher, experienced Chair, Independent Non-Executive Director (INED), and former Chief Executive Officer. Sponsored by Diligent.

Book now

AI Governance: The Role of the Board

18 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 5:30PM -7:30PM

Location: Cork

Join our upcoming in-person Briefing in Cork on AI Governance. This Cork Briefing will address the evolving responsibilities of directors in the age of AI. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars.

Book now

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Our Member: Natasha Adams

Our member spotlight this month shines on Natasha Adams, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Tesco. Natasha has over 25 years of experience at Tesco, including roles in HR, retail operations, and as Chief People Officer, and CEO of Tesco Ireland, and Northern Ireland. She now serves as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and is a Non-Executive Director (NED) at Berkeley Group plc. Find out more about her thoughts on leadership, which reflect a deep commitment to adaptability, people development, and strategic foresight.

Learn more

DIRECTOR EXPERTISE AND INSIGHTS | MEMBER BENEFITS

Are you making the most of your IoD Ireland membership? As a member, you have access to a wide range of resources and supports designed to empower you in your role as a director and business leader. Access our latest content below, and learn about some of our key member benefits. To explore the full range, visit our membership benefits website page.

The image shows a person standing against a light background wearing a dark blue suit jacket over a light blue dress shirt. Face to camera smiling. There are no symbols text or additional elements in the image

Economic and Geopolitical Environment Still Shrouded in Uncertainty | Article

In this thought leadership article Economist Jim Power assess geo-political uncertainty, the resilience of the Irish economy, and the upcoming Budget.

The image shows the Central Bank of Ireland. A modern architectural building with a unique design that includes a central structure made of angular golden colored panels The building is positioned between two other buildings that have more traditional glass and steel facades In front of the buildings there is calm water that reflects the entire scene creating a symmetrical visual effect.

SEAR now applicable to NEDs and INEDs |Director Factsheet

Read this Director Factsheet on the Central Bank of Ireland’s SEAR. As of 1 July 2025, SEAR now applies to (I)NEDs and chairpersons of regulated financial firms.

Landmark Ruling on Climate Litigation by ICJ | Article

In this thought leadership article, David Carlin, Climate Change and Sustainability Specialist, addresses how the top UN court's decision may be a game-changer for countries and companies around the world.

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Driving Board Effectiveness | Webcast

Watch this in-conversation discussion with Dr. Margaret Cullen, Governance Advisor, IoD Ireland, and Josh Palmer, Head of Content, OnBoard, and learn the essential ingredients for effective board performance.

Watch now

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Data Protection: What Boards Need to Know | Article

Read this article to discover the key data protection and compliance issues that you need to be aware. Exclusive insights by Data Protection specialist Steven Roberts CDir.

The image has a purple background with white text that reads The non executive director career guide. Part of IoD Irelands Director Development Toolkit. Circular patterns are visible in the top right and bottom right corners of the image. There are no people or additional elements present.

Build Your NED Career | Director Development Toolkit

Unlock the Director Development Toolkit - your go-to resource for strategic planning, skill mapping, and interview success. It’s everything you need to thrive as a Non-Executive Director

The image shows a group of five people sitting around a conference table in an office setting. The scene is viewed through a glass wall. The background includes large windows with an urban cityscape visible outside. There are no other visible elements or text in the image.

Due Diligence Checklist for Prospective Board Members | Factsheet

This checklist helps aspiring non-executive directors assess an organisation before joining its board, ensuring alignment with their values and expertise. A must- read for all non-executive directors.

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Expert Legal Advice | IoD Ireland Legal panel

Navigating corporate and personal legal matters can be complex, but as an IoD Ireland member, you don’t have to do it alone. Our Legal Panel is made up of experienced professionals who provide expert guidance on a range of legal issues.

Airport Lounge Update: Please note we have been advised that the T1 Lounge at Dublin Airport is closed for refurbishment, and is expected to be closed for 5 months. Please view our Member Benefits page for further information.

IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS

The image is an advertisement for an online workshop titled Embedding Sustainability into Strategy. The workshop is organized by IoD and is scheduled for Tuesday 2nd December 2025. A Book now button is located at the bottom of the text. The right side of the image shows a dense forest filled with green trees. There are no people or additional elements present.

Join our upcoming half-day workshop designed for directors and senior leaders, where you'll explore practical ways to embed sustainability into governance, operations, and supply chains. With a focus on net-zero, circular economy, and double materiality, this session offers the strategic insight needed to align long-term success with environmental and social responsibility.

What will you learn?

Apply sustainability principles to governance and board decisions
Identify key risks and opportunities for long-term resilience
Integrate circular economy and net-zero into operations and supply chains
Use double materiality to guide sustainable innovation
Communicate performance with clear, credible sustainability reporting

Book now

IoD Ireland launches 2026 Workshop Catalogue

IoD Ireland is proud to launch its 2026 catalogue of exclusive learning and education opportunities for directors. From foundational insights to advanced boardroom expertise, our tailored workshop series - Director Readiness, Director Specialist, and Director Oversight - are designed to support every stage of your leadership journey. Explore, engage, and elevate your directorship with confidence.

Learn more

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Welcome to new members who joined in recent weeks

Whether you’re here for inspiration, knowledge, or to belong to a valued network, we’re delighted to have you as part of our IoD Ireland community.

Meet new members

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Congratulations to our new Chartered Directors

Congratulations to those Chartered Directors who have passed their final professional review process, eligibility assessment and have become qualified CDirs.

Find out more

The image is an advertisement for the Business Post Leadership Awards. The event is scheduled for Thursday November 6th 2025 at the InterContinental Dublin. A large green and black star is featured prominently in the design. The text includes Business Post Leadership Awards in association with Grant Thornton. At the bottom of the image there is a website link www leadership awards ie.

IoD Ireland Partner with Business Post on their Leadership Awards

IoD Ireland is delighted to sponsor the CEO of the Year – Medium Business award at the Business Post Leadership Awards on 6th November 2025.

The Awards, now in their second year, honour visionary executives, rising leaders, and changemakers who demonstrate innovation, integrity, and influence in their fields. Each year, nominees are carefully evaluated based on their achievements, leadership style, and lasting contributions.

Enhance your own professional profile and that of your organisations and nominate yourself for one of the leading categories. Award categories span sectors from AI to ESG and family business. Entries are open until 11th September.

Learn more