|
Caroline Spillane CDir | Wednesday, 6th August 2025
| |
Welcome to the latest edition of the IoD Ireland Member's Update – your trusted source for insights, news, and opportunities tailored to today’s evolving business landscape.
This issue includes highlights from our annual Summer Reception, plus exclusive invitations to upcoming webinars and briefings on board effectiveness, governance, and AI. We also celebrate member achievements, including new Chartered Directors, and share thought leadership articles on CSRD, DE&I, strategic leadership, AI, and sustainability.
Additional benefits include exclusive access to London business facilities, a special rate for our Cyber Security workshop, curated reading for directors, and a final chance to complete our Director Remuneration & Governance Survey 2025/26 – a key research initiative on boardroom pay.
As always, we encourage you to make the most of your membership. If you need assistance, just reply to this email – we’re here to help.
Best wishes,
Caroline Spillane CDir
Chief Executive Officer
Institute of Directors Ireland
| |
(Pictured L to R: Caroline Spillane, CEO, IoD Ireland and Helen Nolan, President, IoD Ireland)
Business Leaders Gather for Annual IoD Ireland Summer Networking Reception
Over 200 senior business leaders and directors connected, reconnected, and networked at our IoD Ireland Summer Reception, which took place on 23rd July at the Conrad Hotel, Dublin. The event also included a welcome address from IoD Ireland President Helen Nolan and an address from IoD Ireland CEO Caroline Spillane CDir, thanking members for their continued engagement and support.
Events like the IoD Ireland Summer Reception help members develop their professional reputation, gain new insights, perspectives, and build a support system. Thank you to all of our members who attended.
| EXCLUSIVE UPCOMING EVENTS | | |
Driving Board Effectiveness
21 AUGUST 2025 | 1:00PM -2:00PM
Location: Online
Learn the key drivers of board effectiveness. This session will delve into key areas including board composition, the impact of dynamics and culture, the role of technology adoption, and the value of clear, structured governance processes.
| |
Leading Better Governance | Board Evaluations
3 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 12:30PM - 1:30PM
Location: Online
Discover how an expertly facilitated Board evaluation can enhance your board’s effectiveness, sharpen strategic focus, strengthen governance practices, and build even greater stakeholder confidence.
| |
Save the Date | Inside the Boardroom: INED Lessons & Leadership
9 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 12:30PM -2:30PM
Location: Dublin 2
Save the date for this upcoming candid and thought-provoking lunchtime conversation exploring the real journey to the boardroom. Sponsored by Diligent.
| |
Save the Date | What Boards Should Know from the COO
11 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 5:30PM -7:30PM
Location: Central Bank of Ireland, Dublin 2
Save the date for our next Chartered Director Programme Alumni event on how Boards can better engage COOs to drive strategy, resilience, and governance.
| |
Save the Date | AI Governance: The Role of the Board
18 SEPTEMBER 2025 | 5:30PM -7:30PM
Location: Cork
Save the date for 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.
| |
Save the Date | Leading in Governance 2025
16 OCTOBER 2025 | 2:00PM -7:30PM
Location: Aviva Stadium, Dublin 4
Save the date for IoD Ireland’s Leading in Governance 2025, our flagship conference offering key insights and networking for directors and leaders.
| | |
Meet Our Member: Emma Dignam
In this month's profile we spotlight Emma Dignam, Company Secretary and Head of Governance, Aon. A seasoned chartered company secretary, she has built a dynamic career across sectors and jurisdictions, from tech and finance to global professional services. With deep expertise in governance, risk, and board advisory, Emma highlights how her role has evolved and has become key to the boardroom table.
| | 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. | | |
Time for Action: Advancing Balanced Leadership on Private Companies | Article
In this thought leadership article, Balance for Better Business Co-Chairs Carol Andrews and Bernard Byrne, outline the role of DE&I in driving future growth and competitiveness. They also outline some of their latest research and what this means for business.
| | |
CSRD and Sustainability Reporting | Balancing Simplification and Ambition
In this thought leadership article, Sean MacHale, Partner, Financial Services Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS), EY and Alba Boshnjaku, Manager, Financial Services CCaSS, EY, provide an update on the EU’s path to streamlined sustainability reporting.
| | |
CSRD Transposed into Irish Law | Factsheet
Learn what the new CSRD rules mean for your business, and its reporting requirements in this Director Factsheet. Courtesy of Laura Angelin, Head of Sustainability, Forvis Mazars.
| | |
Enhancing Board Effectiveness| Enterprise Ireland
Watch this webcast on the critical role of the Independent Non-Executive Director and how it can strengthen a company's board. This session was held in collaboration between IoD Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and Q5.
| | |
Where Directors Become Visionaries | Article
Hear from IoD Ireland's Eileen Gleeson on the the transformative impact of the Chartered Director Programme and how it supports directors in navigating today’s governance challenges.
| | |
Unlocking Gender Balance in Privately Held Companies | Webcast
Tune in to hear insights on gender balanced leadership and the role of DE&I in organisational culture. Including insights from Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke TD.
| | |
Access Business Facilities at Pall Mall, London | Complimentary Facilities
IoD Ireland members can avail of complimentary facilities at London's Pall Mall, including quiet business lounges, co-working areas, and meeting rooms.
| | |
IoD UK Director Magazine | Relaunch
Read the Director Magazine, dedicated for company directors, entrepreneurs, policymakers and business analysts. It includes insights from business thinkers, politicians & entrepreneurs.
| |
IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS
| | |
Our new Cyber Security Workshop is now open for booking. Designed to equip directors and leaders with the latest cyber security insights and knowledge.
The Workshop will empower leaders to oversee cyber security strategy, data protection, risk, and compliance at the highest level. Led by Dr. Valerie Lyons, Company Director, and Chief Operating Officer, BH Consulting. IoD Ireland members can avail of special rates for this workshop.
| | IOD RESEARCH POLICY AND ADVOCACY | | |
Board Director Remuneration and Governance Survey 2025/2026
A final reminder to have your say in our Director Remuneration & Governance Survey. This survey will form the basis of new research tracking developments in boardroom pay, governance, and the evolving expectations of directors in Ireland. The report is a key benchmarking tool for boards and directors across the country.
The survey takes just 5–10 minutes to complete and allows you to respond in respect of up to four remunerated directorships (excluding charity, not-for-profit, and State boards). All responses are fully anonymous and confidential. The survey closes at 5pm on Thursday, 7th August.
As an experienced director, your insight is vital. Take our survey and make your voice count.
| | |
GNDI Global Director Reports: AI and Climate Change
GNDI have published two new global director survey reports on governing in the age of disruption. The reports address AI and Climate Change. Both research pieces explore how over 150,000 directors across 26 institutes are addressing AI and Climate change, offering insights from international governance research and collaborative member contributions. IoD Ireland is a member of GNDI, which is a network of leading director institutes from around the world.
| |
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.
| |
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.
| | THE DIRECTOR'S BOOKSHELF: MUST READS FOR STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP | | Expand your perspective this summer with recommended reading on governance, leadership, and strategy. Curated by our expert faculty, these selections offer valuable insights for board and executive development. | |
Strategising for Sustainable Futures: Reflecting on Creative Boardroom Collaborate4Climate and Looking Ahead
In thought leadership article, Laura Magahy CDir, Chairperson, Creative Boardroom: Collaborate4Climate, outlines strategising for a sustainable future and the next stage of the Creative Boardroom Collaborate4Climate project.
This phase brings the thought-provoking and visually compelling exhibition on tour - offering organisations the chance to host it in their boardrooms, offices, campuses and public spaces. Learn more about this opportunity at the link below.
Launched in late 2023, in partnership with IoD Ireland, the Creative Futures Academy and IoD Northern Ireland, and supported by Creative Ireland’s Climate Action and Shared Island funds, Phase 1 of the Creative Boardroom Collaborate4Climate programme brought together a cohort of 24 experienced Chartered Directors (from across the Island) and 20 third-level design students from across the island.
| | | | | | |
