Caroline Spillane CDir | Tuesday, 3rd March 2026

Dear Member

This month’s member ezine brings together timely insights, practical guidance, and opportunities to support you in your board and leadership roles.

A particular focus in this edition is strengthening board effectiveness. We have developed a suite of practical Internal Board Evaluation Templates and a Board Skills Matrix to support members in assessing their board’s collective capabilities and enhancing governance practice. 

We continue to ensure that your voice shapes our research, policy, and advocacy work. Last week, we met with Minister Byrne to share your views on priorities for the upcoming EU Presidency, and to underline the importance of a competitive business environment. Our latest AI & Business Confidence Snap Poll is now in the field, and I would greatly value your perspectives on this latest research.

This ezine also highlights key regulatory and governance developments, including Ireland’s AI enforcement framework, the EU Pay Transparency Directive, the 2026 economic outlook, and the role of the INED, alongside a strong programme of events covering company law updates, the evolving CFO role, selling a business, Ireland’s 2026 EU Presidency, and new learning and education opportunities.

I hope you find this edition informative, relevant, and useful as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of board leadership.

Best wishes

Caroline

Caroline Spillane CDir

Chief Executive Officer

Institute of Directors Ireland 

NEW BOARD TOOLS TO SUPPORT BETTER GOVERNANCE

We are delighted to introduce two new templates to support members in creating stronger, more effective boards. The Internal Board Evaluation Templates and Board Skills Matrix provide structured insight into board effectiveness, skills gaps and development priorities, supporting succession planning and director development. Practical and ready to use, these templates help ensure your board remains fit for purpose.

Internal Board Evaluation Templates

Designed to support directors in strengthening board effectiveness and governance practice through structured self-assessment.

Board Skills Matrix

Designed to help directors assess, benchmark, and strengthen their board’s collective capabilities, skills mix, and governance needs.

EXCLUSIVE UPCOMING EVENTS

Company Law and Regulatory Outlook 2026

5 March 2026 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Location: Webinar

Stay up to date with the latest developments in company law, director duties, and emerging EU regulatory and legislative changes that will shape board oversight and governance priorities in 2026. Sponsored by Diligent.

The Strategic CFO: Driving Value in a Changing World

10 March 2026 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm

Location: Webinar

Join us for our upcoming webinar on the strategic CFO. Attendees will gain practical perspectives on navigating uncertainty, understanding financial trade-offs and building resilience across the organisation. Whether you are a CEO, functional leader, non-executive director or aspiring board member, this webinar will provide valuable insights to support more informed, confident and strategic leadership.

Selling a Business: Key Insights for Directors

12 March 2026 | 9:30am - 10:30am

Location: Webinar

Learn the key steps directors should consider when navigating the sale of a business in this essential webinar. Designed for non-executive directors, executive leaders, and owners preparing for or considering a future transaction, this briefing will offer guidance on how directors can add real value before, during, and after the deal. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars.

Ireland’s 2026 EU Presidency



16 April 2026 | 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: Cork event

Save the date for our upcoming Cork event. This event session will explore the potential priorities of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU, and what this will mean for business leaders and directors in Ireland. In collaboration with Matheson LLP.

BOARD MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Our member in the spotlight this month is Evelyn Savage, Company Secretary and Director of Legal and Sustainability at IPB Insurance. Evelyn participates in IoD Ireland through IPB’s board membership. In this feature, she shares her career journey from psychology to senior governance leadership, reflecting on the increasingly strategic role of the company secretary, the importance of effective board dynamics, and how strong governance, continuous professional development and clarity of purpose underpin better decision-making.

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 our new Chartered Directors

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

DIRECTOR EXPERTISE AND INSIGHTS | MEMBER BENEFITS 

Explore our latest expert insights and timely thought leadership content tailored specifically for you as a director and leader. To explore the full range of what you have access to as a member, visit our membership benefits website page.

Ireland Publishes Blueprint for National AI Enforcement | Factsheet

In this factsheet Barry Scannell and Leo Moore of William Fry LLP analyse Ireland’s AI Bill, outlining enforcement structures, penalties and compliance implications for businesses under the EU AI Act.

EU Pay Transparency Directive | Thought Leadership Article

Caroline Reidy CDir, HR and Employment Law Specialist, discusses the EU Pay Transparency Directive, which outlines disclosure rights, reporting obligations, and practical steps organisations must take now.

Economic Update with Jim Power | Briefing Note

In this briefing note Economist Jim Power Jim provides a background look at the global and Irish economic landscape, as well as providing an outlook for 2026.

Finding Energy and Impact in the INED Role | Thought Leadership Article

Terri Moloney CDir, Non Executive Director reflects on a career across sectors, her experience of becoming an INED and learning boardroom dynamics.

Uncertainty is the New Certainty | Thought Leadership Article

In this thought leadership article, David Hanley, Founder and CEO of Risqon considers the ongoing uncertain environment and implications for risk management at Board level.

Ireland’s AI & Data Laws: What is Being Proposed? | Factsheet

This Factsheet summarises Ireland’s proposed AI and Data Bills, outlining transposition of EU AI and Data Acts, new regulators, enforcement powers, and business compliance obligations.

Director Magazine | Spring 2026 Edition

Read the latest edition of the Director Magazine for company directors. Featuring insights from the UK’s finest business thinkers, and senior politicians.

Maximise Your IoD Ireland Membership| Webcast

Watch this webcast and learn about the full breadth of benefits you can avail of as an IoD Ireland member. Led by Darren Clarke, Business Development Manager, IoD Ireland.

RESEARCH POLICY AND ADVOCACY | SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GOVERNANCE

Thank you to all our members who have already shared your views in our latest survey. The survey is still open, so if you have not yet completed it, we would be grateful for your insight. This survey addresses AI, business confidence, compliance, and growth and risk.

Your anonymous responses will inform IoD Ireland’s policy, advocacy, and director development programmes. This member‑only poll ensures your voice helps shape the future of governance in Ireland. We appreciate your participation.

Prohibition Notices Under the Fitness & Probity Regime | CBI Information Session 

11 March 2026 | 11:30pm - 12:00pm

Location: Online Information Session

The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) is hosting this information session to provide an overview of the consultation on the ‘Prohibition Notices under the Fitness and Probity Regime’, CP-166. The session will include CBI representatives, who will be able to answer attendee queries on the session. 

The aim of the Fitness and Probity regime is to protect the public interest by ensuring that individuals who work in financial services are competent and capable to carry out their roles, that they act with honesty and integrity, and that they are financially sound. The consultation will be open until Wednesday, 25th March 2026. To book, click on the link below. This session is being run and managed by the CBI. 

IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS

Strategy for Experienced Directors | Workshop -

18th March 2026

Learn how to develop and adapt your organisations strategy and mitigate risks. Develop your strategic insight. Led by Chartered Director and Professor Simon Haslam CDir.    

Boardroom Dynamics - The Psychology of Governance | Workshop - 26th March 2026

Book this workshop to transform how you influence and govern, through a deeper understanding of boardroom dynamics. Led by Social and Organisational Psychologist Dr Wieke Scholten.

(Pictured L to R: David Smith, President, IADT; Laura Magahy CDir FInstD, Head of Public Sector Consulting, Forvis Mazars; Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive Officer, IoD Ireland; Orlaith Blaney, Executive Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Uisce Eireann; John O'Connor, Board member / Director, Land Development Agency (LDA))

IoD Briefing Examines the Board’s Role in Governing Strategy Implementation

Our latest Briefing event, held on Thursday, 26th February, examined the 

the increasingly critical role boards play in the delivery of major change and transformation programmes. 

Our expert panel of speakers included: Orlaith Blaney, Executive Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Uisce Eireann; David Smith, President, IADT; John O'Connor, Board member / Director, Land Development Agency (LDA); Laura Magahy CDir FInstD, Head of Public Sector Consulting, Forvis Mazars.

The panel explored where gaps most commonly arise between strategy and execution, and how boards can support delivery without straying into management. They also highlighted why strong governance, clear roles and constructive challenge are essential when complexity, scrutiny and stakeholder expectations are at their highest.