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Dr Caroline Spillane CDir | Tuesday, 3rd November 2026
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Dear Member
As boards look towards 2027, directors are navigating an increasingly complex agenda, from geopolitical and economic uncertainty to AI, cyber resilience, regulation and changing stakeholder expectations.
At IoD Ireland, our focus is on helping you stay ahead of these issues through practical resources, expert insight and director-focused learning. In that vein, we are pleased to bring you two upcoming webinars: the political and economic developments shaping Europe with Tony Connelly, Europe Editor at RTÉ News and practical insights on key corporate reporting, regulatory and tax developments, with PwC. Both are open for booking.
In this edition, you can read practical guidance on AI and cyber resilience and also explore opportunities to access wider European and international perspectives through our ecoDa and GNDI network events.
Best wishes,
Caroline
Dr Caroline Spillane CDir
Chief Executive Officer
Institute of Directors Ireland
| | UPCOMING IoD IRELAND EVENTS | | |
24 November 2026 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location: Online
Stay ahead of year-end reporting. Join our exclusive webinar for practical insights into key corporate reporting, regulatory and tax developments, and what they mean for boards and organisations. Our panel of speakers will share practical insights into the latest corporate reporting, regulatory and tax developments, what they mean for organisations, and the questions directors and audit committees should be asking management. In partnership with PwC.
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Europe in Focus with Tony Connelly
5 November 2026 | 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Location: Online
Join Tony Connelly, Europe Editor at RTÉ News, for a timely discussion of the political and economic developments shaping Europe and what they could mean for Irish business. Sponsored by Diligent.
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Permission to Proceed: The Board’s Role in Earning Public Trust
11 November 2026 | 8:00am - 9:45am
Location: The Westbury Hotel, Dublin 2
Public trust can determine whether major projects move forward or lose momentum. Join this briefing to explore how boards can support meaningful stakeholder engagement, build confidence and help create the conditions for progress. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars.
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New Members' Networking Event
25 November 2026 | 5:45pm - 7:45pm
Location: Clayton Hotel, Cardiff Lane
Recently joined IoD Ireland? Meet fellow members, learn more about the opportunities available through your membership and start building relationships with a network of directors and business leaders. New members will receive a dedicated invitation.
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IoD Ireland Christmas Lunch 2026
4 December 2026 | 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: InterContinental Hotel, Dublin 4
Limited places remain for the IoD Ireland Christmas Lunch 2026. Join Ireland’s business leaders for an afternoon of festive networking, with entertainment from impressionist, TV and radio broadcaster Conor Moore. Proudly sponsored by Mason Hayes & Curran LLP.
| | This month, we feature IoD Ireland member Sinéad Mahon, Board Chair and Independent Non-Executive Director. Drawing on a senior career in banking and financial services, she now serves on multiple boards, advising on strategy, risk and sustainable growth. Read Sinéad's profile and leadership insights. | |
Welcome to new members who joined in recent weeks
We’re delighted to welcome everyone who has joined IoD Ireland in recent weeks. We hope you’ll find inspiration, knowledge and connection in our community.
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Meet our new Chartered Directors
Congratulations to everyone who has completed the final professional review and eligibility assessment and qualified as a Chartered Director.
| | 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 page. | | |
Who Has the Ability to Pull the Plug? | Article
This article with Joseph Stephens, Director of Resilience, NCSC, addresses the latest cyber security threats. It outlines government guidance for managing cyber vulnerabitilies, and how boards can prepare.
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Fractional Employment | Thought Leadership Article
This article with Margaret E. Ward, Irish Times Columnist, INED and CEO, explores the rise of fractional employment. It includes insights from IoD Member and Chartered Director Keith Morrow.
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Lessons in governance from a career spanning public and private sectors | Article
Jim Breslin, Chair and NED, reflects on why effective governance depends on understanding the context, risks and consequences of decisions, whatever the sector.
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Why Boards Must Rethink Cyber Security | Article
In this article Cyber Security Expert Dr Valerie Lyons discusses how boards must shift from reactive cyber security fixes to continuous resilience and organisational preparedness.
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Beneficial Ownership Regime: Key Changes 2026| Director Factsheet
This factsheet outlines Ireland’s 2026 beneficial ownership reforms. It highlights new public access rules, protections, and preparations for 2027 AMLR changes. Courtesy of McCann FitzGerald LLP.
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How to Use Your AI Governance Toolkit| Webcast
Watch this webcast with AI Governance Expert Ger Perdisatt, as he demonstrates how to use the AI Governance Toolkit. Essential for strengthening oversight, identifying risks and building boardroom confidence.
| | EUROPEAN CORPORATE GOVERNANCE CONFERENCE | ECODA MEMBERSHIP | | |
17 November 2026
Location: The Round Room at the Mansion House
As members of ecoDa, the European body for representing the main national institutes of directors in Europe, IoD Ireland members have access to additional resources and events. This includes their upcoming flagship European Corporate Governance Conference, which will hold an expert speaker line up, including IoD Ireland CEO Dr. Caroline Spillane CDir.
This conference will provide a forum for discussing significant corporate governance developments shaping Europe. It will explore how corporate governance frameworks must evolve to address rapid technological advancements and embed resilience as a core element of their strategy. It is being held as an Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU Associated Event.
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GDNI CONFERENCE | GOOD GOVERNANCE NEVER SLEEPS | |
18 & 19 November 2026
Location: Online
As members of GNDI, IoD Ireland members can book their place on their annual conference, titled 'Good Governance Never Sleeps'.
The 24 hour conference takes place on 18th and 19th November. This unique conference will cover topical themes such as geopolitics, AI governance & cybersecurity, ESG after the hype, board composition, human capital, emerging markets, trust, ethics & the future-ready board.
As part of this conference, IoD Ireland Member and Chartered Director Aedín Ní Laoire will be joining a panel discussion titled, 'Climate Governance in
Practice: Is the Board Truly Accountable?', taking place at 21:35 UTC time, on 18 November 2026.
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IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS
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Strategy for Experienced Directors | Workshop 10th November 2026
Rethink how strategy is shaped, communicated and delivered in a fast-changing environment in this online workshop. Led by Prof. Simon Haslam CDir.
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The Risk Exchange: A Director Forum| Workshop 19th November 2026
Develop confidence in risk oversight, and gain fresh perspective on issues such as AI, ESG, geopolitical exposure and organisational resilience. Led by David Hanley.
| | RESEARCH POLICY AND ADVOCACY | DIRECTOR SENTIMENT RESULTS | |
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Our latest quarterly business survey provides a valuable snapshot of members’ outlook for 2027. Encouragingly, 77% of respondents expect their organisations to grow next year, with more than a third planning to increase employee numbers.
However, member responses also underline the challenges facing Irish businesses. More than 70% of respondents said infrastructure deficits are affecting financial performance, with housing identified as the most significant constraint. Competitiveness also remains firmly on the agenda, with 61% saying Ireland has not become a more competitive location for investment and growth since Budget 2026.
Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their views. Your insights help us highlight the issues that matter most to Ireland’s directors and business leaders.
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(Pictured L to R: Áine Kerr, Entrepreneur, Broadcaster and Chair of Rethink Ireland; Sean O'Driscoll, Prominent Irish Businessman, Chair and Government Advisor; Helen Nolan, President IoD Ireland; Kara Owen CMG CVO, British Ambassador to Ireland; and Dr Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive Officer, IoD Ireland.)
Takeaways From our Leading in Governance Flagship Event 2026
What will it take to strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness and turn ambition into meaningful action? This was a key theme at our recent Leading in Governance flagship event, attended by over 400 directors and business leaders.
The key takeaways from the event examine the issues shaping the board agenda, from Ireland’s infrastructure and competitiveness challenges to planning reform, AI governance and emerging risks. They also highlighted the importance of turning ambition into action, maintaining a long-term focus on growth and resilience, and strengthening collaboration between business, government and international partners. Visit our website page below to read more about these key takeaways.
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