|
Dr Caroline Spillane CDir | Wednesday, 5th August 2026
| |
Dear Member
As we move into August, you will hopefully have the opportunity to take a well-earned break and enjoy some downtime with family and friends. In that vein, it was wonderful to see so many members at our recent Summer Reception. The event was a great reminder of the strength of the IoD Ireland community. I would also like to extend my congratulations to IoD Ireland member John Hennessy CDir who won our exclusive member competition of a private terminal airport experience with Platinum VIP of Dublin Airport. Congratulations John, and thank you to Platinum VIP of Dublin Airport.
The first half of 2026 has been exceptionally busy across the Institute. From events and director briefings to programme launches, research, governance resources and thought leadership initiatives, members have engaged in record numbers and helped make it one of our most active periods to date.
The momentum continues throughout the autumn. We have an exciting programme of events, insights and learning opportunities planned, covering topics including AI governance, cybersecurity, economic outlooks, board effectiveness and leadership. I would encourage you to take a look through this edition and secure your place early at the events that are most relevant to you.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and engagement. Whether you are taking a break this month or continuing at full pace, I wish you an enjoyable and productive August.
Best wishes,
Caroline
Dr Caroline Spillane CDir
Chief Executive Officer
Institute of Directors Ireland
| | |
Directors Connect at IoD Ireland Summer Networking Reception
Over 200 members gathered at the IoD Ireland Summer Reception event at The Conrad Hotel, Dublin 2, on Thursday, 23rd July 2026. The event provided an opportunity for IoD Ireland members to connect with peers, exchange perspectives and strengthen professional relationships across Ireland's business community.
At the event, IoD Ireland President Helen Nolan warmly welcomed members and encouraged them to make the most of the evening by forging new connections and reconnecting with colleagues and friends.
The Summer Networking Reception is one of many events available to IoD Ireland members throughout the year.
| | EXCLUSIVE UPCOMING EVENTS | | Book your place on our upcoming in-person event which will explore the evolving fraud risk landscape, and the critical role boards play in strengthening organisational resilience. Our speakers include: Robert Burke, Partner - Risk Consulting team, Forvis Mazars; Iarla Mongey, Director, Q4PR; and Pat Lordan, Consultant and Adviser, specialising in economic crime, fraud, financial intelligence and cybersecurity. Together they will examine emerging fraud trends, the potential reputational impact of fraud, the importance of governance and internal controls, and how boards can prepare for and respond to incidents when they arise. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars. | | |
Book your place on our webinar, ‘The Evolving Mandate of the Modern Board’. Our speaker panel includes: John Hogan, Chairperson, IPB Insurance, and Evelyn Savage, Company Secretary & Director of Legal and Sustainability, IPB Insurance - both IoD Ireland members through IPB Insurance’s Board Membership – as well as Rick Doten, Governance Advisory Council, OnBoard.
This event will explore how boards are redefining their role, from shaping organisational culture and succession planning to strengthening resilience and decision-making in uncertain times. From heightened risk oversight to emerging technologies, the mandate of the modern board continues to evolve. In partnership with OnBoard.
| |
Leading in Governance 2026
13 October 2026 | 3:30pm - 7:00pm
Location: Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin 4
Save the Date: IoD Ireland’s flagship event Leading in Governance 2026 will explore competitiveness, infrastructure and innovation, showcasing the board's critical role. Expert speakers will deliver practical governance and leadership insights for future ready organisations today.
| | We are delighted to feature IoD Ireland member Yvonne Hill this month in our member spotlight. Serving across a portfolio of regulated banking and insurance boards, Yvonne is an experienced Independent Non-Executive Director and Audit & Risk Committee Chair with deep expertise in financial oversight, risk and governance. She speaks to IoD Ireland about the judgement required to operate effectively at board level, maintaining the distinction between oversight and management, and how directors can keep pace with an increasingly complex risk and regulatory environment. | |
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 page. | | |
Why Public Attitudes Matter for Business and Ireland's EU Presidency| Article
In this article, David Geary, CEO, European Movement Ireland, outlines the new EMI research, the importance of public trust and what the EU presidency priorities mean for Irish business.
| | |
Real Estate, Risk and Opportunities for Board’s Strategic Planning | Article
In this article Michele Jackson CDir, Chartered Surveyor, discusses how boards can use real estate strategically to drive value, resilience, sustainability, workforce success and growth.
| | |
Navigating AI Governance: Essential Steps for Boards to Take | Article
In this article Dr. Orla Lenihan, Assistant Professor in Corporate Governance, Galway University, explores how boards can strengthen AI governance through regulatory awareness, responsible use, and robust oversight.
| | |
EU AI Act Transparency Obligations | Factsheet
This Factsheet outlines the EU AI Act’s new transparency requirements, helping organisations understand key compliance obligations, disclosure expectations, and practical steps ahead of implementation.
| | |
Due Diligence Checklist for Prospective Non-Executive Directors| Article
Read this essential due diligence checklist. It equips aspiring non-executive directors with the insight needed to make informed decisions before joining a board.
| | |
Ethical AI: Why Boards Can’t Afford to Treat it as a “Tech Issue” Anymore| Article
In this article Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director, Diligent Institute, explores why boards must approach AI as a strategic governance issue, balancing innovation and accountability.
| | |
Complimentary Access to Airport Lounges | Member Benefit
Enjoy pre-flight comfort this summer. All IoD Ireland members have complimentary access to airport lounges in Dublin, Cork, Shannon, as well as 16 executive airport lounges in the UK and Europe.
| | |
Dublin Airport Fast Track Passes | Complimentary Passes
Remember your two complimentary Fast Track security passes are available as part of your membership. Be sure to use them before 31 March 2027, when they expire. Read our FAQs below.
| | RESEARCH POLICY AND ADVOCACY | SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GOVERNANCE | |
Prohibition Notices under the Fitness and Probity Regime (CP-166) and Publication of Supplemental Guidance
Conclusion of Central Bank of Ireland Consultation
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) consultation on the draft Supplemental Guidance on Prohibition Notices under our Fitness and Probity Regime has now closed. The CBI have advised that following the feedback received from our stakeholders, they have published our final Supplemental Guidance on Prohibition Notices.
They have also published an accompanying Feedback Statement summarising the feedback received and providing their responses to it. The Supplemental Guidance is available on the CBI fitness and probity enforcement web page.
The Supplemental Guidance applies from 30 July 2026. The CBI noted that the new Guidance should be read together with their existing guidance on Fitness and Probity Investigations, Suspensions and Prohibitions (2023).
| | |
Public Consultation on the Draft National Cyber Security Strategy
Consultation: The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
Deadline: Friday, 21st August 2026
The Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration is leading on the development of a new National Cyber Security Strategy. The draft Strategy identifies proposals to address systemic cyber security risks in the State while encouraging development and innovation in the digital sector so that we can all safely benefit from technological progress.
The public consultation is open to anyone living in Ireland. The deadline for all submissions is 12pm on 21st August 2026.
| | |
Cyber Governance Guidance for Management Boards in NIS2 Organisations
NCSC Guidance
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has published new guidance to help board members understand their cybersecurity responsibilities under NIS2.
Supported by the Cyber Fundamentals Framework, it provides a practical approach to managing cyber risk, strengthening governance, and demonstrating compliance without requiring technical expertise. Read more about the guidance below.
| | |
New Publication | Advancing Board Diversity
GNDI Publication
The Global Network of Director Institutes (GNDI), in partnership with IoD Ireland, have published a new report on Board Diversity.
Board diversity is widely recognised as a cornerstone of effective governance and organisational performance. This report brings together insights from 15 Institutes of Directors (IoDs) across GNDI, highlighting how different jurisdictions are advancing diversity through research, advocacy, and targeted initiatives.
| | |
AI Reshaping Corporate Reporting
FRC Publication
New research from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC), highlights the growing use of generative AI in corporate reporting, particularly in narrative reporting.
The findings explore how AI and emerging business models are reshaping reporting practices and the implications for governance, transparency and future regulation. Read more about the research below.
| |
IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS
| | |
Applied Finance for Experienced Company Directors| Workshop 21st October 2026
Enhance your insight into financial statements, corporate finance fundamentals & financial performance evaluation. Led by Caroline Kirrane, CFA Charterholder.
| | |
Cyber Security and Data Protection Governance| Workshop 3rd November 2026
Learn the tools 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.
| | LEADERSHIP AWARDS PARTNERSHIP | | |
IoD Ireland Partner with Business Post Leadership Awards 2026
IoD Ireland is delighted to be a Partner of the CEO of the Year – Small Business award category at the upcoming Business Post Leadership Awards on 12th November 2026. The awards recognise directors and members of the C-suite across Irish business.
The ceremony itself brings together business and community leaders, innovators, and changemakers for an inspiring evening of recognition and networking. Beyond the awards, the event fosters dialogue around leadership challenges and opportunities in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Nominations for entry are open until Tuesday, 1st September at 4:00pm. Help to enhance your own professional profile and that of your organisations and nominate yourself for one of the leading categories. Learn more below.
| | | | |
