Caroline Spillane CDir | Wednesday, 6th May 2026

Dear Member

This edition of our e-zine has been curated to deliver practical value to members, bringing together the latest thought leadership insights, governance resources, and high-impact learning and networking opportunities to support you in your role as a director.

As part of our continued commitment to helping members navigate the opportunities and responsibilities of AI governance, I am pleased to share the latest addition to our AI Toolkit: the Capability and Readiness Audit, now available exclusively to members. We have also launched a new dedicated AI Governance Workshop, led by Ger Perdisatt, AI Advisor, an experienced COO and board director. This practical session is designed to help directors strengthen board oversight, accountability, and responsible governance of AI. Further details are included below.

This edition also features our upcoming programme of member events, fresh thought leadership content including articles, factsheets and webcasts, together with the latest complimentary member benefits available to you.

We hope you find this edition insightful and useful, providing practical guidance, strategic perspective and opportunities for continued professional development as you lead and govern with confidence.

Best wishes

Caroline

Caroline Spillane CDir

Chief Executive Officer

Institute of Directors Ireland 

NEW TOOL | AI GOVERNANCE TOOLKIT

We are delighted to launch the next tool in our AI Governance Toolkit, the Capability and Readiness Audit.

The Capability and Readiness Audit helps boards and leadership teams assess whether they can govern AI responsibly and whether the organisation is structurally prepared for adoption. It focuses on governance capability rather than technical skills, examining both director and board literacy, oversight and regulatory awareness, alongside organisational policies, data stewardship and cultural readiness. 

This is the third tool launched from the AI Governance Toolkit. For more information visit the AI Governance Toolkit website page. 

EXCLUSIVE UPCOMING EVENTS

Limited places remaining. This in-person event will explore how directors can deepen their engagement with cybersecurity, from strengthening oversight and assurance to supporting effective response and recovery in the face of real-world incidents. Taking place from 5:30pm-7:30pm on 21st May at The Westbury Hotel, Dublin 2.

Our expert panel of speakers include: Gary Delaney, Managing Director and International Chief Information Security Officer, BNY Mellon; Joseph Stephens, Director of Resilience, National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC); and Dera McLoughlin, Partner and Head of Consulting, Forvis Mazars. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars.

Annual General Meeting



26 May 2026 | 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Location: The Pearse Suite, Clayton Cardiff Lane, Dublin 2

The IoD Ireland Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on 26th May 2026. Notice of this AGM was issued to all members last week. Please note that IoD Ireland members are invited to attend the AGM, with a reception and networking opportunity taking place afterwards.

Ethical AI: Director Leadership, Risk, and Responsibility



9 June 2026 | 12:30pm -1:30pm

Location: Central Dublin

Book your place on our upcoming webinar on the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This webinar will include insights from expert speakers, who will examine the emerging risks and opportunities associated with AI adoption, from bias and transparency to regulatory compliance and reputational exposure.

Summer Networking Reception



23 July 2026 | 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Location: Central Dublin

Save the date for the IoD Ireland Summer Networking Reception 2026. This highly popular event promises to offer an evening of lively conversations, connections, and opportunities to forge new professional relationship with fellow members.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

IoD Ireland member Ger Perdisatt is CEO and Founder of Acuity AI, where he advises senior leaders and organisations on the practical implementation and governance of AI. With 15 years’ advisory experience and almost 25 years in enterprise leadership, he helps organisations turn emerging AI capabilities into measurable business value. Ger also serves as an independent Non-Executive Director at DAA plc and sits on University College Dublin’s Finance, Remuneration and Asset Management Committee. Read more about his career journey and leadership insights in his member profile.

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.

D&O Insurance Demystified | Webcast

In this webcast Edwina Ryan, Managing Director, and Kieran Dillon, Director, Financial & Professional Services, Aon Ireland discuss how D&O insurance can protects directors.

CBI’s Roadmap for Simplifying Regulation and Supervision | Factsheet

This Factsheet reviews the Central Bank of Ireland’s plans to simplify regulation, outlining guardrails, the 2026–2028 programme and areas relevant for directors. Courtesy of McCann FitzGerald.

Politics Under Pressure: What to Watch | Article

This article assesses the current political landscape, including the upcoming by-elections, the impact of the fuel protest, the EU Presidency, and the summer economic statement. 

Ireland At the Helm: EU Presidency | Article

In this article Claire Scannell, Director of the Managing Partners Office, Matheson LLP, outlines the expected key priorities of the Irish Presidency, and five things directors should watch out for. 

Business Post Digital | Member Benefit

Take advantage of our exclusive Business Post Digital offer. Enjoy full digital access (website and app), archives, newsletters, and reading across devices for just €99 (standard cost is €299 for 12 months).

What You Need to Know when Subject to a Public Inquiry | Factsheet

This Factsheet gives an overview of public inquiries in Ireland, and outlines key considerations and risks for organisations and individuals involved. Courtesy of McCann FitzGerald.

D&O Insurance |Tailored Benefit for Members

Directors operate in an increasingly complex legal & regulatory environment. Protect your personal liability with our tailored D&O Liability Insurance solution, courtesy of Arachas.

Expert Tax Guidance |

Tax Panel

Navigating corporate and personal tax matters can be complex. Our Tax Panel is made up of experienced professionals who can provide expert guidance on a range of tax issues.

New Phoenix Lounge Opens in Dublin T1 | Complimentary Access

The T1 Lounge at Dublin airport has been refurbished and has now reopened as The Phoenix Lounge. As an IoD Ireland member you can gain complimentary access to this lounge, subject to availability. 

Dublin Airport Fast Track Passes |Complimentary Passes

All members should now have received two complimentary Fast Track passes. These passes will expire on 31st March 2027. See our FAQs below if you would like guidance or further information.

RESEARCH POLICY AND ADVOCACY | SHAPING THE FUTURE OF GOVERNANCE

Board Effectiveness Review through the Lens of Diversity and Inclusion | Central Bank of Ireland Report 

The Central Bank of Ireland have published a Board Effectiveness review in a sample of Fund Management Companies, through the lens of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I). The review looked at topics including the composition of boards and senior management teams, the strategic decision-making process in those organisations, succession planning and their broader D&I practices. 

IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS

IoD ILCU Director Development Programme | 2026 Dates Now Available

IoD Ireland has partnered with ILCU to develop a bespoke programme specifically for directors of Credit Unions. New Autumn programme dates are now open to book.

AI Governance: Board Oversight and Accountability | Workshop 27th May 2026

Develop the board skills needed to ensure effective AI oversight and accountability in our new workshop. Led by AI Advisor, Experienced COO and Board Member Ger Perdisatt.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER EVENT

(Pictured L to R: Eimear Cahalin, Non‑Executive Director; Barry Gavin, Non‑Executive Director; Caroline Spillane CDir, CEO, IoD Ireland; Liam McKenna, Partner, Forvis Mazars; and Johnny Meehan, Head of Sustainability Consulting, Forvis Mazars).

Directors Convene at the National Concert Hall for

IoD Ireland Sustainability Briefing

Directors and senior business leaders gathered at the National Concert Hall on Thursday, 23rd April for an IoD Ireland Briefing on Strategic Sustainability: Beyond Compliance. The event provided support and insight on how boards can look beyond compliance driven sustainability and consider how it can be embedded into long term strategy, resilience and competitiveness.

The event included an expert panel featuring Eimear Cahalin, Non Executive Director; Barry Gavin, Non Executive Director; and Johnny Meehan, Head of Sustainability Consulting at Forvis Mazars. The event was moderated by Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive Officer, IoD Ireland, and included a welcome address from Liam McKenna, Partner, Forvis Mazars. 

Thank you to all our members for their engagement in the event, which contributed to a lively and insightful discussion. The IoD Briefing Series: Designed for Directors is sponsored by Forvis Mazars.