Caroline Spillane CDir | Wednesday, 7th May 2025

Dear Anne,

Welcome to this edition of the IoD Ireland Members Update, which offers business leaders key content and updates for today’s fast-paced business landscape.

I am please to announce a special in-person event with Commissioner Michael McGrath on Thursday, 26th June. In this exclusive member event, Commissioner McGrath will outline the aims and ambitions of his Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection portfolio, as well as addressing the EU competitiveness compass, and the current geopolitical climate. More detail on how to book can be found below.

At the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) Conference on 25th April, Minister of State Robert Troy TD noted the important role Credit Unions play as financial services providers to local communities. As part our remit to make Ireland an exemplar of corporate governance, I was delighted to announce at the conference a new bespoke programme developed specifically by IoD Ireland for the ILCU. This programme will support ILCU directors in executing their pivotal governance role and supporting objective of achieving best in class standards of corporate governance within the credit union sector in Ireland.

We are also delighted to bring you a wealth of valuable content and resources. This issue includes a Member Spotlight on David Hardiman, Chief Technology Officer, Abbey Capital; a Director Factsheet on the EU ESG legislation CSRDD/CSDDD; as well as host of other thought leadership articles.

We encourage you to take full advantage of our exclusive member benefits, including the comprehensive Director Handbook, access to 116 Pall Mall, as well as our complimentary events, always accessible content and learning and education opportunities. Details on these and more can be found below.

If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reply to this email. We’re here to help.



Best wishes,

Caroline Spillane CDir

Chief Executive Officer

Institute of Directors Ireland 

Book your place for our upcoming exclusive member event with Commissioner Michael McGrath on Thursday, 26th June 2025.

In this exclusive member event, Commissioner McGrath will outline the aims and ambitions of his Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection portfolio, as well as addressing the EU competitiveness compass, and the current geopolitical climate.



We hope you can join us for what promises to be a thought-provoking and engaging session.

Governance under Pressure: Governance, Diversity and Global Policy Trends

11 JUNE 2025 | 6:00PM - 8:00PM

Location: Matheson LLP, One Penrose Dock, Victorian Quarter, Cork

Save the date| Cork event. This event will explore the critical issues directors need to navigate in today’s complex business environment. Our panel of experts will provide guidance on managing regulatory risk, stakeholder expectations and international policy shifts. This event is in partnership with Matheson LLP.

Eligible for 1 hour of CPD.



Future of Board Skills and Succession Planning

15 MAY 2025 | 5:30PM-7:30PM

Location: The Westbury Hotel, Dublin 2

Limited places remaining. This Briefing will explore the board’s critical role in governance and succession planning. It will also examine the evolving responsibilities of Nomination Committee Chairs in board appointments, along with emerging competencies shaping the future of boards. Sponsored by Forvis Mazars.

Eligible for 1 hour of CPD.

IoD Ireland's Annual General Meeting 2025

27 MAY 2025 | 6:00PM - 7:00PM

Location: Orion Suite, The Spencer Hotel, Excise Walk, IFSC, Dublin 1

Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Institute of Directors (IoD) Ireland. Please note: there will be a reception following the AGM at which all IoD Ireland members are welcome.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Our Member: Derek Hardiman, Chief Technology Officer, Abbey Capital

In this member profile, Derek Hardiman reflects on the importance of authenticity as a defining trait of effective leadership and encourages future-focused thinking through the lens of a technologist. He also shares what he values most about being a member of the Institute of Directors Ireland.

His advice for aspiring directors? Stay curious, remain grounded in your principles, and dedicate time to developing a strong understanding of good governance.

BENEFITS OF BEING A MEMBER

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. Below are just a few of the key benefits available. To explore the full range, visit our membership benefits website page.

DIRECTOR'S HANDBOOK

The Handbook is a valuable resource to directors in Ireland on their role and responsibilities. It can be used by newly appointed directors, but also more experienced directors who wish to refresh their knowledge and expertise and to keep abreast of relevant legislation.

ACCESS TO 116 PALL MALL

As an IoD member, did you know you can access facilities at 116 Pall Mall as your central London base? From quiet business lounges and co-working areas to private meeting rooms and private workspaces, 116 Pall Mall offers a range of welcoming settings for every kind of business activity.

Unlocking the Full Potential of your Membership

Webcast

Watch back this webcast, which was designed to help you get the most out of your IoD Ireland membership. During this session, Darren Clarke, Business Development Manager, IoD Ireland, explored the benefits available to members, including a guided tour of the membership dashboard; key benefits and tools designed for directors, and helpful tips on navigating resources tailored to your goals.

IoD LEARNING AND EDUCATION: DESIGNED FOR DIRECTORS

Briefing: CSRD: 'Stop-the-clock' Directive Enacted

Factsheet

This Director Factsheet addresses the measures set out in the European Commission's Omnibus proposals for reform to sustainability requirements. The new measures are set out in the Directive (EU) 20225/794, which was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 16 April 2025. This Factsheet is courtesy of McCann FitzGerald LLP. 

Navigating Audit & Risk: Essential Insights for Boards & Committees

Webcast



Watch this webcast with Vickie Wall, Partner & Head of Financial Accounting Advisory Services Ireland (FAAS), EY Ireland, and Colette Devey, Risk Consulting Partner & Chief Risk Officer, EY Ireland, as they explore the regular and emerging issues that boards/audit committees should consider. Sponsored by Diligent.

Applying a lifetime of experience to advisory and board roles

Thought Leadership Article

In this Business Post article, Paul Lynch, IoD Ireland Member, Experienced Independent Non-executive Director & Chair, outlines how he built his non-executive director portfolio. 

Empowering Leadership Among Ireland's C-Suite

Featured Article

Strong leadership is a crucial part of a company’s success. We are supporting and enabling directors and C-suite executives to achieve this through our  “gold standard” Chartered Director Programme. Read this insightful article with insights and reflections from Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive Officer, IoD Ireland, and Eileen Gleeson CDir, Programme Director, Chartered Director Programme in Ireland, IoD Ireland. This article was originally published by the Business Post. 

2025 Corporate Governance Symposium

Recommended Thought Leadership Articles

The Corporate Governance Symposium was held in collaboration with the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI), the John L. Weinberg Centre for Corporate Governance and the Department of Finance at the Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware, on 14^th March 2025. It featured some timely and complex governance topics.

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 newly Chartered Directors

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