Chartered Director Programme
The IoD Chartered Director Programme supports directors to elevate their performance and sharpen their leadership skills. Watch Davina Saint CDir, Independent Non-Executive Director, outline why this programme was so valuable as part of her director journey.
Enrolment open for January 2027.
Designed for Directors. Recognised Worldwide. Chartered Director Programme
Benefit from the Chartered Director Programme's unique blend of expert-led learning, boardroom insight and peer-to-peer engagement, culminating in the internationally recognised Chartered Director designation.
What Makes our Programme Different
- Leading Professional Qualification for Directors: The Chartered Director Programme is the only programme in Ireland that provides a complete pathway from Certificate in Company Direction, to Diploma in Company Direction, through to the internationally recognised Chartered Director (CDir) designation.
- A Structured Journey to Chartered Director: A carefully designed professional development pathway that supports participants at every stage of their governance journey, combining practical learning, boardroom insight, assessment, and reflection to build director capability and confidence.
- Expert Faculty and Boardroom Insight: Programme content is informed by real-world board and governance practice and delivered by experienced board members, directors, executives, and governance practitioners who bring practical boardroom insight to every stage of the learning journey.
- High-calibre Director and Senior Executive Peer Group: Participants learn alongside experienced directors, senior executives, and organisational leaders from across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. The quality of discussion, challenge and peer learning is one of the defining features of the programme.
- Become part of an Influential Alumni Network: Graduates join the Chartered Director Programme network, composed of board members and senior leaders who continue to contribute to governance and organisational leadership across Ireland and beyond.
Express your interest in the Programme below. Enrolment for January 2027 is now open.
Download Brochure Learn from Past ParticipantsPath to Chartered status
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Step one - Express your interest
Start by filling out our form.
Note this doesn’t guarantee a spot, nor does it commit you to accepting an offer. Once submitted, our team will reach out to process your application and invite you to attend a special information session. Then you will be added to the waiting list.
When a programme cohort opens, you will receive an invitation to secure a space. As demand is high, and places are limited, places are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
To confirm your place, simply return the booking form and deposit.
Place offers for the Chartered Director Programme are at the discretion of the IoD. The IoD retains overall discretion regarding the offer and/or the withdrawal of a place offer for the programme.
Step two - Certificate in Company Direction
In the first part of the programme, you will complete the Certificate in Company Direction.
You’ll cover four subjects:
1. Role of the Director and Board (international) – 2 days
2. Strategy for Directors – 3 days
3. Finance for Directors – 2 days
4. Leadership for Directors – 2 days
Why take part?
Get the essential knowledge you need for effective directorship:
• Understand the roles, responsibilities and duties of a director.
• Dos and don’ts of an effective board
• Financial terms and concepts
• Strategic planning and leadership
Access more details below.
Step three - Diploma in Company Direction
Technical wisdom. Turned into action.
Once you’ve completed the Certificate in Company Direction, you’ll move on to apply your new knowledge and build your practical skills as a director. In the real world.
Master the art of board games.
Developing board performance through interactive learning.
This will include a hands-on, two-day module where you will experience the world of boardroom dynamics, navigating challenges and crises through role-play. It’s your chance to flex your previous learning in an energising real-world setting.
Why take part?
Build on your learning from the first four modules and dive into:
• Mastering the board game. Power plays. Influence. Conflicts.
• Getting the know-how on hot topics. Crisis management. Risk. Decision-making. Navigating mergers and acquisitions.
• Finding practical techniques and tools for empowering board performance and personal growth.
• Enhancing the performance of boards, committees and individual directors.
Step four - Becoming a Chartered Director
Once your Certificate and Diploma are complete, the next step is to become a Chartered Director (CDir).
This involves a professional review process and eligibility assessment.
Why get chartered?
It signals to colleagues and clients that you’re serious about your role and making a mark on your board. Being a Chartered Director showcases your skills, professionalism, and relentless pursuit of excellence in corporate governance.
This is simply the start of your growth as a director, to commit to ongoing development and to uphold the level of excellence that comes with the professional designation of a Chartered Director.
Are you eligible?
Learn about the criteria, review process and fees below.
2027 Dates & fees
Expressions of interest are currently open for January 2027. Choose from a January or September start date.
Please note the non member fee includes one year of IoD Ireland membership.
Programme Fees
Member
€16,350
(2027)
Non-Member
€16,845
(2027)
Our IoD experts
Meet our faculty of seasoned governance professionals and Chartered Directors with extensive real-world experience.
View course leadersWhat is the IoD Chartered Director Programme? | Frequently Asked Questions
Access our FAQ to learn more about the detail and scope of the IoD Chartered Director Programme. Learn more at our full FAQ section, see the button below.
What is the IoD Chartered Director Programme and how is it different to other Leadership and Governance Programmes?
The Programme is the leading and most senior education undertaking for senior executives and Board Directors available in Ireland. It offers a transformative educational experience designed to develop exceptional directors equipped to face the challenges.... Reveal the full answer at our full FAQ section, see the button below...
Do I need to be a director before I can apply for the Chartered Director Programme?
No. The Programme is open to senior executives and members of the C-Suite, as well as executive and non-executive directors.... Reveal the full answer at our full FAQ section, see the button below...
How do I apply and secure my place on the Programme?
To secure a place, submit an Expression of Interest form. You'll then be invited to attend an information session to meet.... Reveal the full answer at our full FAQ section, see the button below...
Read the Full FAQsNetwork with the best in business
Meet fellow Chartered Directors. Access the complete list of IoD Ireland Chartered Directors below.