What is the IoD Chartered Director Programme? | Frequently Asked Questions

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 of a globalised business environment. Our comprehensive approach equips board members with practical, tested frameworks and tools to enhance critical leadership skills. 

In addition, the Programme is the only programme that leads to the Professional Designation of Chartered Director (CDir) in Ireland. This unique programme formalises advanced directorship competencies and demonstrates commitment to excellence in corporate leadership. 

The programme structure includes: 

• Expert-led faculty: all our facilitators are experienced non-executive directors. 
• Intensive, immersive learning modules. 
• Mix of in-person and online learning. 
• Small group - typically 20 people per cohort. 
• Real-world case studies.

The Programme is split into three different stages: Certificate in Company, Diploma in Company Direction and Professional Review Process leading to Chartered Director (CDir) status. During the Programme, participants will cover a range of governance theory modules while also receiving practical hands-on experience. Modules covered include: 

• Role of the Director and Board (International)
• Strategy for Directors 
• Finance for Directors 
• Leadership for Directors

The Chartered Director Programme gives senior leadership and board members the opportunity to deep dive into several key areas including strategy, leadership, corporate governance, risk management and corporate finance. 

As the only programme leading to the Chartered Director designation in Ireland, it is a great pathway for directors who would like to formalise their experience in a qualification that demonstrates commitment to excellence in corporate governance and to ensuring their organisations are led with competence and integrity. 

Gaining the designation of Chartered Director offers an internationally recognised professional recognition, enhanced governance expertise, and access to a diverse alumni network for ongoing development and peer-to-peer learning. 

This structured qualification is designed for directors and strategic business leaders, combining academic rigour with real-world experience. It consists of three main stages: 

• The Certificate in Company Direction.
• The Diploma in Company Direction.
• Professional Review Process Leading to Chartered Director (CDir) status.

The journey to becoming a Chartered Director begins with two foundational stages: the Certificate and Diploma in Company Direction. Upon successful completion, participants may be eligible to attain full Chartered Director (CDir) designation. 

During the Certificate stage, participants will cover the following four subjects: 

• Role of the Director and Board (International)
• Strategy for Directors
• Finance for Directors
• Leadership for Directors

The Diploma stage includes a hands-on, two-day module which focuses on helping you experience the world of boardroom dynamics, navigating challenges and crises through practical simulation exercises. 

No. The Programme is open to senior executives and members of the C-Suite, as well as executive and non-executive directors. The IoD Ireland Chartered Director Programme brings together individuals at various stages of their board and leadership journey - see the next answer for a full overview. 

Programme participants include company directors and senior leaders. Below are the different experience levels of typical Chartered Director Programme participants: 

• Executive Directors, including Chief Executive officers (CEOs), Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), and others formally appointed to the board. 
• Senior executive team members (for example: COO, CTO, CMO, CIO, CRO, CCO, CHRO, CSO), who report directly to the board and hold primary responsibility for strategic leadership and governance oversight. 
• Individuals in equivalent senior roles, who, though not holding one of the titles above, have demonstrably fulfilled responsibilities involving director accountability to a board for a significant strategic, financial, operational, or governance matters. 
• Non-executive directors or board chairs. 
• Members of advisory boards or governance committees. 
• Trustees of charities or voluntary bodies with board-level oversight responsibilities. 
• Owners, founders, or partners in businesses, private companies, or professional practices. 
• Corporate governance professionals, such as General Counsel, Company Secretaries, and Governance Officers, with substantial responsibility for board governance, compliance frameworks, and regulatory affairs. 
• Senior civil and public servants, for example, Secretary General, Assistant Secretary, or equivalent roles. 
• Investors, venture capitalists, or private equity professionals with board or governance involvement. 

While board experience is beneficial, the Certificate and Diploma stage is suitable for all directors and business leaders who wish to sit on a board in the future. However, please note that board experience is required to achieve the Professional Designation of Chartered Director (CDir). 

Yes. As part of our commitment to high governance standards and the integrity of our membership body, all applications are subject to an appropriate level of background and eligibility review before approval. This may include verification of professional roles, directorships, and publicly available regulatory or compliance information. 

Applications for the Chartered Director Programme can be made at any time of year with the submission of an Expression of Interest form and attendance at an Information Session. Programme intakes have both a January and a September start point each year. 

To secure a place, submit an Expression of Interest form. You'll then be invited to attend an information session to meet the Programme Director, and if eligible, you will receive a place offer with a booking form to pay your deposit. 

Please note that places are limited and offered on a rolling basis. Place offers will only be sent to those who attended an online information session with the Programme Director. 

Previous Chartered Director Programme participants include: 

• Davina Saint CDir, Independent Non-Executive Director and Non-Executive Chair.
• Stephen Groarke CDir, Chief Financial Officer, U.S Bank Europe.
• Margot Slattery CDir, Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion and Social Sustainability, ISS A/S.
• Luke Hanlon CDir, Managing Director, Supervalu & Centra.
• Gervaise Slowey CDir, Non-Executive Director.

Read some of the Chartered Director Programme testimonials we've received from past participants.

The Programme takes place over the course of approximately 10 months with cohorts starting twice a year - in January and September. Modules are run on weekdays (9am to 5pm) with additional reading and exam preparation required in your own time. 

Cohort sizes are typically 20 people. Smaller cohort sizes ensure that you receive an intensive, immersive and valuable peer-to-peer learning environment. 

The Programme is a fully immersive in-person programme. Modules take place in the Irish Management Institute, Sandyford Road, Dublin 16. However, some revision modules are carried out online. These take place in the lead up to the Certificate and Diploma exams. 

The IoD Chartered Director Programme has two different fee options depending on your IoD membership. See below. 

• Members - €15,250
• Non-Members - €15,950

These fees cover the cost of tuition, documentation, exams, and refreshments on in-person module days. For non-members, the cost also includes one year of IoD membership. 

Both the Certificate and Diploma stages of the Chartered Director Programme involve participants sitting exams. These exams take place twice during the programme, once at the end of the Certificate stage and the next at the end of the Diploma stage.

These exams take place online and typically take a few hours to complete. 

Yes. The IoD Chartered Director Programme is credit-rated by Qualifications Scotland and awarded under IoD UK's Royal Charter.

Once you have passed your Certificate and Diploma exams, the next step is becoming a Chartered Director (CDir). This involves a professional review process and an eligibility assessment.