What is the IoD Ireland Board Membership Service? | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

IoD Ireland Board Membership gives your organisation a clear competitive edge by equipping your directors and governance professionals with cutting-edge insights, tailored support, access to an influential peer network, and expert guidance to navigate change and build stakeholder confidence. It keeps your board and governance team connected, informed, and focused on upholding the highest standards, clearly demonstrating your organisation’s commitment to strong governance and long-term success.

Whether you're a bord member or part of the senior leadership team, Board Membership offers tailored resources, expert guidance, and access to Ireland’s most influential network of directors - demonstrating your organisation’s commitment to excellence in corporate governance. 

Board Membership with IoD Ireland extends the full benefits of individual membership to each board member. These include:  

Membership includes: 

• Access to a peer network of 3,500+ directors.
• 30+ complimentary events annually.
• Exclusive rates for professional development.
• Governance resources: factsheets, toolkits, handbooks, and more.
• Preferential rates on products and services tailored to directors’ business and personal needs, including D&O Liability Insurance 
• Legal & Tax panels for initial consultations.
• Airport lounge access in Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Manchester.
• Access to IoD UK facilities at 116 Pall Mall, London.

Board membership unlocks access to exclusive, board-specific supports that strengthen governance, enhance strategic leadership and foster continuous improvement. 

Board membership includes access to exclusive benefits such as: 

• Board Support Documents: Access practical, ready-to-use templates and resources including board skills matrix, internal evaluation tools and NED remuneration guides. 
• Expert Consultations: Guidance from IoD Learning & Education head to create a customised professional development plan. 
• Independent Board Evaluations: Tailored to the unique needs of your organisation, access preferential rates through Board Membership. 
• Bespoke Board Training: Preferential rates on tailored in-house governance programmes. 
• Board Recruitment: Preferential rates on appointing your next non-executive director or chairperson through IoD Board Recruitment. 
• Membership Discounts: Exclusive savings on membership fees through Board Membership. 

IoD Ireland membership is composed of company directors, and senior leaders. Typically, applicants will have held a senior executive position with responsibilities equivalent to a director-level role, involving strategic leadership, governance oversight, or significant decision-making authority, for a minimum of three years. 

Below are the different experience levels of our membership.   

All membership applications are subject to approval by the IoD Nominating Committee. Once approved, your membership will be confirmed. Applications are considered in the context of your professional experience.  

• 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 direct accountability to a board for 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 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. 

Board Membership is tailored for boards across all sectors - private, public, and non-profit - as well as senior leaders and governance professionals. It supports those who influence board decisions and ensures they benefit from targeted resources and a strong professional network. 

It is ideal for: 

• Boards of public and private companies 

• Non-profit and public sector organisations 

• C-suite leaders, governance professionals, and senior managers who work closely with the board 

We understand that every board is different. Board Membership is designed to meet the unique needs of each client organisation. Simply reach out to Darren Clarke, Business Development Manager, IoD Ireland, and he will take you through the process. The process is tailored to the needs of each Board.  

Existing IoD individual memberships are easily aligned by adjusting billing dates. This process will be managed by our Membership team. 

When a director steps down, a new board member can be added in their place, while departing members have the option to continue under individual membership.

To learn more about how Board Membership can support your organisation, please contact the IoD Ireland team directly: 

• Darren Clarke, Business Development Manager 
  +353 (0)1 578 8402 | [email protected] 

• Caroline Kinsella, Board & Member Services Director 
  +353 (0)1 576 6888 |  [email protected]