Directors Convene at the National Concert Hall for IoD Ireland Sustainability Briefing

Setting the Scene

IoD Ireland Chief Executive, Caroline Spillane CDir, opened the event welcoming members to the 'Strategic Sustainability: Beyond Compliance briefing', held in the historic Kevin Barry Recital Room, a venue synonymous with landmark moments in Ireland’s history. Caroline noted that the focus of the event was on supporting boards to look beyond compliance‑driven sustainability and consider how it can be embedded into long‑term strategy, resilience and competitiveness.  She also took the opportunity to acknowledge our sponsor for the series, Forvis Mazars.

In his welcome address, Liam McKenna, Partner, Forvis Mazars, also acknowledged the second year of the Briefing Series with IoD Ireland. Highlighting its aim to bring leading insight and expertise to IoD Ireland members. 

Sustainability remains a strategic board priority

The panel addressed the role of the board in effective sustainability governance, with the speakers sharing their insights and expertise. The expert panel of speakers included: Eimear Cahalin, Non‑Executive Director; Barry Gavin, Non‑Executive Director; and Johnny Meehan, Head of Sustainability Consulting at Forvis Mazars. The panel was moderated by Caroline Spillane CDir, CEO, IoD Ireland.

The discussion looked at how sustainability remains a key boardroom issue, despite recent regulatory changes prompting some organisations to pause or reconsider their approach. Panellists agreed that sustainability goes far beyond compliance, touching on long-term value creation, risk management and organisational resilience. Even in a shifting regulatory landscape, boards play a central role in setting direction, maintaining focus and ensuring sustainability remains aligned with overall strategy.

Moving beyond compliance to create long-term value

A strong emphasis was placed on moving from reporting to meaningful action. The panel discussed how boards can avoid a tick-box approach by embedding sustainability into decision-making, governance and oversight processes. Using sustainability data to inform strategy, investment decisions and risk management was highlighted as an important step, with panellists noting that organisations which take a strategic approach are more likely to see financial, operational and reputational benefits.

Future-proofing organisations amid ongoing uncertainty

Looking ahead, the conversation focused on future-proofing organisations in the face of ongoing uncertainty. Panellists highlighted continued pressure from investors, customers and supply chains, alongside the need to address growing scepticism through credible action and clear communication. Boards were encouraged to build capability, maintain a long-term perspective and treat sustainability oversight as a core element of effective governance over the coming years.

Final Reflections

After an engaging Q&A, Caroline Spillane closed proceedings by thanking our expert panel of speakers;  Eimear Cahalin, Non‑Executive Director; Barry Gavin, Non‑Executive Director; and Johnny Meehan, Head of Sustainability Consulting at Forvis Mazars. 

Caroline also reaffirmed IoD Ireland’s role as a member organisation, encouraging feedback on content, and events that matter most to directors. She also highlighted a range of sustainability resources available to members, including recent thought leadership on CSRD and sustainability reporting, upcoming learning and development opportunities, and forthcoming events.

IoD Ireland extends its thanks to Forvis Mazars for sponsoring the IoD Ireland briefing series. For more information on upcoming events visit the IoD Ireland website.