Thought Leadership Articles

As Ireland responds to uncertainty, the quality of governance assumes greater importance

In this piece, Niamh O’Reilly, Executive Director of Learning and Education at the Institute of Directors Ireland, reflects on how continuous learning strengthens boardroom judgment.

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A Stronger Board is Built Together: The value of IoD’s Board Membership

In this piece, Dr Caroline Spillane CDir, Chief Executive Officer, IoD Ireland, reflects on why collective board membership is a commitment to continuous development, stronger governance and enhanced organisational leadership.

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Ireland’s Ambitions for the EU Presidency

Read this exclusive article by Minister Thomas Byrne, who is Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, and T.D. for Meath East. In this piece, Minister Byrne outlines the aims and ambitions of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

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Innovate or Die: Why Innovation Needs to be an Integral Part of a Board’s Responsibilities

In this article Margaret E. Ward, Chief Executive, Clear Eye, discusses why innovation is essential for long-term business success in a rapidly changing world. She highlights how boards and leaders can foster a culture of innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement to remain competitive.

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Cybersecurity Regulation Is Coming to the Boardroom - What Directors Need to Know

In this article, Brian Honan, Cybersecurity Expert, BH Consulting, discusses how new EU regulations are elevating cybersecurity to a board-level responsibility. He outlines directors’ growing accountability and the practical actions boards should take to strengthen governance and resilience.

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Liquidity and Operational Pressure: What Irish Company Directors Should Ask

In this article, Brendan Hanratty, Managing Director, Alvarez & Marsal, explores the restructuring options available to Irish companies facing liquidity pressure. He highlights the importance of early planning, informed decision-making to help boards protect value and preserve strategic options.

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Why Public Attitudes Matter for Business and Ireland’s EU Presidency

In this article, David Geary, CEO, European Movement Ireland (EMI), outlines new EMI research, what the EU presidency priorities mean for Irish business, and the importance of public trust.

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Real Estate, Risk and Opportunities for Board’s Strategic Planning

In this article Michele Jackson CDir, Chartered Surveyor, discusses how boards can use real estate strategically to drive value, resilience, sustainability, workforce success and growth.

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Navigating AI Governance: Essential Steps for Boards to Take

In this article, Dr. Orla Lenihan, Assistant Professor in Corporate Governance & MBA Director, University of Galway, discusses how boards can build effective AI governance, balance innovation with oversight, manage emerging risks, and strengthen accountability.

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Ethical AI: Why Boards Can’t Afford to Treat it as a “Tech Issue” Anymore

In this article Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director, Diligent Institute, explores why boards must oversee AI as a strategic governance priority. She outlines key risks, regulatory obligations and practical steps to balance innovation, accountability, compliance and stakeholder trust.

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Future-Ready Boards: Building Capability in an Era of Constant Change

From evolving regulatory requirements to increased stakeholder expectations, boards are required to navigate greater uncertainty while maintaining strong governance and strategic oversight. 

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Due Diligence Checklist for Prospective Non-Executive Directors

Read this essential due diligence checklist. It equips aspiring non-executive directors with the insight needed to make informed decisions before joining a board.

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The Priorities of the Irish Presidency of the EU – What does it mean for business?

In this article, Lucinda Creighton, former Irish Minister for European Affairs and CEO of Vulcan Consulting, outlines what Ireland's Presidency of the EU priorities will mean for business. 

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Pay Transparency: A Fundamental Shift in How Organisations Approach Reward

In this article, Caroline Reidy CDir, HR and Employment Law Specialist, and Head of HR Solutions with NFP discusses the EU Pay Transparency Directive, provides an update on the latest developments around the EU Pay Transparency Directive.

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Why Boards Need Clearer Visibility into Company Records

In this article Dottie Schindlinger, Executive Director of the Diligent Institute, highlights how poor visibility of legal entity records creates governance risks and weakens board oversight.

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Ireland’s EU Presidency: A Defining Test of Competitiveness and Resilience

In this article, Dr Caroline Spillane CDir, CEO, IoD Ireland, reflects on Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, highlighting there is a clear sense of both opportunity and responsibility.

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Reputation Matters: From the Boardroom to the Checkout

In this article Alan Tyrrell CDir, Chief Executive Officer, of the Reputations Agency explores why reputation is increasingly recognised as a strategic asset for organisations. 

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The Evolving Nature of Board Succession Planning

In this article Caroline Kinsella, Board and Member Services Director, IoD Ireland, explores how board succession planning is becoming strategic, proactive and skills-focused to strengthen governance, resilience and long-term effectiveness. Published in The Irish Times.

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EU AI Act Omnibus: High-Risk Deadline Moved | What It Means for Irish Organisations

In this article Ger Perdisatt, AI Advisor, Experienced COO & Board Member,& IoD Faculty member, outlines the new EU Digital Omnibus deal and what this means for AI Compliance.

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Ireland at the Helm: What the EU Presidency Means for Directors

In this article Claire Scannell, Director of the Managing Partner's office, Matheson LLP, discusses Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency. She explores its influence on policy, key priorities for business and why directors should engage early to navigate regulatory and strategic change.

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Politics Under Pressure: What to Watch in Ireland in 2026

In this timely article Rory Hogan, Q4 Public Affairs expert, discusses Ireland's political outlook for 2026. He outlines how Ireland is navigating growing political pressure, with the EU Presidency and domestic challenges shaping government priorities and decision making.

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Cyber risk now has a seat at the board table, but is anyone sitting in it?

In this article, Joseph Stephens, Director of Resilience at the National Cyber Security Centre, Ireland (NCSC‑IE), outlines why cyber risk is a board‑level governance issue, the realities of today’s threat landscape, and the questions boards must ask to ensure real assurance, not reassurance.

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Ireland at the Helm: Practical Steps to be Taking Now for the EU Presidency

In this article Andrea Pappin, Founder, Common Good, discusses how boards can capitalise on Ireland’s EU Presidency by understanding its role and acting early to align, engage and influence effectively together.

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From Strategy to Implementation

Laura Magahy, Partner and Head of Public Sector Consulting at Forvis Mazars, outlines a practical ABC framework to help boards move from strategy to effective implementation, ensuring the conditions for delivery and governance oversight are firmly in place.

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Accountability in Action: How Honest Evaluation Shapes Governance | Business Plus

In this article, experienced INED Carol Bolger reflects on how boards are operating in an increasingly complex and uncertain environment. She highlights the growing importance of board accountability, commenting that the question of when a board was last independently evaluated is no longer rhetorical, it is a governance imperative.

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In the Chair: Jim Bergin on Trust, Tone and Board Performance

In this article Jim Bergin, Chair of FBD Holdings and IoD Ireland member, discusses how trust, tone and values drive board performance, highlighting the role of INEDs, constructive challenge, and balancing short-term pressures with long-term value creation.

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Pay Transparency: A Fundamental Shift in How Organisations Approach Reward

In this thought leadership article, Caroline Reidy Dir, HR and Employment Law Specialist, discusses the EU Pay Transparency Directive, outlining disclosure rights, reporting obligations, and practical steps organisations must take now.

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Finding Energy and Impact in the INED Role

Chartered Director and experienced Non-Executive Director Terri Moloney CDir reflects on a career across sectors, her experience of becoming an INED and learning boardroom dynamics.

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Uncertainty is the New Certainty: If You Think You Have Risk Under Control, You Don’t

In this thought leadership article, David Hanley, Founder and CEO of Risqon considers the ongoing uncertain environment and implications for risk management at Board level.

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Boardroom Resilience in a Shifting Cybersecurity Landscape

In this article Cybersecurity expert Dr Valerie Lyons highlights how effective governance procedures and a cybersecurity strategy can give an organisation a competitive advantage.

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Data Protection for Boards: Key Trends in 2026

In this article, Steven Roberts CDir, Head of Marketing, Griffith College and Vice Chair, Compliance Institute’s Data Protection and Information Security Working Group examines the key data protection trends shaping 2026, offering essential insights for boards navigating a complex regulatory landscape.

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Quantum Computing: What Irish Boards Need to Know Now

In this article, Leonard McAuliffe, Partner - Cyber Security, Privacy and Forensics, PwC, discusses how quantum computing is rapidly shifting from theory to urgency, outlining its opportunities for Irish industry and the critical security, regulatory and strategic risks boards must address now.

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Leading with Courage and Compassion

In this article, Sonya Lennon, Speaker, Writer, Thought leader and Social entrepreneur urges values‑based leadership in turbulent times. Drawing on Brigid’s example, she reflects how intention, courage, and collective influence can create positive impact.

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Navigating a New Age of Risk in 2026 – and What Boards Must Do About It

In this article, Rachael Ingle, CEO of Aon Ireland, discusses how Irish boards must confront rising cyber, economic, regulatory and geopolitical risks by strengthening resilience and treating risk as a strategic priority.

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The EU Omnibus ‘Simplification’ Agenda: What’s Next?

In this article Sean MacHale, Partner, Head of Sustainable Finance Global Hub, EY, discusses how the EU is cutting back and simplifying many of its sustainability rules, and how this shift will have major consequences for financial firms as Europe tries to stay competitive, while managing climate and energy challenges.

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Ireland, Europe and the Boardroom – Why this Year’s Irish EU Presidency Matters

In this article Noelle O'Connell, Vice President EM International, discusses why Ireland’s 2026 EU Presidency matters for competitiveness, geopolitics, boardrooms and Europe’s future.

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Key Political Moments to Watch in 2026

A timely article from Q4 Public Affairs expert Rory Hogan, who discusses how Ireland’s fragile political landscape in 2026 will shape government decision making, and the country’s capacity to deliver on key policies during its EU Presidency.

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From Reflection to Action: Shaping the Year Ahead

In this article Caroline Spillane CDir, reflects on key moments from the last year, and shares insights for the year ahead.

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Building Boardroom Resilience: IoD Ireland’s 2026 Director Development Offerings

In this article, IoD Ireland CEO Caroline Spillane CDir reflects on the pivotal role directors play in shaping organisational success. She also reflects on IoD Ireland's mission to empower directors with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead with integrity and deliver real impact.

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Proposed EU Updates to GDPR

In this article Adam Finlay, Partner, Head of Technology and Innovation Group, McCann FitzGerald LLP, outlines EU plans to simplify digital rules on GDPR.

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Changing the Climate in the Boardroom

In article Laura Magahy CDir, Chairperson, Creative Boardroom: Collaborate4Climate, outlines how directors can integrate sustainability into strategic decision-making, and embed climate action in boardrooms.

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From Executive to Chair: Ian Britchfield on Building a Successful INED Career

In this article Ian Britchfield, Independent Non-Executive Director and IoD Ireland member, discusses his path from chartered accountant to accomplished independent Chair.

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Advice on Applying for State Board Opportunities

In this article, Michelle Noone, Head of Recruitment Talent Strategy, Publicjobs, provides advice and insight on how best to apply for a State Board role.

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Advancing Balanced Business Leadership Across Irish Business

In this Q&A article, Balance for Better Business Co-Chairs Carol Andrews and Bernard Byrne, share advice for leaders on advancing their gender balance journey.

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Governance and The Moral Market | An Education in Governance

In this article Entrepreneur, Founder, Investor, Author, MBA, Chartered Director, Patrick Ryan CDir, reflects on his non-executive director career, the  importance of governance education, and business morality. 

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Where Directors Become Leaders | The IoD Chartered Director Programme

In this Business Plus article IoD Ireland's Eileen Gleeson outlines the transformative impact of the Chartered Director Programme and how it supports directors in navigating today’s governance challenges.

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From Family Roots to Strategic Rigour: How Kefron Strengthened its Governance Through Independent Leadership

In this article Paul Kearns CDir, CEO, Kefron, and IoD Ireland member explains how introducing independent non-executive directors and an independent chair transformed Kefron’s board from operational to strategic, strengthening governance, diversity, and long-term growth. 

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Financial Fluency: Why It Matters for Directors

In this article, Caroline Kirrane CFA Charterholder discusses the importance of directors to understand the language of accounting as part of ensuring good governance and strategic decision-making.

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Five Essential Tips for Charity Board Directors

Expert insights by Alice Murphy, Charity Lawyer and Governance expert, and Partner at Mason, Hayes & Curran. This blog has been written exclusively for IoD Ireland.

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An Unconventional Path to Financial Service Success

In this article, IoD Ireland member Sara Savidge discusses her career journey, showcasing how strategic steps have propelled her forward to become CEO of Fexco International Payments and a champion of inclusive, innovative leadership in the global payments industry.

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Powering purpose: Today’s directors must lead with strategy, grounded in purpose and governance

In this article IoD Ireland member and Chartered Director Paul Stapleton CDir discusses his 34-year career with ESB. He outlines his journey to the boardroom, his leadership style, and the energy transition. Originally published in Irish Times online on 3rd October 2025.

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“Nose in, fingers out”: Gervaise Slowey CDir on the Art of Good Governance and the IoD Chartered Director Programme

Chartered Director and experienced Non-Executive Director Gervaise Slowey CDir reflects on the importance of continual learning, avoiding board group think, and the differences between being an Executive and a Non-Executive Director.

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Five Reasons Why More Charities are Thinking Merger

In this article Alice Murphy, Charities Partner, Mason Hayes & Curran LLP, explores how more charities are considering merging with other charitable organisations to survive and grow, due to rising costs, stricter rules, and shrinking funding.

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From Multinationals to Family Business: Liam Nagle’s Boardroom Journey

In this article Liam Nagle, CEO, chair and non-executive director, shares his reflections on succession, culture, and why trust is the foundation of effective governance.

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Due Diligence Checklist for Prospective Board Members

Read this essential due diligence checklist. It equips aspiring non-executive directors with the insight needed to make informed decisions before joining a board.

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Template for Board Paper Preparation

This template provides a structured approach to preparing papers for consideration by the board. It is designed to support clarity of purpose, consistency of format, and relevance of content to enable informed decision-making.

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Board Composition and Structure

This essential article outlines the core responsibilities and practical considerations to support the board in maintaining a high-performing and appropriately balanced membership, capable of driving long-term organisational success.

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Illustrative List of Matters Reserved for the Board

This essential article outlines the board of directors' reserved decision-making powers to ensure strategic oversight, financial accountability, and effective corporate governance.

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The Tasks of the Board of Directors

The essential article outlines the core responsibilities of a board, emphasizing the need to balance strategic performance with operational oversight and accountability.

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Economic and Geopolitical Environment Still Shrouded in Uncertainty

In this thought leadership article Economist Jim Power looks at geo-political uncertainty, the resilience of the Irish economy, and the upcoming Budget.

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A Landmark Ruling from the International Court of Justice on Climate Litigation

In this thought leadership article, David Carlin, Climate change and Sustainability Specialist, addresses how the top UN court's decision may be a gamechanger for countries and companies around the world.

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Data Protection – What Boards Need to Know in 2025

In this thought leadership article, Steven Roberts CDir,  Vice Chair of the Compliance Institute’s Data Protection & Information Security Working Group and Group Head of Marketing at Griffith College, outlines key data protection legislative items that are essential for directors.

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How IoD Ireland is shaping the future of governance | Board Recruitment

IoD’s board recruitment service is Ireland’s leading independent resource for connecting organisations with highly experienced leaders

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CSRD and Sustainability Reporting | Balancing Simplification and Ambition

In this thought leadership article, Sean MacHale, Partner, Financial Services Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS), EY and Alba Boshnjaku, Manager, Financial Services CCaSS, EY, provide an update on the EU’s path to streamlined sustainability reporting.

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Strategising for Sustainable Futures: Reflecting on Creative Boardroom Collaborate4Climate and Looking Ahead

In thought leadership article Laura Magahy CDir, Chairperson, Creative Boardroom: Collaborate4Climate, outlines strategising for a sustainable future, and the next stage of the Creative Boardroom Collaborate4Climate project.

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Time for action: Advancing balanced leadership on private companies

In this thought leadership article, Balance for Better Business Co-Chairs Carol Andrews and Bernard Byrne, outline the role of DE&I in driving future growth and competitiveness.

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Dealing with uncertainty: The top three questions to ask your CFO

Expert insights from Caroline Kirrane, CFA Charterholder, MBA, and Finance Course Leader at the Institute of Directors Ireland. This blog has been written exclusively for IoD Ireland.

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Where Directors Become Visionaries | The IoD Chartered Director Programme

In this Business Plus article IoD Ireland's Eileen Gleeson outlines the transformative impact of the Chartered Director Programme and how it supports directors in navigating today’s governance challenges. Enrolling now for January 2026.

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SEAR: Director Update

In this thought leadership article Mary Elizabeth McMunn, Deputy Governor for Financial Regulation at the Central Bank of Ireland, reflects on SEAR, which will apply to (I)NEDs from 1 July 2025.

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Reputation at Risk: Why It Belongs in the Boardroom

In this thought leadership article, Teri Kelly, founder/CEO, Total Reputation, discusses how reputation is now one of the top risks concerning companies and how this can be dealt with at the board table.

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From Crisis to Climate: Alan Duffy CDir on Leadership, Sustainability, and the Power of the IoD Ireland Network | Business Post

For Chartered Director, and Chair of Chapter Zero Ireland, Alan Duffy, clear communications and continuous learning are key elements to board success

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‘There’s no room for passengers on boards. Every member has to earn their seat’

For senior fintech and technology executive Mairead McIlkenny, IoD Ireland membership has been crucial in building her career as a director.

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Avoiding Governance Pitfalls: Regulatory Compliance Versus Regulatory Led Governance

Expert insights by Dr Margaret Cullen, Governance Advisor, Institute of Directors Ireland. This blog has been written exclusively for IoD Ireland members.

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What is the business of business?

In this thought leadership article, Alan Tyrrell CDir, Senior Managing Director, Teneo Ireland, discusses the view of business, the how of business and how challenges might be faced through the how of business.

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Chartered director programme elevates Ireland’s C-suite | Eolas Magazine

In this piece from Eolas Magazine, Caroline Spillane, CEO, IoD Ireland and Eileen Gleeson, Programme Director, Chartered Director Programme in Ireland, IoD Ireland talk through the Chartered Director Programme and becoming a CDir.

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From global brands to boardrooms: A journey of purpose, progress and governance | The Irish Times

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2025 Corporate Governance Symposium

The Corporate Governance Symposium conference featured some timely and complex governance topics. Read some curated articles from the symposium.

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Applying a lifetime of experience to advisory and board roles

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

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Empowering Leadership Among Ireland’s C-Suite | The Business Post

With strong leadership a crucial part of a company’s success, IoD Ireland is supporting and enabling directors and C-suite executives with its “gold standard” Chartered Director Programme.

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Is your Board Built for Success?

Board composition has never been more critical. Ensuring the right mix of skills, experience, and perspectives is a priority for boards, investors, regulators, and stakeholders alike.

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Why Board Evaluations Matter

Regular, meaningful board evaluations are essential for ensuring good governance, enhancing board effectiveness, and fostering continuous improvement.

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Strengthening Boards for a Changing Future

Strong governance, strategic oversight, and ethical leadership are only possible when directors remain well-informed and engaged.

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Parliamentary Paralysis: What the current Dáil drama means for business and policy progress

An interesting analysis from Q4 Public Affairs expert Rory Hogan addressing the recent Dáil events and the wider impact for business and policy progress.

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Geo-politics Update

In this timely thought leadership piece, Jim Power, Economist and Media Commentator, explores the current key geopolitical issues that demand our attention.

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Enhancing board accountability and driving organisational success | The Irish Times

Strengthening boards: The power of IoD Ireland's external board evaluations. This article was originally posted on The Irish Times on behalf of IoD Ireland.

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Leading at Scale: Finance, Innovation, and Regulation | Irish Times

An insightful Irish Times article with Majella Mungovan, VP, Global Financial Operations at Meta, who discusses Finance, Innovation, and Regulation. This article was originally posted in The Irish Times.

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From CEO to Boardroom Leader | The Business Post

An interesting Business Post article with IoD Member Brendan Jennings on his non-executive career. From stepping down as CEO of Deloitte Ireland in 2020, to becoming the Chair of the Board for Keelings, Glenisk, and PM Group.

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Leading with Purpose

An interesting Irish Times article with Hostelworld Group CFO and IoD Ireland member Caroline Sherry, on financial strategy, the importance of championing DE&I and navigating the evolving governance landscape.

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Omnibus Package Proposed - EU Commission’s Proposal on Sustainability Regulations

Expert insights from Jonathan Moore, Partner, Fieldfisher Ireland LLP. This piece addresses the EU “Omnibus” proposal and the changes to CSRD, EU Taxonomy and the CSDDD.

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The first sections of the long-awaited Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 have now become law

By Alice Murphy, Charity Lawyer and Governance expert, Partner, Mason, Hayes & Curran LLP.

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The best board advice? Don’t rush in | The Irish Times

An insightful Irish Times article with experienced fintech and financial services board director Peter Oakes, on due diligence, diversity and the power of a continuous learning.

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EU Omnibus Proposal | CSRD, CSDDD and EU Taxonomy

Expert insights from Orla Carolan, former member, EFRAG Secretariat for European Sustainability Reporting Standards. This piece addresses the new EU “Omnibus” proposal issued on 26th February 2025, including CSRD, EU Taxonomy and the CSDDD.

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Where is the World Going in 2025 and Beyond?

Expert insights from Alan Tyrrell CDir, Senior Managing Director, Teneo Ireland.

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DORA/NIS2 compliance can be a competitive advantage as well as an obligation | TechCentral.ie

The introduction of DORA and NIS2 has presented organisations with a challenge in how they should respond to and deal with cyber risk and resilience.

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Forewarned is forearmed | What will 2025 bring for Irish business

IoD Ireland CEO Caroline Spillane CDir reflects on the past year and looks to 2025 in this year in review article.  

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Becoming sustainably literate - why a director should care | Irish Times

New COP29 ISO ESG implementation principles focus of IoD ESG Programme.

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63% of Business Leaders Say Two-Party Coalition Would Be Most Progressive for Irish Business

IoD Ireland's Snap Poll 2024 reveals insights from 356 business leaders on government structures, critical business imperatives, and anticipated challenges for 2025.

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The Problem with Brand “HR”

Expert insights from Stephanie Prenderville, Founder at SPConsulting Ltd, specialising in driving business results through enabling transformation, building capabilities and enabling growth through AI. This blog has been written exclusively for IoD Ireland.

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Reflecting on Board Performance: Enhancing Governance with an IoD Ireland Board Evaluation | Business Post

Regardless of the sector, regular board evaluations have become essential.

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Educating, informing and supporting directors to lead successfully | Irish Times

Institute of Directors launches new Director Prospectus for 2025.

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