Thought Leadership Articles

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. Final places now enrolling for January 2026.

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

In today’s environment of increasing complexity and accountability, the question of when a board was last independently evaluated is not just rhetorical — it’s a governance imperative.

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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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NIS2: What I need to know as a Director

By Brian Honan, CEO and Founder, BH Consulting; Chairman of the Advisory Board, Cyber Ireland; and Member of Advisory Group, European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA).

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Putting ESG at the heart of decision making in the boardroom | Business Post

The ESG Fundamentals for Directors short programme from the Institute of Directors Ireland is an opportunity to lead on and implement sound ESG policies in your organisation and with business partners.

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Diversity is just good for business

Expert insights by Margot Slattery CDir, Global Head of Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Social Sustainability, ISS.

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Artificial Intelligence: The days of siloed AI are (or should be) over

Expert insights by Austin Boyle, Managing Director and Head of Technology, Accenture in Ireland.

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How directors should create a digital culture on their board

Expert insights from Garvan Callan, Founder, ONEZERO1. This thought leadership article has been written exclusively for IoD Ireland.

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Next generation leadership: Leaving the individual and the organisation “Net Better Off”

Expert insights by Aidan McHugh, Partner, BDO. Aidan outlines key themes such as: the multi-generational work force; customer v employee centricity; the idea of Net Better Off; while maintaining growth and margins.

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Building a robust digital and innovation strategy from the boardroom | Business Post

A brand new programme from IoD Ireland for executive and non-executive directors will empower boards to lead a clear and concise digital strategy for their organisation. This article was originally posted on Business Post on behalf of IoD Ireland.  

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Holding a mirror up to the board | The Irish Times

With organisations increasingly dependent on the effectiveness of their boards for success and growth, regular board evaluations are becoming critically important. This article was originally posted on The Irish Times on behalf of IoD Ireland.  

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Preparing for the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD): What your organisation needs to know

Expert insights by Dr Rachel Widdis, Director EMEA, at Article One and Adjunct Assistant Professor, Business and Human Rights, School of Law, Trinity College Dublin.

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IoD economic update

Expert insights by Jim Power, Economist. This thought leadership article has been written exclusively for IoD Ireland.

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Three key financial call outs for boards and directors

Expert insights by Kevin McConnell, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

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Five questions boards should ask to ensure a sustainable supply chain

Expert insights by Marion O'Donnell, Sustainable Investing Advisor.

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How to prepare your business for the EU Artificial Intelligence Act

Expert insights by Barry Scannell, Solicitor, Consultant-Technology Department, William Fry.

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Charity board directors - New legislation on the way

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

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A board director’s role in overseeing cyber security risk | Business Post

Learn how to manage your organisation’s cyber security risk and the necessary compliance and regulatory/legal measures that need to be implemented. This article was originally posted on Business Post on behalf of IoD Ireland.  

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Building Trust and Confidence in Charities - How You Can Help

Expert insights by Helen Martin, Chief Executive, Charities Regulator.

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Corporate Boards and AI Risk – A Pragmatic Approach

Expert insights by Barry Scannell, Solicitor, Consultant-Technology Department, William Fry. Barry specialises in artificial intelligence (AI), copyright, IP, technology law and data protection.

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The EU AI Act: Understanding the Implications for Irish Businesses

Expert insights from Aidan Connolly, Chief Executive Officer, Idiro Analytics

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Enhancing CSRD Reporting Preparedness for Financial Institutions

Expert insights from Sean MacHale, Partner, EY Financial Services, and Head of Climate Change Advisory and Sustainable Services, CCaSS

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Recent High-Profile Security Breaches – A Wake Up Call for Directors & Board Members

Expert insights from Bill McCluggage, Chief Information Officer Expert.

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‘Green Bleaching’ and Other Unintended Consequences of SFDR

Expert insights from Mark Seavers, Chief Investment Officer, IQ-EQ Fund Management Ireland Ltd, part of the IQ-EQ Group.

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An NCSC Update on Cyber Security Measures and Developments

Expert insights from Richard Browne, Director, National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

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Four Trends Companies Need to Address that will Shape the Future of Business

Expert insights from Austin Boyle, Head of Technology, Accenture in Ireland.

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Why Passwords are Not Enough: The Power of Multi-Factor Authentication for Business Security

Expert insights from John Heerey, Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO), IT Force, an Ekco company.

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Emotional Intelligence: 5 Steps to Amplify Your Impact as a Leader

Daire Coffey, CDir, Executive Coach, Non-Executive Director and founder of Perspectives. She is co-author (with Deirdre Murray) of ‘Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – A Leadership Imperative!

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The Business Case for Disability Inclusion

Expert insights by Christabelle Feeney, Director, Employers For Change at the Open Doors Initiative. This blog has been written exclusively for IoD Ireland.

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Four Factors Businesses Need to Consider as They Plan for the Metaverse

Expert insights by David Kirwan, Head of Technology, Accenture Ireland. This blog has been written exclusively for IoD Ireland.

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Why Gender Diversity Merits More Board Attention

Expert insights from Aileen O’Toole CDir, Chartered Director and Co-Founder of WomanUp, a training and advisory consultancy whose mission is to expand the number of women in the female talent pipeline.

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Over One in Ten of Menopausal Women are Leaving the Workplace Due to their Symptoms

Expert insights by Loretta Dignam, CEO & Founder, The Menopause Hub. This blog has been written exclusively for IoD Ireland.

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Budget 2023 Preview

Expert insights by Jim Power, Economist and Media Commentator. This blog has been written exclusively for IoD Ireland members.

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How the Charities Governance Code is Making a Difference

Expert insights by Helen Martin, Chief Executive, Charities Regulator. This blog has been written exclusively for IoD Ireland.

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