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Booked out
Please note this workshop is now booked out. However, if you wish to be added to a cancellation list, we will try our best to get you a place.
Reach out to Gillian, our Learning and Education Manager to be added to our cancellation list or if you would like more information about our upcoming workshops by emailing [email protected] or calling +353 1 411 0010.
Overview
Take the first step in your journey to the boardroom.
Learn the steps needed to become a successful director. Join experienced governance expert and Chartered Director Carol Bolger CDir.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the journey to becoming an effective board director, including the competencies, skills, and mindset required.
- Describe the role and responsibilities of non-executive directors, and how they differ from executive board roles.
- Apply the fundamentals of good corporate governance, including statutory duties, fiduciary responsibilities, and conformance/performance expectations.
- Evaluate personal readiness for board service and identify practical steps to build a tailored “board-ready” action plan.
- Undertake due diligence on potential board appointments to ensure alignment with personal skills, values, and availability.
Who is this workshop for?
This session is designed for:
- Aspiring board members seeking to understand the requirements and pathways to a first directorship.
- Newly appointed directors aiming to strengthen their understanding of governance and board effectiveness.
- Senior executives considering a transition to non-executive or independent non-executive director roles.
- Professionals preparing to serve on state boards, not-for-profit boards, or commercial boards.
- Advisors and senior managers who work closely with boards and want deeper governance insight.
What people are saying
“I undertook the workshop because I am currently the Chairperson of the Board of a small organisation and I am looking to extend my Board portfolio. I found the workshop extremely practical and informative. The facilitator was very experienced and provided interesting examples to help apply the learning to real life scenarios. I would definitely recommend this workshop and I look forward to further learning with IoD Ireland."
Mary Lynch, Consultant & Owner, Modality Consulting
“The workshop covered many areas directorship l had not given a lot of thought to before and having attended this morning gives me a much better understanding going ahead. I now have a handbook at hand to refer to which will be a great help going ahead.”
Workshop Attendee
“Carol has a great wealth of knowledge. It was a really great introduction for someone just starting out on their board member journey. It really clarifies the requirements and responsibilities that come with the role.”
Workshop Attendee
“Carol Bolger's delivery of the Getting Board Ready workshop was excellent; insightful, inclusive, clear, comprehensive, the breakout rooms were enjoyable and just enough. Most enjoyable.”
Workshop Attendee
"The workshop was very useful, providing focus and practical insights from the very experienced presenter (Carol), it helped me prepare for my subsequent roles as INED. I have referred back to the materials and approaches on several occasions and would recommend this course to anyone considering a Board of Director role."
Karen Forte, INED in Financial Services
Carol Bolger Board Assessor
Carol Bolger is a Chartered Director, Certified Bank Director, and a highly experienced Independent Non-Executive Director with a strong track record in governance, board effectiveness, and leadership development. She has significant Board Chair experience across a number of organisations and is an Accredited Executive Coach, bringing both strategic insight and interpersonal acumen to her work. Carol is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading Board assessors. She has been conducting Board evaluations on behalf of IoD Ireland for over a decade, working with a wide range of organisations across the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Her approach combines deep governance knowledge with a practical understanding of Boardroom dynamics. Carol engages closely with Boards to assess performance against best practice, facilitate open reflection, and identify meaningful improvements that support high-performing, future-focused governance. In addition to her board assessor work, Carol is an IoD Ireland Faculty member. She is the course leader on the Governance and Diploma modules of the IoD Ireland Chartered Director Programme and delivers a Getting Board Ready workshop.
Is this eligible for CPD?
Eligible hours: 2.5 hours of Chartered Director CPD.
This session may be eligible for other professional body CPD. Check with your relevant professional body.
What is the cost?
- IoD members - €280
- Non-members - €350
Cancellation and refund policy
Places can only be confirmed on receipt of full payment. Cancellations and a full refund will be accepted if received in writing to [email protected] by Wednesday, 24th September 2025. After this date, no refund will be possible, and all fees will be forfeited in the event of a cancellation or non-attendance.
Group bookings
Contact the IoD Ireland training team on [email protected]or phone +353 1 411 0010.
Want to connect with fellow workshop participants?
All workshop attendees will receive a list of all other workshop participants in advance of the session. This will include name, job title and organisation. If you have any queries around this please contact the Learning and Education Team.
For GDPR reasons, we cannot provide contact details on the attendee list.
How do I attend?
To reserve your space, book and pay through the "Book now" button.
Once registered, we’ll send an email to confirm your booking.
We'll also send a joining instruction email closer to the date of the workshop. You must click the link and confirm your details to receive the direct link to join the workshop.
The event will take place on Zoom. Download Zoom if you don’t have it already. Please ensure you have a working microphone and camera to take part in our interactive workshop.
Questions?
Reach out to Gillian, our Learning and Education Manager, if you would like more information about our upcoming workshops by emailing [email protected] or calling +353 1 411 0010.
