Getting Board Ready

Booked Out

Please note this workshop is now booked out. However, if you wish to be added to a waiting 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. Become a board-ready leader.

Are you ready to take your place at the boardroom table? Learn the steps needed to become a successful director. Join experienced governance expert and Chartered Director, Carol Bolger CDir as she provides practical insights into governance fundamentals, director responsibilities, and how to build your personal director brand. 

Who is this Workshop for?

• Aspiring Board Members.
• Senior Leaders preparing for board roles.
• Professionals transitioning into governance roles. 
• Trustess of chairites or non-profits.

Why should I book this Workshop?

On completion of this workshop, participants will: 

• Understand the Journey to Board Readiness: Participants will gain clarity on the steps required to become an effective board director, including the transition from executive to non-executive roles and how to build a personal roadmap toward board membership. 
• Grasp Governance Fundamentals and Director Responsibilities: Attendees will explore the principles of good corporate governance, fiduciary duties under the Companies Act, and wider legal and ethical responsibilities of board members. 
• Develop Personal Effectiveness as a Director: The workshop will help participants identify and cultivate key attributes of effective directors - such as strategic thinking, integrity, and sound judgment - aligned with best practices and the Director Competency Framework. 
• Build a Personal Brand and Network for Board Opportunities: Participants will learn how to craft a compelling biography, enhance their LinkedIn presence, and strategically network with search firms, advisory bodies, and board-matching platforms. 
• Create a Tailored Action Plan for Board Engagement: Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of their current position, desired board roles, skills and experience gaps, and actionable next steps to pursue board appointments across sectors. 

What people are saying

"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

“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 of 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

Carol Bolger is a Chartered Director (CDir) and course leader on the Governance and Diploma modules of the IoD Chartered Director Programme and delivers on IoD’s Essential Workshop Series.

A Certified Bank Director, Carol has extensive experience from senior roles in Business & Corporate Banking at Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank.  She now serves as a non-Executive Director at BCM Global ASI Ltd and is Chair of the Audit Committee of the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine.  She is a Patron of Chapter Zero Ireland and a member of the Balance for Better Business Review Group.

Previously, she was Chair of An Post, Chair of Utexam Solutions Ltd and served on the boards of The Coombe Women & Infants Hospital, the Health & Safety Authority, and the Institute of Banking. She holds qualifications in Finance, Strategy, and Innovation from UCC and an Advanced Diploma in Executive Coaching. Carol is a Fellow of the Institute of Banking and previously held the position of Vice President.

1. What is the Getting Board Ready workshop about? 

This workshop is designed to help directors prepare for board roles by covering governance fundamentals, director responsibilities, and strategies for building a personal brand portfolio.

2. I don’t currently have a board position. Is this workshop relevant for me?

Yes. This workshop is geared toward those who are both newly appointed on a board and are also aspiring board directors looking to take the next step in their leadership career. 

3.  What are the main topics covered in this workshop? 

The key topics covered include: 

• Governance frameworks and best practices
• Director effectiveness and responsibilities 
• Building your personal director brand
• Evaluating board appointments to check they are aligned with your goals

4. Who is the faculty lead for this workshop? 

The Getting Board Ready workshop is led by experienced Chartered Director, Carol Bolger CDir who has a strong background in governance, banking and public service leadership. 

5. When and where is this workshop taking place?

The workshop will take place on Tuesday, 27th January 2026 from 9:30am to 12:30 pm. This is an online workshop which will be facilitated over Zoom.
 
6. What is the cost of this workshop? 

The price of this workshop ranges from €295 - €370, depending on IoD Ireland membership status. 

7. I’d like to learn more about this workshop. Who can I speak to? 

Please reach out to our Learning and Education Manager, Gillian Roddie if you’d like to learn more about the Getting Board Ready workshop. Contact her by emailing [email protected] or call us at 01 411 0010. 
 

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 - €295
• Non-members - €370

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, 21st January 2026. 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.