Director Handbooks
Governance for Directors on State Boards
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Governance of State Bodies
07 October 2026 9:00am - 4:30pm
Learn the duties and responsibilities of State Body Governance.
This workshop is designed to give you the assurance, insight, and practical tools to lead with confidence in this environment, taking participants through the governance of State Bodies, i.e. the systems and procedures by which they are directed, controlled, and managed.
Participants will learn about the State Bodies Code of Practice, and the responsibilities of directors and senior management. This workshop will help participants enhance their oversight and cultural leadership.
Join experienced director and former Secretary General of two Government Departments, Jim Breslin, for this full-day workshop. Whether you're already serving on a board or preparing to join one, you'll come away ready to apply best practice governance principles, evaluate frameworks, and tackle real-world challenges with confidence.
Who is this workshop for?
- The boards of Public Sector Bodies/Commercial and Semi State organisations/State Agencies.
- Member of a State Board or soon to be joining a State Board.
- Board members of State Bodies.
- Members of the Senior Leadership Team within State Bodies.
- Those charged with overseeing the governance of State Bodies.
Why should I book this Workshop?
- Recognise the unqiue governance framework within which Boards of State Bodies operate, including legal, structural, regulatory and accountability dimensions and the assoicated challenges.
- Understand the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and the core tenets of corporate governance, and apply them to real-world public governance scenarios.
- Evaluate and implement effective practices to oversee systems of internal governance and successfully relate to the external public sector governance environment including relevant Minister, parent Department and Oireachtas.
- Improve your existing or potential personal contribution to a State Board; considering the range, fit, responsibilties, expectations and ethical dimensions of such roles.
- Gain 6 hours of CPD.
Jim Breslin
Chair, Non-Executive Director and former Secretary General
Jim Breslin advises leaders, boards and governments on strategic decision-making, innovation and governance to accelerate their business transitions. He holds a range of directorships and advisory roles across the private, not for profit and public sectors including as Chair of Renewable Energy Ireland (a partnership between Ireland’s leading sustainable energy associations) and as a Board member of the Expert Oversight Body of the Defence Forces, St.Vincent’s Healthcare Group, Ashdale Care and others. He was recently appointed by Government to Chair the Local Democracy Task Force. He enjoyed a 30-year career in the Irish senior public service including as Secretary General of three different Government Departments. His qualifications include a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, an MSc (Econ) from Trinity College, a Certificate in Business and Climate Change from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership at the University of Cambridge and a Diploma and Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors. He held a Policy Leader Fellowship at the Centre for Science and Policy, University of Cambridge.
1. What is the Governance of State Bodies workshop about?
This one-day workshop covers the unique governance frameworks, responsibilities, and challenges facing directors and senior leaders within Irish State Boards.
2. What are the core topics covered in this workshop?
Key topics covered include:
- Governance framework for State Bodies
- Roles and responsibilities of the Board, Chair, and management
- Evaluating governance effectiveness and promoting a strong governance culture
3. Who is the faculty lead for this workshop?
The Governance of State Bodies workshop is led by Chair, Non-Executive Director and former Secretary General, Jim Breslin. Jim brings extensive knowledge in public sector governance and strategic leadership.
4. When and where will this workshop take place?
This workshop will take place in-person on Wednesday, 7th October 2026 at the Irish Management Institute (IMI), Sandyford Road, Dublin 16 from 9:00 am – 4:30pm.
5. How much does this workshop cost?
The price of this workshop ranges from €485 - €575, depending on IoD Ireland membership status.
6. Is this workshop right for me?
This workshop acts as both an introduction and a refresher for Irish State Body governance. It is ideal for those that are currently sit on the boards of Public Sector Bodies/Commercial and Semi-State organisations/State agencies; member of a State Body or soon to be joining a State Board; board members of State Bodies; members of the senior leadership team within State Bodies; and those charged with overseeing the governance of State Bodies.
7. How can I get more information about this workshop?
If you have any questions or would like to hear more about this workshop, reach out to our Learning and Education Manager, Gillian Roddie by emailing [email protected] or calling 01 411 0010.
Is this eligible for CPD?
Dimension covered: Governance Framework
Eligible hours: 6 hours of Chartered Director CPD
This session may be eligible for other professional body CPD.Check with your relevant professional body.
Workshop participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance on completion of the session.
To fully embrace participants’ experience and to encourage the sharing of this experience and knowledge by and with other participants, Dr Margaret Cullen will lead dynamic, interactive sessions, drawing on her own and participants’ experiences. She will integrate practical examples into the workshop and support participants in identifying key take-aways / action points.
What is the cost?
IoD members - €485
Non-members - €575
Cancellation and refund policy
Places are confirmed upon full payment. Cancellations with a full refund are accepted in writing to [email protected] until Tuesday, 30th September 2026. After this date, no refunds are possible, and all fees are forfeited for cancellations or non-attendance. Recordings will not be available as part of post-session materials.
Group bookings
Contact the IoD Ireland Learning and Education 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.
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.
Workshop material is prepared by IoD trainers and produced by the IoD wholly and exclusively for use by workshop participants. Workshop materials may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without permission in writing from IoD Ireland.
