Institute of Directors (IoD): Professional Development Programmes




This is an important time for advances in director and senior-level professional development, both in terms of key developments in the business arena and planned growth for development products in support of business needs.

In fact, the trend of UK directors committing to their personal and professional development continues to grow, fuelled by the corporate governance debate. Changes in the business arena will mean that there has never been a more important time for senior decision makers to be aware of their duties and responsibilities.

STRATEGY LIFE CYCLES

It is no great secret that business has become more complex and organisations more difficult to manage given the increasing rate and pace of change in recent times. Nothing in business can be taken for granted. Not only are we to be concerned with shortening product life cycles but also on the agenda has to be the acceptance of shortening strategy life cycles. What may have been very successful historically has no guarantee of working in a new and most certainly different environment. This naturally presents executives with very different strategic challenges.

Directors must now understand a broader range of issues than previously. In addition, there is an increasing focus on the professionalism of directors, both individually and collectively as a board, from the Government, the media and stakeholders.

SKILL GAPS

Essential skills for directors can be acquired through a number of channels. To maximise the efficiency of the board, each organisation should put procedures in place to monitor any skills gap within the board, which might affect short or long-term performance. This will help ensure that the organisation enjoys continued survival and growth.

Professional development should not, however, be seen as merely 'training'. Effective director development is much more structured and can consist of a number of strands, all aimed at developing a different area of the director's skills and knowledge.

THE INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS

The Institute of Directors focuses on directors' development needs in both the public and private sector. We provide a unique offering of products and services designed by directors for directors, providing the maximum benefit for achieving business excellence. All can be tailored to meet the needs of individuals and boards.

The range of products and services offered assesses the needs of prospective, newly appointed and experienced directors from all sizes of business. It includes:

  • Short courses – one or two day practical courses using the latest case study material
  • Development programmes – made up of short flexible courses the programmes provide practical guidance for today’s director. All programmes can lead to a recognised qualification and the professional qualification for directors, Chartered Director
  • Board development services – the services are designed to offer a bespoke solution for the whole board including workshops, in-company training and accredited development programmes and consultancy
  • Executive coaching and mentoring – a tailored service driven by the needs of the client

Members of the IoD receive a significant discount on all director development services.