Professional development and standards
Raising capability and standards
We believe well trained directors make better decisions, build stronger organisations and contribute positively beyond financial performance. By raising capability and standards at board level, our professional development work strengthens governance, resilience and long-term growth across sectors.
A new professional development strategy
In 2025 we launched our new strategy centred on lifelong learning as a driver of value, accountability and trust. The strategy is built on three pillars: growing the Chartered Director community, strengthening director career pathways and innovating learning design and delivery.
Director Competency Framework
In 2025 we introduced two new competencies – Sustainability and Technological Literacy – bringing the total to 16. The revised framework also integrates the IoD Code of Conduct ensuring stronger alignment between professional standards and development.
Global Certificate in Company Direction
This inaugural programme was designed and delivered in collaboration with the University of St Andrews Business School, marking a significant evolution in how the IoD supports directors to meet today’s complex leadership challenges.
Standards and quality assurance
In 2025 we introduced a new Quality Assurance Framework that clearly defines the standards, processes and checks required to maintain quality, accessibility and alignment in learning content, delivery and assessment.
Chartered Directors
Chartered Directorship is a globally recognised benchmark of governance capability and ethical leadership. It signals not only experience, but also the knowledge, judgement and accountability required to lead responsibly.
Chartered Directors
Léonie Watson CDir
For Léonie Watson, access to the digital world underpins participation in modern life. Her work supports inclusive, accessible technology beyond compliance, enabling independence and engagement while demonstrating how inclusive design delivers value for individuals and businesses.
Brian Reid CDir
For Brian Reid, the impact of a business is shaped by its people. By fostering an inclusive, supportive culture and encouraging community engagement, he enables the organisation to contribute meaningfully both internally and more widely.
Helena McLeod
For Helena McLeod, leadership is defined by responsibility to people, organisations and the wider world. Her principled approach supports individuals in challenging circumstances and recognises the role business plays in addressing broader societal and environmental issues.
Looking Ahead
We will continue to invest in our professional development offering, equipping directors with the knowledge, qualifications and support to raise standards and improve decision-making, ensuring enterprise strengthens society rather than weakens it.
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