My journey Gordon Wilson, CDir Ambassador, IoD Guernsey

Find out what Gordon believes makes an effective director, and why taking meeting minutes can make or break a board.

Background

My role is threefold. I am a consultant with Ravenscroft Stockbrokers, a non-executive director at GYC Hospitality Lbg, and brand ambassador for a growing business in the leisure industry.

I am a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland, Finance House Diploma Holder, and a chartered director.

I have worked for many years with a UK Bank, and was appointed executive director of an Offshore Banking Group in Guernsey, followed by my appointment as marketing director of a private insurance focussed financial services business. I was then the risk director of that same business for six years, and served as a non-executive director on two listed property funds.

Why I undertook the CDir programme

As well as being an active member of the IoD for 12 years, the 2006 Companies Act prompted me to do the Chartered Director Qualification. In Guernsey, there are in excess of 700 local members, and our local Centre of Excellence for training, ‘The Guernsey Training Agency’ help to facilitate the certificate and diploma papers, which means there is a high level of local support that no other agency or institute in Guernsey can offer.

Post qualification I have focussed my energies on director duties, promotion of business, and boardroom behaviour. The Chartered Director Programme focussed my work ethics on enhancing these three vital aspects to gain best practice in the business arena.

My key learnings

The most eye-opening and memorable thing I learned from the Chartered Director Programme is the need to comply with regulation and clearly demonstrate – in minutes – the decisions and discussions held at board meetings, in order to negate any attacks on directors who are board members. Loyalty to the business must be clear and concise in order to succeed.

How the CDir programme has helped me

Networking opportunities, and the way business ideas can gain traction through fellow chartered directors is a key aspect of the courses that has helped me succeed. I also continue to ensure that my professional development commitments are appropriate, relevant and duly recorded.

Both of these important functions are enabled through the local branch of the IoD here in Guernsey, where I am the chartered director ambassador.

Why I became a chartered director ambassador

I undertook the role of chartered director ambassador for IoD Guernsey in April 2018, alongside James Ede-Golightly CDir, to ensure my skills and knowledge could add value to any business that I am associated with.

I was honoured to take on this role to best promote the unique aspects of being a chartered director, and I hope to convert members who are eligible for the qualification, by actively encouraging them to discuss the the process and the benefits or the course with local chartered director alumni.

The most important attributes for a modern director

Integrity, understanding of legal and regulatory legislation to ensure compliance, professionalism,  engagement with employees and board members, avoidance of conflicts of interest and having a full understanding of the business model.

My advice for new directors

• Ensure you have a relevant induction programme
• Keep notes and clear records of board meetings
• Don’t be scared to challenge dominant directors

Get Involved

To find out more about becoming a Chartered Director click here, or to take part and complete a testimonial for the Chartered Director hub, get in touch here.