Chartered Director Status

Objectives

The final stage of the Chartered Director Programme recognises the high standards and capabilities needed to be a director and leader in today’s world. It will:

• serve as an endorsement of your skills, professionalism and knowledge of corporate governance best-practice
• allow you to access special events that will broaden your network and keep you informed of the latest insights

Benefits

Chartered director status signals that you’re committed to your role and the contribution you make as a director or leader of your organisation.

Eligibility

To be admitted as a Chartered Director you must:

• be a full member or Fellow of the IoD
• have obtained a pass or above in the Certificate in Company Direction
• have obtained a pass or above in the Diploma in Company Direction in the last 10 years

You must also be able to demonstrate:

• substantial experience in one or more director or equivalent roles for a period of three full years during the last ten years
• for each directorship, that the board is autonomous and formally constituted, and comprises at least three directors – executive and non-executive
• that you participate in regular board meetings
• that you work for an organisation that has a minimum of five employees and generates a minimum turnover of £250,000 per annum

Roles or experience that date more than 10 years prior to the date of application will not be considered. The role(s) you detail in your application should include at least one that has been held in the last five years. You will need to have served a minimum of one year in post for each role you list in your application.

Assessment process

The Chartered Director Programme consists of three stages:

1. Certificate in Company Direction Qualification
   This is the first stage and provides the core knowledge, skills, and understanding required to effectively fulfil the duties of a company director.
2. Diploma in Company Direction Qualification
   After achieving the Certificate, candidates progress to the Diploma. This stage focuses on applying the knowledge gained in practical, real-world board scenarios.
3. Chartered Director Status
   Once the eligibility criteria are met, candidates can apply to become a Chartered Director. This final stage involves an interview assessment that evaluates your experience, judgement, and effectiveness as a director in practice.

The assessment is based on five areas central to organisational direction and governance:

• vision, purpose, values and ethics
• strategic thinking and stakeholder management
• delegation to management
• discharging your duties as a director and as a competent member of a collective and responsible body
• exercising effective and accountable leadership

Maintaining your status

Our Royal Charter and the Code of Professional Conduct requires that our chartered directors complete a minimum of 30 hours of CPD per year – a sample of which is audited annually. This requirement promotes reflective practice, giving you the freedom to determine what learning is valuable to you. Explore our range of CPD here.