Global Certificate in Company Direction
Our boardroom excellence programme
The Global Certificate in Company Direction is an exceptional executive education programme, created by the Institute of Directors (IoD) in collaboration with the University of St Andrews Business School. This prestigious programme empowers directors to meet the complex challenges of the global business landscape. It will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and strategic insight to lead effectively.
Fast-track your director development
Gain a globally recognised degree-level qualification that accelerates your leadership journey and enhances your global credentials.
World-class faculty leadership for directors
Expert-led sessions designed by directors for directors provide cutting-edge insights on corporate strategy, board dynamics, and finance and empower you with actionable insights and leadership strategies to excel in your role as a leading director.
Immersive boardroom simulations
Experience real-world scenarios that mirror today’s governance challenges in a high-stakes boardroom environment. Refine your strategic decisionmaking skills in a safe and supportive environment.
High-profile speakers and faculty
Participate in engaging in-person masterclasses with renowned thought leaders and industry pioneers on critical global business trends, including the iconic environmental activist and consumer advocate Erin Brockovich.
High-calibre networking and executive coaching
Join a powerful peer group of international business leaders, create lifelong connections, participate in executive coaching sessions, and access global business leaders who will shape your future board success.
Luxury meets learning
Experience six and a half days of learning in a luxurious, distraction-free setting, with gourmet dining, spa treatments, championship golf, and scenic coastal views at Fairmont St Andrews.
Express your interest
Please complete the form below to express your interest in the Global Certificate in Company Direction. We will send you an invitation to an information session shortly after.
Dates and prices
The programme is delivered via in-person residential learning with virtual sessions.
The residential session will occur at the Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews from October 18–24, 2025, followed by a virtual session from December 2–4, 2025.
The listed cost covers the entire programme.
To pay by credit or debit card, click the ‘Book’ button below. For invoice payments, please contact us at [email protected]
The IoD is an organisation that exists for the public good and is designed to support directors in effectively running businesses in the public interest. Better directors mean better-run businesses; better businesses mean a better economy. And a better economy means a better world.
This collaboration brings together the academic excellence of St Andrews and the IoD’s unmatched expertise in corporate governance. The Global Certificate in Company Direction is for leaders who want to drive meaningful change and excel in their boardroom roles. By combining real-world case studies, peer learning and cutting-edge research, this programme offers a transformative experience for directors worldwide.
Meet our delivery team
IoD faculty
St Andrews faculty
Professor Ruth Woodfield
Professor of Equalities & Organisation and Vice-Dean of Research & Impact
Biography
Dr Marcel Lukas
Vice-Dean of Executive Education and Senior Lecturer in Banking and Finance
Biography
John Ferguson
Co-Director of the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research (CSEAR)
BiographyFAQs
- Programme overview
- Programme structure and modules
- Learning experience
- Location and venue
- Outcomes and recognition
- Admissions and logistics
- Finding out more and registration
What is the IoD Global Certificate in Company Direction?
It’s a prestigious boardroom governance and leadership programme co-delivered by the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the University of St Andrews Business School. It empowers senior leaders to navigate complex boardroom challenges with global strategic insight.
Who is this programme for?
It’s designed for senior executives, board members, non-executive directors, C-suite leaders, and family business owners across all sectors who are seeking to enhance their governance, leadership, and strategic skills.
Who should attend this programme?
The participant profile will be typically made up of:
- Senior executives who regularly interact with organisational boards
- Executive board members looking to transition to a non-executive board role
- CEOs, COOS, CFOs and other C-Suite executives, as well as controlling shareholders and family members of boards and family companies
Participants from all industries and ownership types are welcome, including publicly held, private equity-owned, family-controlled, government and voluntary and community sectors.
What makes our participants unique?
- Diversity of experience – Each cohort brings together individuals from various sectors, industries, and cultural backgrounds, creating a dynamic environment for peer-to-peer learning.
- Commitment to growth – Participants are united by their ambition to lead with purpose, adapt to the evolving demands of the global marketplace, and implement governance practices that deliver real-world impact.
- Collaborative spirit – Through interactive learning and shared challenges, participants build lasting networks that support their personal and professional growth long after the programme concludes.
What topics are covered in the programme?
The four core modules are:
- Strategy for Directors
- Leadership for Directors
- Role of the Director and the Board
- Finance for Non-Finance Directors
How is the programme delivered?
It includes a six-and-a-half-day residential at Fairmont St Andrews (Oct 18–24, 2025) and a follow-up three-day virtual component (Dec 2–4, 2025).
Are there exams?
Yes. Participants take four exams (45 minutes each, multiple-choice format) that assess the content of the four modules. Successful completion leads to the Certificate in Company Direction.
What makes this programme unique?
It features immersive boardroom simulations, world-class faculty, premium keynote speakers like Erin Brockovich, luxury accommodations, executive coaching sessions and high-calibre networking opportunities.
Who are some of the featured speakers and faculty?
Faculty includes:
- Dr. Simon Haslam (Strategy)
- Janhavi Dadarkar (Leadership)
- Sheelagh Duffield (Governance)
- Talita Ferrera (Finance)
Featured keynote and masterclass speakers include:
- Erin Brockovich (in person) – environmental advocate
- Hamish Taylor – former CEO of Eurostar & Sainsbury’s Bank
- Dame Sue Street – governance expert and former Permanent Secretary
- Dr. Erin Young – expert in AI and tech governance
- Professor Phillips O’Brien – expert in geopolitics and international relations
- John Browett – former CEO of Dunelm, Dixons and Monsoon Accessorize, and Senior Vice President of Retail at Apple and Group Operations Development Director at Tesco.
Are there additional experiences included?
Yes, including:
- Masterclasses on Sustainability, AI, governance, strategy, and innovation
- A three-course whisky pairing dinner and private tour at Kingsbarns Distillery
- One-on-one virtual executive coaching sessions
- Networking with high-calibre peers
- IoD membership for one year
Where is the residential held?
At the five-star Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland. It features gourmet dining, spa treatments, championship golf, and coastal views.
What qualification will I receive?
The IoD Certificate in Company Direction — a globally respected governance qualification, awarded upon successful exam completion.
You will also receive a certificate in module completion from the University of St Andrews Business School and the IoD.
Is this a step toward becoming a Chartered Director?
Yes, this programme forms part of the IoD’s Chartered Director pathway.
What is a Chartered Director?
A Chartered Director is a prestigious credential awarded to individuals who have shown exceptional corporate governance and leadership skills. It is the flagship qualification of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and recognises one’s abilities as a director.
To earn this status, candidates must complete a programme that includes the Certificate in Company Direction and the Diploma in Company Direction and conclude with the Chartered Director Qualification, which assesses their business experience.
This qualification highlights the importance of good governance, strategic thinking, and accountable leadership. It is recognised internationally and provides valuable networking opportunities and insights into best practices in corporate governance.
What’s the cost of the programme?
£19,500 per delegate. This includes tuition, meals, coaching, materials, and all programme experiences.
What’s included in the fee?
Full programme participation, exclusive masterclasses, one-year IoD membership, St Andrews alumni network access, coaching sessions, event invitations, and resource materials.
In addition to the course, delegates receive:
- One-year IoD membership
- Access to the St Andrews alumni network
- CPD resources and events
- Executive coaching
- Exclusive networking experiences
Accommodation
We will provide you with a code for a preferential rate to book your accommodation at the Fairmont hotel. Please email us at [email protected] to receive preferential rate information.
Will I be guaranteed a place once I book?
Offers to join this programme are at the discretion of IoD and St Andrews. The IoD and St Andrews retain overall discretion regarding the offer and/or the withdrawal of a place offer for the programme.
Terms and conditions
Read the full terms and conditions here.
How do I find out more about the programme?
Join one of our upcoming webinars or masterclass events to hear from faculty and speakers directly.
Please email us at [email protected] for more information or express your interest via this form.
Are places limited?
Yes, spots are highly limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis — early booking is strongly recommended.
How do I register my interest or sign up for a webinar?
You can register your interest here or contact the programme team at [email protected].
Here to help
Please get in touch if you have any questions about our Global Certificate in Company Direction. Our contact hours are 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday. If you would like someone from our team to contact you, please email us at [email protected] and we will get in touch within 24 hours on weekdays.