IoD Competency Framework

The IoD Director Competency Framework, the only framework of this kind for directors, is designed to promote and champion the highest standards of professional competence on the part of directors and equivalent leaders of companies and other organisations.

We have developed the framework based on consultation with high-performing directors and boards, alongside research and best practice distilled from the IoD’s extensive experience of working with people in senior management roles and leaders around the world for more than 110 years. It sets out the skills, knowledge and mind-set that a director needs to perform effectively as a board member.

Within each of the three dimensions (Knowledge, Skills and Mind-Set) you’ll discover a set of core competencies and actionable standards enabling you to assess your strengths, identify areas for performance improvement and plan your professional development.

What is a competency framework?

A competency framework aims to provide guidelines for a wide range of working behaviours, usually based on the core values of an organisation.

Developing a competency framework helps to define a set of mind-set attributes (e.g. independence or professionalism), skills (e.g. communication or leadership) or knowledge (e.g. strategy or finance) that are desirable traits for individuals working for your organisation.

The Director Competency Framework is built around three dimensions

1. Knowledge – the director’s understanding and appropriate application of essential practical and theoretical information
2. Skills – the expertise that a director brings to their role
3. Mind-set – the attitude and disposition that shapes a director’s responses and behaviour

Each of the 15 competencies is defined by a clear purpose and a set of demonstrable standards

Although experience is an important route to gaining professional competence, the IoD’s experience shows that high-performing directors take support, guidance and training at various stages of their career.

Competencies may be achieved through a combination of experience and informal learning, as well as through formal training and IoD qualifications.