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Course Overview
The IoD Company Direction programme (Certificate and Diploma) is recognised internationally as the benchmark for directors. It provides a robust and challenging programme to meet the needs of today’s executives. It comprises the IoD Certificate in Company Direction (Certificate) and the IoD Diploma in Company Direction (Diploma).
The Certificate qualification will equip you with the core knowledge and awareness needed to function effectively as a director. Following successful completion of the Certificate, you can undertake the Diploma which will provide you with the opportunity to challenge and utilise the knowledge gained from the Certificate in an applied and dynamic way.
Course Content
The Certificate comprises four modules, each focusing on a key area in which boards and directors must collectively be proficient to achieve continued organisational success.
Module 1: Role of the Director and the Board (13 & 14 November 2025) - 09:00-17:00
Outlines the key duties, roles and responsibilities of directors, corporate governance and the role of the board. The programme also looks at the crucial differences between management, direction and ownership and offers guidance on improving board effectiveness.
Module 2: Finance for Non-Finance Directors (19, 20 & 21 January 2026) - 09:00-17:00
Provides in-depth knowledge of financial terms and concepts to allow you to monitor the financial health of your business and evaluate new business plans with confidence.
Module 3: Strategy for Directors (09, 10 & 11 March 2026) - 09:00-17:00
Enables you to explore strategic leadership issues both within and beyond your organisation. This module introduces a more personalised approach to leadership. You will be encouraged to understand and develop your own self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
Module 4: Leadership for Directors (13 & 14 May 2026) - 09:00-17:00
Introduces you to the key ideas and concepts for creating an effective organisational strategy. It considers the main approaches to strategic direction and marketing within the organisation, and will assist you in your role of leading the strategic process.
Following successful completion of the Certificate you can choose to undertake the Diploma in Company Direction. The Diploma is a three-day development workshop entitled Developing Board Performance (14, 15 & 16 September 2026) - 09:00-17:00, which enables you to practice application, analytical skills and decision-making in a realistic but safe environment. This develops and enhances your ability to apply principles covered at Certificate level.
For those with time or financial constraints, there is the flexibility to defer some modules until a later date but please note that a deferral fee will apply (see below for all fees).
FEES
- Full programme: £11,545 IoD member (£14,685 non-member)
- Certificate: £9,335 IoD member (£11,545 non-member)
- Diploma: £3,275 IoD member (£4,630 non-member)
- One module of the Certificate: £2,725 IoD member (£3,015 non-member)
- Deferring a module of the Certificate: £350 per module
- Deferring the Diploma when the full programme is booked: £625
Benefits
This accredited and globally recognised programme sits as an equivalent to degree level. It is delivered by directors for directors, covers the key areas of governance, finance, strategy and leadership and provides you with a foundation in effective directorship as follows:
- An in-depth view of the role, responsibilities and legal duties of a director
- An understanding of the characteristics of an effective board
- Sound knowledge of financial terms and concepts
- The issues and processes associated with formulating strategic business plans and achieving strategic leadership
Completion of the IoD Company Direction programme allows you to apply for the prestigious qualification of Chartered Director – the ultimate qualification for today’s director.
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