The case for continuous learning
The University of St Andrews Business School and the Institute of Directors (IoD) recently announced a partnership that will deliver an innovative new Executive Education programme with the aim of redefining board leadership. Jonathan Geldart (MA 1980), Director General of the Institute of Directors (IoD) and alumnus of the University of St Andrews discusses the importance of investing in professional development beyond the early career years.
Last year, we asked our chartered director community at the IoD for feedback on the value of training and qualification. We had a fantastic response, with 93% of members stating that they use their learning from our professional development courses on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
The IoD is one of the world’s largest professional networks, and so receiving this feedback demonstrates just how important, relevant and useful continuous professional development is for directors, for anyone who serves on a board, or who aspires to do so.
In May 2025, we announced the launch of our new Global Certificate in Company Direction, created 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, and equipes them with the knowledge, skills, and strategic insight to lead effectively.
Leadership in uncertain times
Gone are the days when professionals only undertook training early in their careers. The importance of continuous professional development is now well understood at senior levels. With the world changing constantly, no-one can afford to think that they know everything. Leaders and organisations must strive to anticipate change and be ready to meet the challenges – political, economic, digital, sustainable, global – that invariably lie ahead.
Many of these changes will be out of directors’ control, but they must still manage the consequences. In the past few months alone we’ve seen geopolitical turbulence, the dismantling of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) policies and initiatives, tariffs, deregulation, and more.
The IoD’s Annual Policy Outlook: Trends, risks and opportunities for business in 2025 looks at this in more detail but ultimately it’s difficult to know what’s coming next. Whatever lies ahead, we can be fairly certain it won’t be the status quo.
As a result of these uncertain times, governance and leadership, too, are constantly changing. The skills, knowledge and mindset required by leaders today are very different to what was called for 10, 20 or 30 years ago. Leaders must grapple with growing turbulence, rapid change, and new ways of doing business. The events and actions of one country can reverberate across the world at lightning speed, and leaders must be able to react and adapt at speed in response.
Against this backdrop of constant upheaval, personality politics and economic headwinds, effective governance and strong leadership are more important than ever.
The role of training
Governance and leadership training ensure board members and teams are equipped to navigate the world today, and of the future. Our IoD programmes explore strategic decision-making, leaderships skills, governance, high-performing teams, change, and sustainability. All are key skills for directors.
Investing in your professional development also broadens horizons and can help you to make the next move in your career. A significant majority (89%) of our chartered director community said that IoD accreditation helped them to secure a new board role.
A proactive approach
It’s not always easy to make the time but taking that proactive approach towards continuous learning and development ultimately gives directors the space and opportunity they need to explore new concepts, hone their skills, and challenge the established ways of doing things (including their own ways!), in a safe and supportive environment.
Directors don’t have an easy task. They must ensure the board meets its legal and fiduciary responsibilities while also being strategic and forward-thinking. Our mantra at the IoD is ‘better directors for a better world’ and our programmes and community help directors to be the best versions of themselves.
Enrolling is the first step to becoming part of a much wider community, both during and after the programme. Once in that community, you’ll find a cohort of fellow learners from a diverse range of industries, and there is much to be learned from one another. Challenges and environments may differ, perspectives may vary, but all of that creates an invaluable learning journey. Diversity of thinking helps ensure a healthy board.
Find out more about the new Global Certificate in Company Direction, delivered in partnership with the University of St Andrews Business School.