08.04.2026

Transformational leadership programme returns for a second year

After a successful inaugural programme in 2025, the Global Certificate in Company Direction - from the Institute of Directors (IoD) in collaboration with The University of St Andrews Business School is returning for 2026.

The IoD and The University of St Andrews Business School have leveraged the insights gained last year to deliver an even more impactful, strategically focused programme. Welcoming business leaders from around the globe, ensuring high-calibre networking opportunities, the six-and-a-half-day residential course aims to empower directors to meet the complex challenges of the global business landscape.

Participants will explore essential topics, including the role of the board in corporate governance, professional growth and measurement, and strategy development. Following feedback, the course will be bringing back the unique boardroom simulation which allows the global cohort to experience real-world scenarios that mirror today’s governance challenges in a boardroom environment.

The course also features high-profile speakers covering critical themes such as environmental, social factors, artificial intelligence and crisis management, with the week culminating in a key-note speech from iconic environmental and consumer activist, Erin Brockovich (pictured above).

Commenting on her experience of last year’s course, Helena McLeod, global executive and course delegate said: “The Global Certificate in Company Direction has been a transformative experience. The insights from world-class speakers like Erin Brockovich and the practical tools provided by the programme have been inspiring and have deepened and reshaped how I approach leadership and governance. I feel robustly equipped to lead complex boards and organisations with confidence, grace and drive meaningful, sustainable impact."

The course for visionary leaders will be run by a mixture of IoD subject experts and academics from The University of St Andrews Business School. Those completing the course, will leave with a globally recognised board-level qualification.

Jonathan Geldart, Director General of the IoD, said: "We are excited to bring back this transformational programme for a second year. The feedback we received from our inaugural year made the value of the course overwhelmingly clear. Together, the IoD and The University of St Andrews Business School bring 734 years of combined learning and leadership expertise, which is invaluable as we face geopolitical, technological and environmental disruption.

“This programme is delivering transformational impact in boardrooms across the world, creating leaders who are empowered to tackle real-world challenges with confidence, expertise, responsibility and vision.”

Professor Mark Brewer, Dean and Head of School at The University of St Andrews Business School, said: “The University of St Andrews Business School is proud to build on its established collaboration with the Institute of Directors in delivering the Global Certificate in Company Direction Programme. Taught jointly by IoD experts and staff from our Business School and School of International Relations, the programme offers senior executives a rigorous, practice-focused learning experience in the distinctive setting of St Andrews. We are delighted to welcome an international cohort in October 2026 to strengthen their board-level expertise, broaden their networks, and achieve the globally recognised IoD Certificate in Company Direction qualification.”

The programme will take place from 1pm Saturday 10 October to 4:30pm Friday 16 October 2026 at the Fairmont Hotel (plus virtual delivery Monday 30 November - Wednesday 2 December 2026).

Learn more about the programme by visiting https://www.iod.com/professional-development/chartered-director-programme/global-certificate-in-company-direction/.

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