Two directors at Barclays have achieved the Institute of Directors (IoD) Chartered Director status and are encouraging other directors in the Isle of Man to do the same.

Simon Scott, managing director of Barclays in the Isle of Man, and Philip O’Shea, risk director at Barclays, became chartered directors after completing the final stage of the IoD’s Company Direction programme last year.

The programme offers a range of courses, designed and delivered by executive level business experts from a range of industries, focusing on the essential skills that are required to successfully lead a business.

Chartered director is the only professional qualification for executive and non-executive directors that demands both knowledge and experience of how to make boards effective and a commitment to continuous professional development.

Directors wishing to become chartered must pass the IoD Certificate and Diploma in company direction before going on to the chartered level which involves compiling a professional portfolio of experience, which is assessed by an IOD professional development panel, and undergoing an interview process.

Mr Scott said: ‘Many directors stop at the IoD Diploma, but reaching chartered status demonstrates the individual’s experience at a more significant level and shows knowledge and understanding in a number of key areas including company governance, strategic thinking and leadership.

‘All members of the local Barclays board have completed the IOD Company Direction programme and have really benefitted from the qualification, so I would definitely encourage others to consider completing it to the chartered level.’

Mr O’Shea said: ‘The requirement to provide clear and specific examples of when I have demonstrated good governance as a director was a positive challenge.

‘The process of collating the evidence for my portfolio and taking part in the interview process made me reflect on my effectiveness and helped me to consider how I can continue to develop and improve in my role as a director on a board.’

The IoD programmes are ideal for directors, senior executives, owner-managers and entrepreneurs who aspire to work at strategic board room level, whether that’s in the public, private or non-for-profit sectors.

The local Institute has successfully partnered with Salford Professional Development to deliver the IoD qualifications for a number of years. This year the option of remote invigilation has been introduced so there are even more opportunities for directors to complete the assessments on-island.

All of the modules are run in the Isle of Man but there is also the option for delegates to attend the modules in Salford if the local dates aren’t suitable.

Alison Kennedy, director of executive education at Salford Professional Development, said: ‘Many directors worry that they won’t be able to fit the qualifications into their busy schedules, but the IoD Company Director programme offers huge flexibility in study dates and timing and is supported by e-learning which can be accessed any time or place.

‘The programme is often undertaken by directors who already have experience on a board but the qualification would also benefit aspiring directors as it provides the leadership and business skills required and can be a huge confidence boost for them to make that leap to a director role.’

Chairman of the Isle of Man IoD branch, Clive Parrish, said: ‘I congratulate Simon and Phil for attaining the status of chartered director as this is a qualification that we encourage all new and experienced directors to aspire to. In an increasingly complex world we would like to see more directors, across all sectors, increase their knowledge and skills and really understand why being an effective director is good for them and their business’.

The first course of the IoD Certificate programme takes place in the Isle of Man on June 19 and 20, 2017.