Company Directors' Course

The Company Directors’ Course (CDC) is IoD’s flagship governance course and a core part of the director development pathway, including progression towards Chartered Member status. It’s designed for people who are already working in or alongside boardrooms - current and aspiring directors, as well as senior executives who report to boards and want a clearer understanding of how governance works in practice.

Delivered over five and a half days, the course focuses on the role of the director and the responsibilities that come with it. You’ll work through real-world scenarios, boardroom simulations and case studies that reflect the kinds of issues and decisions directors face, and explore how good governance supports effective organisations.

Throughout the course, the emphasis is on practical judgement - building confidence in how you think, question and contribute at the board table.

The CDC is offered in a range of formats, including residential, non-residential and an offshore experience currently held in Rarotonga. Whichever format you choose, you’ll cover the same core content and gain the same insights from IoD’s leading governance programme.

Upcoming CDC dates

We now offer the Company Directors’ Course Kaupapa Māori, a wānanga grounded in te ao Māori and shaped by the mana of Waiwhetū Marae.In this programme, the rigour of the Company Directors’ Course is woven with tikanga, whakawhanaungatanga, and learning that is connected to people, place and purpose. Anchored in the traditions and mātauranga of the marae, this experience offers a richly cultural, relational and transformative pathway for directors to grow their leadership.

Expressions of interest for the Company Directors’ Course Kaupapa Māori are now open.

Company Directors' Course residential

Focus, connect and learn in a dedicated environment. Stay onsite at a premium venue for the full duration of the course with accommodation and meals included. The evenings include a mix of planned sessions, group dinners and time to reflect or connect with peers. This format is ideal if you want to step away from day-to-day demands and fully immerse yourself in the learning experience.

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Company Directors' Course non-residential

Attend in-person each day and return home in the evenings – giving you flexibility without the overnight stay, while still benefiting from the full course content. This is a great option for those who want flexibility and prefer to balance learning with other commitments.

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Company Directors' Course Rarotonga

Take your learning offshore and experience the full residential course in Rarotonga. You will complete the course alongside local Rarotongan attendees, creating space for diverse perspectives, regional connection and shared learning. You will also stay onsite at the course venue and take part in evening sessions and social activities as part of the experience. This option suits those wanting to combine professional development with a unique destination learning experience.

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Company Directors' Course Kaupapa Māori

Engage in learning grounded in te ao Māori and shaped by the mana of Waiwhetū Marae. In this wānanga, the rigour of the Company Directors’ Course is woven with tikanga, whakawhanaungatanga, and learning that is connected to people, place, and purpose. Anchored in the traditions and mātauranga of the marae, this experience offers a richly cultural, relational, and transformative pathway for directors to grow their leadership.

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Testimonials

"We had a great set of speakers who spanned the breadth of competencies required of directors. Plenty of opportunity to put the concepts into practice through director simulations throughout the week. Not to mention the great group I was with..."

- Michele Frey CMInstD, Napier

"Good education is essential, and for governance it is no different. It is important to embed the core principles of governance, understand what they mean and be able to successfully implement them in any board situation. The IoD facilitators all had “hard hat” real board experiences they were able to share with us."

- Mike Lay CMInstD, Leeston