Jessica BirdThe Institute of Directors (IoD) has launched its first women-only cohort of the Accelerated Certificate in Company Direction, aimed at supporting more women into boardroom and executive roles.
The 5.5-day residential programme will take place from 14th to 19th June 2026 at the Nutfield Priory Hotel & Spa in Surrey.
The IoD said the cohort was developed in response to participant feedback, with the intention of creating a dedicated space for shared experiences and peer learning among women in senior leadership positions.
The Certificate in Company Direction is the first stage on the pathway to Chartered Director status and is recognised internationally as a governance and leadership qualification.
The accelerated format follows the structure of the IoD’s flagship programme and includes a welcome lunch guest speaker session with Sridevi Kalidindi CBE and a mid-week masterclass delivered by Anna Leach, chief economist at the IoD.
The programme also includes expert-led classroom sessions, course materials and a fully catered residential experience.
Course leaders include Talita Ferreira, Janhavi Dadarkar, Jane Bishop and Mary Campell, all of whom bring board-level and governance experience.
The IoD said the women-only cohort was introduced in response to demand for inclusive leadership development and to help address the continued underrepresentation of women at board level.
Kirsty McManus, director for professional development services at the IoD, said: “We are proud to introduce the first women-only cohort of our Accelerated Certificate in Company Direction, created in direct response to feedback from our members and delegates.
“While progress has been made, women remain underrepresented at board level, and access to high-quality, inclusive leadership development is a crucial part of changing this.
“People no longer look at what businesses and organisations say in response to this imbalance, but instead at what they do.
“At the IoD, it’s our place to lead by example and this is one of many steps we’re taking to level the playing field for women in leadership.
“This cohort provides a dedicated space for women to learn, challenge perspectives, share experiences and build powerful peer networks as they prepare for and excel in board and executive roles.
“We know diversity is good for business and by investing in the development of female leaders today, we are strengthening the quality and resilience of tomorrow’s boards.”
Delegates who complete the programme can sit module examinations to achieve the Certificate in Company Direction and continue towards Chartered Director status.
