The British Bankers’ Association (BBA) and the Institute of Directors (IoD) have developed a new qualification for directors working in the financial sector.
The IoD/BBA Diploma in Company Direction aims to cover all aspects of corporate governance, directors’ responsibilities and strategy to improve business performance. Based on the Institute of Directors’ own Company Direction programme, the syllabus is tailored to meet the needs of the financial services sector.
The programme, which is structured around a series of short workshops, is aimed at people with responsibility for providing strategic leadership within financial services organisations. Those who are successful in the final assessment can apply to the Institute of Directors for the Chartered Director award which is regarded as the leading designation for company directors.
“The role of directors working within financial services has never before been under as much scrutiny as it is today,” says Sally Scutt, deputy chief executive of the BBA. “With an ever-increasing focus on professionalism and integrity demanded from Government, shareholders, the media and other stakeholders, senior managers are faced with the simple choice of improving and raising standards or facing the consequences. It is vital that directors comply with the law and gaining this formal qualification will put them in a much better position to do this.”
Chris Pierce, director of professional development at the IoD added that the course follows revisions to the Combined Code published last year. “2004 should see all companies listed on the UK stock exchange complying with its recommendations,” he says. “The trend of UK directors committing to their personal and professional development continues to grow, fuelled by the corporate governance debate. Changes in the business arena will mean that there has never been a more important time for directors to be aware of their duties and responsibilities.”
The workshops will all be held in London and the first one will take place on 19 and 20 April. Candidates must attend all workshops. The cost of the full 15 day Diploma programme is 6,450 plus VAT and further details can be obtained from the British Bankers’ Association’s training department on 020 7216 8890.