Co-op directors start 2025 bespoke leadership diploma
A group of 24 co-operative leaders have started a leadership in food business programme tailored specifically for directors in their sector.
The participants will comprise the 2025 intake for the Diploma in Corporate Direction (Food Business) delivered by University College Cork (UCC), in partnership with Skillnet, the learning and development division of Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS).
The diploma programme has run every second year since its launch in 2013.
It is structured to enhance the skills of directors and managers in corporate governance within the agri-business sector, with an emphasis on sustainability.
Over the past decade, ICOS Skillnet has trained more than 28,000 co-operative participants across 140 programmes.
2025 participants
This year's participants include farmer directors and senior figures of: Arrabawn; Aurivo; Bandon; Barryroe; Dairygold; Drinagh; Kerry Dairy Ireland; Lakeland Dairies; Lisavaird; Tirlán; and Callan.
Head of Learning and Development at ICOS Skillnet, Billy Goodburn, said, 'Irish co-operatives are at the heart of one of Europe's most progressive food sectors.
'This programme empowers co-op directors to provide considered guidance and direction within their co-operatives as they navigate a rapidly evolving operating environment.
'Leadership today must be informed, resilient, and responsive, and this diploma is a proven catalyst for those qualities.'
During their academics , participants will analyse emerging issues such as climate leadership, stakeholder engagement, digital innovation and sustainable value chains.
UCC programme director, Dr. Bridget Carrollat, said, 'We're proud to continue this unique partnership with ICOS Skillnet in support of co-operative success.
'The calibre and commitment of our participants demonstrate a collective ambition to lead Irish co-operatives into a more sustainable and competitive future, in a sector that creates major value for farming communities and the economy.'
Testimonials
Now entering its seventh cycle, the diploma is specifically designed to support directors of co-operative food businesses in developing their expertise in corporate governance, strategy, sustainability, and organisational leadership.
One past participant of the programme stated that the course 'should be compulsory for all board members.'
Another past participant stated in feedback on the diploma: 'As a board member of my local cooperative for a number of years, to participate in the Diploma in Corporate Direction gave me a confidence and self-belief that I lacked in the boardroom.'
ICOS represents co-operatives across Ireland, including those in dairy processing, livestock marts, and agri-services.
These co-operatives generate a combined turnover of approximately €16 billion, serving over 175,000 members and employing more than 12,000 people in Ireland.
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