Latest news with #IoD
The National
01-08-2025
- Business
- The National
Erin Brockovich joins forces with Scottish university to launch course
The Institute of Directors (IoD) has collaborated with the University of St Andrews Business School on a new qualification - the Global Certificate in Company Direction; a course designed for "leaders who want to achieve long-term success and lasting impact". Keynote speakers include environmental activist Erin Brockovich. READ MORE: University releases statement after rector launches legal action amid Gaza row Brockovich became globally-recognised after an Oscar-winning movie charted her journey as a paralegal, whistleblower and activist after she uncovered groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California, which caused cancer and other serious ailments. She settled a lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for $333 million in 1996. Julia Roberts (centre) playing Erin Brockovich (Image: Vue Cinema) A description of the course states: "In a world where one wrong move can go viral - governance is not an option, it is an integral and imperative skill needed to run companies in today's ever changing business environment. "From environmental crises and global conflict to fast-moving tech, AI advances and boardroom accountability, this programme tackles real-life complex business issues head on, equipping candidates with the tools needed to drive forward successful organisations." Other high-profile speakers, include: Phillips O'Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews, who will discuss geopolitics, whilst sharing insight into the skills required to anticipate risks, drive stability and seize opportunities against the backdrop of Brexit, trade-wars, and an unpredictable geopolitical climate. Dr Erin Young who will provide a masterclass on how AI is changing business and how to protect companies in the face of constant innovation. Chair of the Institute of Directors, John Browett and CEO and inspirational speaker, Hamish Taylor who'll cover innovation and global leadership. Commenting on the collaboration, Professor Mark Brewer, dean of the University of St Andrews business school, said: 'In a landscape defined by geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption and an accelerating climate crisis, board directors must cultivate both agility and integrity. "The Global Certificate in Company Direction unites the interdisciplinary expertise of the University of St Andrews Business School with the IoD's governance expertise, equipping current and future leaders with the critical thinking, collaborative networks and practical tools to navigate complexity and drive sustainable impact.' READ MORE: Meet the 21-year-old asylum seeker who has earned a spot at top Scottish art school Jonathan Geldart, director general of the IoD added: 'The IoD and the University of St Andrews offers a programme that combines 732 years of learning and leadership. This programme provides valuable insights and proven strategies that have endured over time. Both prestigious organisations honour their rich heritage while looking to the future by empowering the next generation of leaders.' Upon completion, graduates will receive an official IoD Global Certificate, join the University of St Andrews Business School's alumni network, and be invited to a graduation ceremony celebration in London.
Scotsman
14-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Let's keep that rainbow bright
It's important to promote diversity, equity and inclusion policies and values in the workplace, writes Rachel Munro Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... June is Pride Month, a time you could always expect to see companies add a touch of rainbow colour to their logos and products. However, in this respect, June 2025 was far more monochrome and understated. Is this hard-fought recognition increasingly under threat? In corporate America, politicisation is already undermining diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and values. In the UK, it's pertinent to wonder the extent to which companies (including those with US HQs) will begin to re-evaluate their support for such policies in the workplace. DEI policies have a proven track record of attracting younger generations into leading corporations and I'm not suggesting they will disappear. Certainly, it's heartening that a recent poll by the Institute of Directors (IoD) recorded that 71% of 605 UK businesses had no plans to change their DEI strategies. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Nevertheless, there remains the possibility that some companies may gradually shy away from their overt public support and affirmation of DEI, including around Pride events. Corporations (especially those with an international footprint) may start to weigh up the ramifications for any shift in their position. Will they suffer a backlash from current and prospective employees for any perceived retreat on DEI commitments? Could prospective future business and investment opportunities be curtailed - in some geographical markets - if the business continues to overtly support DEI rights? The makeup of law firms should reflect the world, which means it's important to welcome candidates from LGBT+ backgrounds (Picture: Adobe) Fortunately, in the UK, employers and employees alike will be mindful that the Equality Act 2010 prohibits any discrimination, harassment and/or victimisation in respect of certain protected characteristics (including race, gender and sexual orientation). Given the ability for UK employment tribunals to make uncapped compensation awards in instances of discrimination under the 2010 Act, I suspect employers will be wary of taking steps that could be perceived to counter existing support and protections around DEI practices. Some businesses may be tempted to tinker with their strategies but a wholesale U-turn on all matters DEI in the workplace seems very unlikely. While global heavyweights like Google and Amazon have scaled back some of their DEI initiatives, my own employer is a brilliant example of a leading business placing this at the core of its corporate identity. Indeed, I've personally thrived in an environment where you are empowered to 'Be yourself' (one of Shoosmiths' four key values) and benefit from employee networks, actively supported by the Board, focused on the advancement and celebration of DEI. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Admittedly, my younger self believed that being a gay female would hinder my career progression in law. Fortunately, I've discovered a law firm where I'm empowered by senior leaders to embrace my identity. Consequently, I've led various panel and roundtable discussions focused on celebrating the power of diversity in workplaces. Rachel Munro benefited from DEI policies at Shoosmiths Earlier this year I spoke about the importance of LGBT voices in the real estate industry at the MIPIM conference in Cannes. This summer, I'll proudly host a celebration of Pride for our Glasgow office. Crucially, in a move that goes far beyond just ticking a box and displaying a rainbow logo, my employer has even incorporated DEI metrics into its career progression framework. In our changing world, Pride may seem more muted this year and there may be some businesses less inclined to overtly publicise their DEI support. Yet, I firmly believe it's imperative to uphold and champion the very DEI values that enabled my younger self to flourish. We must continue to ensure thousands like me can feel empowered, safe and ultimately our true selves in business.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Reeves warned fresh tax raid would ‘undermine the economy'
Rachel Reeves has been warned that a fresh tax raid to fund benefit U-turns risks 'undermining the UK economy', as business confidence crumbles. The Institute of Directors' (IoD) closely watched survey of bosses confidence tumbled to -53 in June from -35 in May. The lobby group blamed the impact of the Chancellor's National Insurance tax raid, which took effect in April, and gloom from Donald Trump's trade war. Against this weak backdrop, Anna Leach, the IoD's chief economist, warned that a further tax raid in the autumn risked being self-defeating as it could cripple growth and lead to even lower taxes for the Treasury. She said: 'If you go after businesses again, there is a very real danger of that undermining the UK economy and leaving it in a less stable position – and undermining the very revenues that you're trying to drive up.' Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, said the IoD's numbers were 'a stark reminder that Labour's broken promises are hitting business confidence hard'. He said: 'Instead of fostering growth, the Chancellor's costly jobs tax and reckless regulatory overreach are driving uncertainty and squeezing investment.' The IoD's warning comes amid mounting speculation that a succession of U-turns by Sir Keir Starmer will leave Ms Reeves with little choice but to raise taxes by billions of pounds later this year. Climbdowns on sickness and disability benefits leaves the Chancellor with a shortfall of around £2.5bn, on top of a £1.25bn hit from backtracking on winter fuel payment cuts. Alongside other pressures, Ms Reeves faces a shortfall of around £20bn against her fiscal rules in autumn, warned economist James Smith, of Dutch bank ING. 'The Government has probably gone as far as it can politically on the spending side, which means tax rises are more likely,' he said. 'It's going to be hard to avoid looking at the major taxes. I can imagine employer National Insurance going up again. But a one percentage point rise raises £6bn, so the Treasury is probably going to have to go further than that.' Labour's manifesto pledges include not raising the key taxes working people pay, including income tax, National Insurance and VAT. As a result, businesses are likely to be targeted again in the autumn. Ms Leach warned that bosses were nearing their limit after being hit with big increases to costs and changes to inheritance tax, just as they face an increase in global instability. She said: 'The Government has been much more radical in taxing business than it has been in removing blockers to growth. The risks from putting a higher burden of taxes on the businesses that I'm talking to are pretty stark. They are going to leave, that's what they say, or they're going to wrap up their businesses. There is a limit, inevitably. 'We need to see faster progress and greater ambition on de-regulation – particularly planning reform – and a reconsideration of the tax landscape for business if we're to change the UK's economic fortunes.' The IoD's survey found 30pc of bosses planned to cut their jobs, while only 19pc expected to hire more people. More employers have said they are shrinking employee numbers than growing them every month except one since Ms Reeves's maiden Budget in October, according to the survey. Separate figures show food inflation jumped to 3.7pc in the 12 months to June, the highest in more than a year and up from 2.8pc in May. Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), said the leap was to be expected after the Government hit businesses with a surge in taxes and costs. She said: 'Retailers have warned of higher prices for consumers since last year's autumn Budget and the huge rises to Employer National Insurance costs and the National Living Wage. 'We predicted a significant rise in food inflation by the end of this year, and this has been accelerated by geopolitical tensions and impacts of climate change. 'To limit further rises, [the] Government must find ways to alleviate the cost pressures bearing down on retailers.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
BBC News
26-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Confidence in Guernsey economy growing, survey suggests
Business leaders in Guernsey have more confidence in the economy than six months ago, despite ongoing financial pressures, a survey by the island's Institute of Directors (IoD) than two thirds (67%) of respondents said they expected their costs to increase over the next 12 months, consistent with the last although businesses still plan to invest and hire more staff, their expectations for profits have improved marginally - but remain negative IoD said the survey aimed to build a picture of trends and the impact of changing local and international factors on businesses in the bailiwick. Richard Hemans, the IoD's local lead on the economy, said: "Confidence remains highest in finance and professional services but has fallen in construction and retail."Despite a backdrop of ongoing challenges, it's encouraging to see the continued resilience of Guernsey's businesses, particularly their willingness to maintain investment and employment plans." Mr Hemans said the information would give useful economic data to Guernsey's newly elected Deputies and civil said business leaders wanted to see "strong leadership, bold decisions, and faster action on infrastructure, housing and connectivity" from the new survey highlighted the cost and availability of labour was now the top negative impact for members, overtaking air and sea links, although the latter remained a major concern.
Irish Examiner
25-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Majority of company directors expect improved financial performance in second half of 2025
Despite geopolitical turmoil and mounting international trade tensions, more than half of company directors in Ireland expect an improved financial performance in the second half of 2025, a new survey shows. The survey was conducted on 322 business directors by the Institute of Directors (IoD) focusing on areas such as regulation, competitiveness, and the economic outlook. The survey found that 53% of business leaders expect improved financial performance in the second half of 2025. However, 43% feel more pessimistic about the overall prospects of the economy. In terms of risks to their business for the rest of the year, 51% cited economic and fiscal pressures, while 42% cited international trade tensions. Geopolitical risks to the supply chain were cited by 28% of people. Of the directors who believe that international trade tensions will be the greatest risk to Irish business for the remainder of the year, 54% believe that it will lead companies to reduce discretionary spending and investment while 48% said they expect consumers to delay spending decisions. In particular, when respondents were asked about the potential impact of the proposed US tariff rates on EU goods and services, 43% said they expect a negative effect on their organisation's competitiveness and business development while 32% stated it was too soon to tell. IoD Ireland CEO Caroline Spillane said there is a 'sense of cautious optimism' among company directors regarding the near-term outlook, however, there are 'significant concerns about the impact of global trade tensions and increasing regulatory pressures'. When asked what would be the main drivers for growth, 42% of directors said enhancement of products and services, while 38% said improvements to their customer or client experience and engagement, and 33% said digital transformation and innovation. Lower on the list of priorities included becoming a sustainable business, accounting for just 10% of respondents. The directors surveyed all represent a wide range of businesses as well as State or semi-State bodies, not-for-profit organisations, SMEs, and multinationals. When asked about how important AI is for future business competitiveness, 40% of respondents said that is important for improving operational efficiency, while 25% believed that it is critical for staying ahead of competitors. Read More Ireland facing sand and gravel shortage due to planning delays, industry warns
