What is the IoD?
The Institute of Directors (IoD) was originally founded in the UK back in 1903 and obtained a Royal Charter just three years later in 1906. The Jersey Branch was established in 1966 and is currently made up of members from all sectors of the local business community.
Its aim is to be at the forefront of promoting business in Jersey, by promoting free enterprise, lobbying government on behalf of its members and setting the highest of standards for corporate governance, through its professional training programmes.
IoD Jersey also runs numerous events throughout the year on topical issues such as Diversity & Inclusion, Technology & Innovation, Environment as well as the Director of the Year Awards, Annual Debate and Leaders’ lunches. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, all recent events have been offered as online webinars instead. Details of these can be found on www.IoD.je.
Isn’t the IoD just for people who are Directors of companies?
No, this is a common misconception and indeed something I believed before I became involved with the IoD. We are an organisation that is here to help develop careers and not just act as a support and networking place for existing directors.
There are a number of different levels of memberships according to your career stage, namely Full Membership, Associate Membership and Student Membership.
I would encourage anyone to join, particularly those in a more junior role in their business. Not only does the IoD offer some fantastic professional training programmes but it offers lots of opportunities to develop networking skills and attend some really interesting topical events.
Another misconception, is that the IoD is only really suitable for those who work in the finance industry. This is definitely not the case, and we have members from across all industries of Jersey (including non-profit). We are also very keen to promote diversity in our membership so that we can harness the expertise and varied viewpoints of the whole business community. By representing all sectors of our island’s businesses, we believe that we are stronger and serve Jersey and our members far more effectively.
Last year, we set up a new Industry Sub-Committee to help promote this message. It includes representatives from retail, hospitality, agriculture, PR/media, construction, engineering as well as finance. We would welcome more members joining from all sectors of the Jersey business community and becoming involved in our sub-committees which now extend to over 60 volunteers.
How does the IoD address today’s modern business environment?
IoD Jersey has ten Sub-Committees in total which are addressing the modern day issues businesses face such as good governance, diversity and inclusion, technology, innovation and environment. It’s objective and vision statement is to be diverse and inclusive and a voice for industry.
The Diversity & Sub-Committee, which I Deputy Chair, is currently working alongside local companies to create a Diversity & Inclusion Charter for all businesses to adopt, and we will have more news on that soon. It follows our February sell-out event when we presented our 2020 Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Vision Statement, aimed at promoting and embedding progressive diversity and inclusion across Jersey organisations.
We are currently mid-way through our Innovation Series, which has become a webinar event, with a panel of technology experts talking through and sharing their expertise on how digital is impacting and can improve our businesses.
Meanwhile, our Environment sub-committee is working to improve understanding amongst business leaders, enhance sustainability and decrease negative environmental impact across the Island.
What benefits do IoD members get?
To name a few IoD members receive the following:
· A comprehensive range of local members’ networking events, including the popular IoD monthly lunches, the IoD Annual Debate and the IoD Director of the Year Awards;
· Discounts on courses, conferences and events;
· Free access to meeting and entertaining facilities at IoD Headquarters, Pall Mall, London and across the UK and Europe;
· IoD business information and research;
· Free subscription to Director magazine;
· Directors’ LAW Express legal helpline;
· Free online business resources including briefings, factsheets and guides;
· Directors Advisory Service – free tailored advice on issues such as law, finance, marketing and human resources. You are entitled to four appointments per calendar year up to 45 minutes each;
· Access to IoD’s top professional researchers on subjects ranging from market forecasts and industry trends to employee salaries;
· An opportunity to work with high-flying local students in the IoD Work Shadowing scheme;
· Access to online networking through LinkedIn.
I travel a lot for business - would I have time and be able to benefit from the IoD?
One of the many benefits of being an IoD member is having access to the London IoD premises in Pall Mall which offers meeting and entertaining facilities. Many of our resources are also available online for you to access wherever you might be in the world, and critically, we can keep you connected with your business community in Jersey through our series of email newsletters and announcements. We also offer several of our events as webinars – even in more ‘normal’ times.
How much is it and how do I apply?
Now is a great time to join because the usual joining fee of £150, has currently been waived. It means that you can receive all the above benefits for just £145 a year, for Full membership and Associate Memberships. You can join really easily in less than 10 minutes via our website www.IoD.je.
We have also just introduced a not-for-profit/charity membership at just £75 for the year. Students can enjoy the same discount for their annual membership.
If you have any queries regarding membership please email Zoë Wauton on officer.jersey@IoD.net.
Why did you join the IoD?
I personally joined the IoD as I saw it as a good opportunity for networking after returning to the island from London. The IoD offers lots of events which are attended by all ages and people of different seniorities and backgrounds. I have met many like- minded and interesting people across a variety of different sectors through attending these events and by also being a member of the main IoD committee and two Sub-Committees. It is as enjoyable as it is career enhancing.