Twenty-four farmer directors and business leaders from Irish co-operatives have successfully completed the Diploma in Corporate Direction (Food Business), delivered by University College Cork (UCC) in partnership with ICOS Skillnet, the professional development and training division of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS).
Co-operative participants included farmer directors of Arrabawn, Aurivo, Bandon, Barryroe, Dairygold, Drinagh, Kerry, Lakeland Dairies, Lisavaird, Tirlán, and Templemore Mart.
First launched in 2013, this diploma programme runs every two years. It is structured to enhance the skills of directors and managers in corporate governance within the evolving agri-business sector, with an emphasis on sustainability integrated across all modules.
Over the past decade, ICOS Skillnet has trained more than 23,000 co-operative participants across 140 unique programmes.
Billy Goodburn, Head of Learning and Development at ICOS Skillnet, said:
“The primary purpose of the Diploma in Corporate Direction is to cultivate and strengthen the leadership capabilities of directors and management within Ireland’s co-operative food businesses, with a focus on steering corporate strategy and governance to achieve organisational success.”
Goodburn highlighted the sector’s need for strong leadership and sound strategy as it faces the challenges of sustainable development.
“In today’s volatile and competitive global market, enhancing skills in key areas like sustainability, climate action and decarbonisation is essential.
“The Corporate Direction programme provides co-op leaders with opportunities to build expertise in strategy, governance, compliance and communication, supported by insights from both academic and industry professionals in a collaborative environment.
“With increasing operational and regulatory complexities, there is a growing need for targeted skills development. This diploma works specifically for co-op directors, supporting the unique democratic structure and economic goals of their organisations.”
ICOS Skillnet receives funding from Skillnet Ireland and Irish co-operative member companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded by the National Training Fund and the European Union through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.