New cohort includes directors from leading Irish co-ops committed to sustainability and strategic governance

A group of 24 co-operative leaders has begun the 2025 intake of the Diploma in Corporate Direction (Food Business), the bespoke leadership programme delivered by University College Cork (UCC) in partnership with ICOS Skillnet, the learning and development division of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS).

This year’s participants include farmer directors and senior figures from Arrabawn-Tipperary, Aurivo, Bandon, Barryroe, Dairygold, Drinagh, Kerry Dairy Ireland, Lakeland Dairies, Lisavaird, Tirlán, and Callan, all of whom play essential roles in shaping the direction of Ireland’s agri-food sector.

Now entering its seventh cycle, the Diploma is specifically designed to support directors of co-operative food businesses in honing their expertise in corporate governance, strategy, sustainability and organisational leadership.

Billy Goodburn, Head of Learning and Development at ICOS Skillnet 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.”

The course is rooted in real-world governance challenges and supported by academic and industry experts. Over the coming year, participants will explore emerging issues such as climate leadership, stakeholder engagement, digital innovation and sustainable value chains, equipping them to make strategic decisions that are both profitable and sustainable.

Dr. Bridget Carroll, Programme Director at UCC, 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.”

The Diploma is part of a wider investment by ICOS Skillnet in building the capabilities of Ireland’s co-operative movement. To date, over 28,000 individuals from co-ops across the country have engaged in ICOS Skillnet programmes.

Funded by Skillnet Ireland and Irish co-operative member companies, this programme is also supported by the National Training Fund and the European Union, through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (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.