Institute of Directors
The Institute of Directors (IoD) is a British professional organisation for company directors, senior business leaders and entrepreneurs. It is the UK's longest running organisation for professional leaders, having been founded in 1903 and incorporated by royal charter in 1906. The charter charged the IoD with promoting free enterprise, lobbying government and setting standards for corporate governance.[2]
For other uses, see Institute of Directors (India) and Institute of Directors in New Zealand.Founded
The IoD is based in a Grade I listed building at 116 Pall Mall in London, formerly the United Service Club. Members of the IoD also gain access to co-working spaces around the UK, bespoke market intelligence, tailored tax and legal support, and exclusive member-only events along with discounts on IoD professional development courses and events.
From a high of 55,000 members in 2005, the IoD had just over 20,000 full members in 2021,[3] with membership stabilising year on year.[4] Members of the IoD come from companies of all sizes and from all industries.[5] Around 70% are self-employed or work for small and medium-sized enterprises, while 78% of FTSE 100 companies have an IoD member on their board or in a senior management position.
The IoD was founded in 1903 and incorporated by royal charter in 1906.[6] Its mission statement compels the IoD to:
Membership[edit]
The IoD represents individual members. Every member's voice carries equal weight within the organisation, and members retain their membership of the IoD throughout their career. This allows the IoD to speak on behalf of the business community and discuss individual companies in public.
There are currently over 20,000 IoD members in the UK and overseas. Anybody who has an interest in business, is running a business, is self-employed, sits on a board or runs their own company can join the IoD.
Coat of arms of the
Institute of Directors
Issuant from a circlet Or with eight thrift flowers leaved proper on the rim a pair of scales Gules behind the pivot a compass card as in the arms.
Argent on a pale Ermine between a castle of three towers and an argosy in full sail Sable a cross and in the first quarter a sword erect Or on a chief Gules a compass card Gold.
On the dexter side a lion Or gorged with a collar Gules charged with [three] bezants and on the sinister side a dragon Gold winged Argent the underside of the wing charged with a cross Gules.
Integrity and Enterprise[8]
