There is no formal qualification requirement to act as a director in the UK. In fact, very few things prevent you from becoming one. However, there are numerous essential skills that you should possess if you want to level up your job. This could include enhancing skills through leadership development programmes and director-level training, which would refine your areas of expertise and develop new strengths that get you a seat in the boardroom.
Basic Requirements to be a Director
Firstly, you must be legally eligible to be a director; you cannot be disqualified. Disqualification can arise from various reasons, including unfit conduct, legal restrictions, or failure to comply with requirements. However, aside from this, the only requirements that candidates face are that they must be a minimum of 16 years old, have sufficient mental capacity, be solvent, and not currently serving a sentence for an indictable offence.
Importance of Continuous Professional Development
There are a number of skills that can be learnt, and, without a doubt, experience can give you the tools to tackle different situations that might arise. Generally, a formal qualification does not make you more of an effective director; rather, the things you learn along the way do.
Whilst a few organisations offer a formal qualification, the physical piece of paper merely signifies that you can pass an exam. However, the lessons learnt in a classroom are worthwhile in gaining experience from seasoned professionals who have worked in the field for many years. fds recognises the importance of continuous professional development and offers leadership development and director-level training programmes tailored to different business needs, goals and strategies.
Director-level training coupled with practical experience on the board shapes your skillset. Boardroom experience can be in a not-for-profit, a charity, or a general commercial business. It will help if you have experienced both success and challenges. Your skillset is developed by experiencing gains and losses at some point in your career.
Alongside leadership development training, it is extremely helpful if you can access a coach or mentor. These individuals will be able to guide you through your journey to becoming a director. Another suggestion is to read up on why things go wrong in the boardroom, as they inevitably do, to prepare yourself for challenges that emerge as a response to conflict.
Enhancing Skills Through Targeted Training
In the boardroom, soft skills are as important to hone as the more substantive ones. Technical skills include financial acumen, basic good governance, strategic planning, marketing fundamentals, and securing a sound understanding of technology. No one person can be an expert in every formal skill, and this is not necessary, but you do need sound basic knowledge.
In terms of interpersonal skills, an awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses in the softer skillset can differentiate a mediocre director from an excellent one. A high EQ, a sense of humour, an ability to absorb vast amounts of information, and decisiveness is highly regarded. Effective director-level training programmes should clarify that leadership comprises a combination of skills, knowledge, and interpersonal communication.
The Importance of an Experienced Training Provider
Growth is constant, and every boardroom should be a chance to learn new skills. Board members should constantly be learning from fellow directors and the meeting subject at hand. A qualification does not make you a better director, but the learning on the journey most definitely will.
The benefits of executive training for business growth should not be underestimated. Therefore, when choosing a training provider, ensure that they have solid experience. Please click the links if you would like further information on the board support or director-level training services fds can provide. Alternatively, get in touch to discuss this further.