24 farmer directors and business leaders from Irish co-operatives recently completed the Diploma in Corporate Direction (Food Business), delivered by University College Cork (UCC).
The diploma is in partnership with ICOS Skillnet, the professional development and training division of the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS).
First launched in 2013, this diploma programme runs every two years. Its aim is to enhance the skills of directors and managers in corporate governance within the agri-business sector, with an emphasis on sustainability integrated across the course modules.
Over the past decade, ICOS Skillnet has trained more than 23,000 co-operative participants across 140 programmes.
Co-operative participants in this diploma included farmer directors of Arrabawn, Aurivo, Bandon, Barryroe, Dairygold, Drinagh, Kerry, Lakeland Dairies, Lisavaird, Tirlán, and Templemore Mart.
Commenting on the course, 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.”
According to Goodburn, the issue of the sustainable development of the agriculture sector required “strong leadership and sound strategy”.
“In today’s volatile and competitive global market, enhancing skills in key areas like sustainability, climate action and decarbonisation is essential,” he said.
“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,” Goodburn added.
ICOS Skillnet receives funding from Skillnet Ireland and Irish co-operative member companies. Skillnet Ireland is funded by the National Training Fund and the EU through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
ICOS represents co-operatives across Ireland, including dairy processing co-operatives and livestock marts.
These organisations collectively generate approximately €16 billion in turnover, with 175,000 members, and employment for 12,000 individuals in Ireland, plus an additional 24,000 overseas.
In total, Ireland has around 1,000 co-ops.