24 farmer directors from Irish cooperatives have successfully completed the diploma in Corporate Direction (Food Business), delivered by University College Cork (UCC) in partnership with Irish Co-Operative Organisation (ICOS) Skillnet.
First launched in 2013, the diploma programme runs every two years. It is structured to enhance the skills of directors and managers in corporate governance within the agri-business sector, with an emphasis on sustainability.
Cooperative participants include farmer directors of: Arrabawn; Aurivo; Bandon; Barryroe; Dairygold; Drinagh; Kerry; Lakeland Dairies; Lisavaird; Tirlán; and Templemore Mart.
Over the past decade, ICOS Skillnet has trained more than 23,000 cooperative participants across 140 programmes.
Head of Learning and Development at ICOS Skillnet, Billy Goodburn 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 cooperative 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,” he continued.
“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
ICOS Skillnet receives funding from Skillnet Ireland and Irish cooperative 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.
ICOS represents cooperatives across Ireland, including dairy processing cooperatives and livestock marts.
These organisations collectively generate approximately €16 billion in turnover, with 175,000 members and employment for 12,000 individuals in Ireland, as well as an additional 24,000 overseas.
In total, Ireland has around 1,000 co-ops, with the largest 100 employing roughly 40,000 people.