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IoD Diploma candidate is UK’s top of the year
Jane Nelson, Finance Director at friendly society the Oddfellows, based at Booth Street, Manchester, took the IoD Diploma in Company Direction national examination in November 2011, looking to enhance her business skills and knowledge and network with other directors.
Jane, who lives in Stalybridge and who has been with the Oddfellows for 16 years, admitted that it was a “huge ego boost” to discover that she was top of the 267 candidates who took the Diploma last year. She said: “After gaining the IoD Certificate at Salford in March, I wanted to further develop what I’d already learnt and discover ways in which I could add value for the Oddfellows in other areas, and the Diploma was the logical next step.”
The IoD Diploma is an intensive course of training and appraisal involving practical exercises based on ‘real-life’ issues experienced by businesses including strategic decision making, crisis management and reviewing the effectiveness of board performance.
Salford Business School is the only institution in the North West of England approved by the IoD to offer its courses and this, and the prestige of the IoD name, were two of the main reasons why Jane decided to study there.
“The Diploma is a universally recognised qualification in business circles,” she continued, “and it has broadened my expertise so I can now bring a more rounded approach to my work.
“Salford Business School was a fantastic place to take the qualification – the quality of teaching was excellent and I also learnt a huge amount from fellow directors taking the course. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to improve their performance and develop their career at board level.”
Alison Kennedy, IoD Programme Director at the University, said: “We are very proud to host the prestigious IoD Company Direction programme at Salford, giving North West directors the opportunity of a world-class experience without the cost in money and time of travelling outside the region.
“Results like Jane’s show that we have the right blend of student talent and great teaching here in the North West to compete successfully nationally. Congratulations to Jane on her fantastic achievement and also to the three further students who achieved a distinction in both the Certificate and Diploma examination in 2011, showing that the North West has depth to its talent base”.
Jane is now aiming for IoD Chartered Director accreditation within the next 12 months and hopes the Diploma will help her secure non-executive directorships in other local businesses.
Tony Attard, Regional Chairman IoD North West, said: "This is a fabulous achievement by Jane both for her personally and for the IoD in the North West, and is a great example of the excellent service that Salford Business School is delivering for our members here in the region. We wish Jane all the best as she continues her journey with the Chartered Director programme and we look forward to welcoming her to the ranks of Chartered Director very soon.”
Further information on the IoD courses and qualifications offered by Salford Business School is available at http://www.business.salford.ac.uk/iod/.
