Ambassador urges companies to help directors achieve Chartered status

Terry Hodgkinson, who has started a new career as an inspirational speaker, has become an ambassador for the Chartered Institute of Directors to champion the qualification which he said elevated companies to another level.

“Chartered director status is the premier qualification for aspiring directors to gain so they understand what companies are doing in terms of performance and governance,” he said. “It is recognition that you have achieved the highest standard of professional qualification for directors that there is,” he said.

But he added that at a time when companies were watching their bottom line, businesses were tempted to cut training and development of people. He warned that it was a false economy and urged companies to back those directors who wanted to work for chartered status and support their efforts.

As an ambassador, he said he intends to talk to major PLCs and SMEs about the benefits of having directors achieve chartered status.

“I invested a lot of my own time in achieving my own chartered status so appreciate what it means to those who do,” he said. “I want others to understand the investment and determination demanded of those who work towards chartered status.

“There seems to be a reticence on the part of SMEs and PLCs to invest in senior personnel who are prepared to put their own time and effort into achieving these qualifications for the ultimate benefit of the businesses they work for.”

He said: “They have to understand it will give them a headstart in the recovery.

“I want to use my experience in industry to galvanise support and motivate others who are like I was and are committed to making a difference for today and tomorrow.

“Yorkshire business needs talented strong leaders and the IoD’s Chartered status can help them achieve their professional ambitions.”