Use this questionnaire to help you determine the most appropriate program given your existing director experience and future goals

Which statement best describes your current needs and aspirations?

A. I need basic knowledge of a director’s responsibilities.
B. I have some knowledge of directors’ duties and am considering a director role but want to ensure I am ready for it.
C. I need a comprehensive understanding of directors’ duties and how to be effective in the role.
D. I want to move into a non-executive director role.
E. I have already completed the CDC but need to update my knowledge.
F. I want to improve my effectiveness as a director.

Which statement best describes your level of director experience?

A. I am not on a board but want to know what directors do.
B. I am not a director but my work brings me into contact with boards and directors.
C. I report to a board of a large organisation.
D. I am an executive director / CEO.
E. I am a director but have limited experience.
F. I have a number of years of director experience.

Which statement best describes your needs in understanding how a board can improve a company’s financial performance?

A. I feel inadequate in dealing with the financial issues and need to focus on the basics.
B. I can read the figures but have difficulty in making the connection from the statements to financial judgements.
C. I need to know more about indicators of performance so I am aware of issues such as solvency.
D. I can read the financial statements, but need to know how directors use them to make sound decisions.
E. I would like to extend my strategic financial skills so I can better drive organisational performance.
F. I have a lot of experience, but I want to test my skills in the boardroom

Which statement best describes your understanding of governance issues?

A. My only knowledge of directors’ duties and liabilities is what I hear others talk about.
B. I have limited knowledge, gained through reading.
C. I have a broad general knowledge and wonder if this is enough.
D. I have some knowledge but it requires comprehensive updating.
E. I know about broad governance issues, but need a deeper understanding of specifics.
F. I know my duties having completed the CDC but I’d like to gain a better appreciation of application in the boardroom.

Which statement best describes how comfortable you are with the board’s role in risk management?

A. I feel anxious that I don’t know what I need to know.
B. I find it confusing and hope the management team have it under control.
C. I understand the operational side of risk management, but am not sure what the board does.
D. I understand the process and structure but, like most directors, I struggle with the complexity.
E. I want to know how a board can better balance its focus on risk.
F. I am comfortable I know about risk but would benefit from knowledge about dealing with crises.

Which statement best describes your grasp of strategy?

A. I need to know how strategy is developed and who is responsible for what.
B. I’ve done a bit of work in strategy but need to know this from a director’s perspective.
C. I have developed strategy but need to better understand the board’s responsibilities.
D. I need to know more about how a board ensures successful implementation of strategy.
E. I want to sharpen my, and the board’s, performance.
F. I want to develop a deeper understanding of strategic thinking.

SELF ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
Check your answers

Answers Mostly A:
Consider Foundations of Directorship.

Mostly B:
Consider Foundations of Directorship and / or e-Learning.

Mostly C:
Consider the Company Directors Course.

Mostly D:
Consider the Company Directors Course or if you have completed this, In-Focus. The International Company Directors Course may be appropriate.

Mostly E:
Consider In-Focus and / or the Company Directors Course Update. Mastering the Boardroom may also be appropriate.

Mostly F:
If you have completed the Company Directors Course. consider Mastering the Boardroom.