Four executives have gained qualifications from the Institute of Directors.

And the Bermuda branch of the organisation said that this year will be the first time that IoD diploma in company direction programme will be held on the island instead of London — which is expected to at least double the numbers achieving the qualification.

Anne Spencer-Arscott, executive director of the Bermuda Red Cross, Carol Dixon, deputy chairman of Greenrock, and Jennifer Kelly, chief operating officer of Consolidated Management, were all awarded the IoD certificate in company direction.

Allan Marshall, an investment consultant and independent director, gained a diploma in company direction.

All sat their exams in the last two months of last year and a further eight delegates succeeded in 12 modular exams.

Rochelle Simons, chairman of the Bermuda IoD professional development committee, said that last year 64 professionals from diverse sectors over the four courses offered.

She added: “The interest in the programme transcends professional qualifications, industry specialities, business and director experiences and we are delighted that an equal number of women and men have registered for courses overall.”

A total of 12 people achieved CICD status and three people completed the diploma qualification last year, with 27 Bermudians now holding IoD certificate in company direction status, with six diploma holders and two chartered directors.

Ms Simons said that Bermuda candidates had to complete the CICD programme before going to London for the diploma course and that holding the programme on island would be a boost for the scheme.

She added: “Bermuda delegates have responded favourably to this development and the branch anticipates the number of Bermuda diploma holders to at least double by year end.”

The four IoD modules offered in the CICD are finance for non-finance directors, the director’s role in leading the organisation, the role of the director and board and the director’s role in strategy and marketing.

The latest CICD programme begins this month and Bermuda residents will be able to complete the four courses and related exams this year and achieve certificate status by the end of the year.

For further information, contact Ms Simons at rochelle.simons@logic.bm or phone 336-2447.