Frequently Asked Questions - Masterclass for Directors Training

Q.1 What is Masterclass all about?

Ans. The Institute of Directors (IOD) conducts training programme for Directors and Sr. Executives, to equip entrepreneurs, Management Professionals and Corporate Directors with boardroom processes, Skills, essentials of corporate governance and role of directors.

IOD’s Boardroom training Programme are delivered in 2 formats to best suit the Company’s needs.

OPEN-HOUSE FORMAT: The Masterclass for Directors 3 day weekend director development cum certification Programme In case of offline mode is conducted in most major metro cities. The participants to choose their venue and dates, as convenient to them. In case of online mode director development cum certification Programme will be 4 day (2 consecutive weekends) Programme.

IN-HOUSE FORMAT: The training Programme is delivered in half or full day format, covering one or more topics in much greater detail. The Programme is designed as per the needs of the company. The Programme can be delivered in Offline and Online modes.

Over the years, IOD has conducted hundreds of batches of nationwide training programme and trained over thousands of senior executives as Certified Corporate Directors, many of whom have reached high positions.

Q.2 How long is this Masterclass Programme?

Ans. For Offline: It will be a 3 day condensed weekend certification Programme

For Online: It will be a 4 day (two consecutive weekends) condensed weekend certification Programme

Followed by submission of a Project Study Report. After approval of the Project Study Report, the participant will receive the “Certified Corporate Directorship” award.

Q.3 If I go for this course, then there is complimentary membership for one year. So there is no need to go for membership now?

Ans. The registration fee for 'Masterclass for Directors' Programme, entitles to one year Complimentary Membership of IOD. However, if you would like to enroll for annual membership in advance, you will be entitled to get special membership discount on the Masterclass Programme, and not complimentary annual membership. Complimentary membership of one year is applicable for non IOD members.

Q.4 Who will benefit from Masterclass?

Ans. Company Chairman, Directors, Presidents, CEOs, CFOs, Bankers, Fund Managers, Company Secretaries, Senior Government Officials, Senior Executives of NGOs, Investors, Brokers, Chartered Accountants, Management Analysts, Financial Consultant & Academicians and aspiring Independent Directors. A minimum 5 years experience at senior management or its equivalent in independent practice, is required to register in this program.

Q.5 What would you learn in the training programme?

Ans. The course will update your understanding of boardroom practices, helping you to:

- Apply decision-making skills and implement strategies for your board.
- Identify the fiduciary and compliance responsibilities of directors.
- Improve your knowledge of corporate governance and ethical expectations from board Members.
- Understand risk and fraud and how to guard against these risks.
- Enhance your value as an effective member of the board.
- Strengthen your ability to secure Independent directorship.

Q.6 When did the certification programme 'Masterclass for Directors' start?

Ans. ‘Masterclass for Directors’ was launched on October 13, 2003, at Palampur (HP), with a 5 days training schedule. This was later condensed to a 3-4 day weekend Programme based on mode of attending & to enable more Directors and senior executives to take advantage of it.

Q.7 What is the Procedure for enrolling for 'Masterclass for Directors' programme?

Ans. The various steps are detailed below:

Step-1: Head over to (https://iodglobal.com/masterclass-for-directors#registration) and complete the registration or send your query at info@iodglobal.com we will reach out to you.

Step-2: The payment can follow: online or through post with a DD/ Cheque, payable at par in Delhi Online Payment | IOD Bank account details

Step-3: Once the Registration form is received along with the prescribed fees, an official acknowledgement will be issued with Programme details through email. (There is an early-bird discount of 10% on registration fees, if paid more than 30 days in advance of course dates.)

Step-4: The Programme, followed by a submission of a Project Study Report that is approved, will lead to the award of "Certified Corporate Director”. (Project Study Report should be submitted within 45 days of the completion of the course).

Step-5: Once the Project Study Report is accepted, Certificate will be issued.

Q.8 Please share the Masterclass programme schedule

Ans. Please refer to the web-link to see the schedule for the next series of Masterclass Programme. https://iodglobal.com/masterclass-for-directors You may opt for your location & dates as per your convenience.

Q.9 Are there any specific dates and venues for the submission of application form?

Ans. You may apply any time. However reservation of seat & payment should be made in advance as it is subject to availability.

Q.10 I am a Senior Manager in a MNC. Can I apply for the Masterclass certification training?

Ans. The course is open to all senior executives, with over 5 years experience at senior management level in Public or Private sector corporations/organizations and Government departments.

Q.11 Can one apply through email?

Ans. Yes, you can apply online or email info@iodglobal.com.

Q.12 Who are the Faculty members of Masterclass?

Ans. Masterclass is being conducted by eminent faculty comprising specialists and practitioners drawn from Industry, Government, Academia, Professionals and NGOs spread over all parts of the country. For details please visit the following link https://iodglobal.com/masterclass-for-directors#faculty-profile

Q.13 Can I see the list of some of the participants in earlier batches?

Ans. The list of some of the previous participants can be seen on IOD website or look up https://iodglobal.com/masterclass-for-directors#previous-participations

Q.14 What are the detailed specifications of Project Study Report? Is it a practical on job Project Study Report or a theoretical one? Is there any time frame for the certificate after submission? Please clarify.

Ans. The Masterclass for Directors Programme is followed by submission of a Project Study Report. Project Study Report is mandatory and has to be submitted within 45 days of the completion of the Masterclass programme. It is an integral part of the course plan.

To provide a practical exposure in the context of the programme inputs, each participant is required to prepare a project study in the form of a Project Study Report. The project topic can be chosen from among any of the areas covered during the programme. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate ability and competence to put into practice the knowledge gained through the course.

The Guidelines for Project Study Report will be provided to you along with the course material during the Masterclass for Directors Programme.

Q.15 What is “IOD Directors Databank”?

Ans. IOD has recently launched the freshly revised and revamped portal “IOD Directors Databank” - A platform for Directors, A Gateway for companies, to fulfil their need of Directorship positions in various Boards at the same time supporting our Boardroom Community. As India is marching towards a larger economy, this “IOD Directors Databank” perhaps will play a pivotal role in bringing the world to India.

More details about IOD Directors Databank can be viewed at: https://iodglobal.com/directorsdatabank/

Q.16 Is the empanelment on “IOD Directors Databank” open to all?

Ans. Yes, the empanelment on the “IOD Directors Databank” is open to all individuals globally.

Q.17 I see that you have a panel of Directors who are registered with you. Will you also assist the companies in meeting their Board Recruitment needs?

Ans. Yes, IOD maintains “IOD Directors Databank” which also acts as a gateway for companies. It not only maintains a distinguished panel of Directors, both male and female, who possess the requisite qualifications, experience, and enthusiasm to serve as Directors across a spectrum of major industries but also aids in offering comprehensive assistance to companies in fulfilling their Board Recruitment needs. It serves as a vital link, seamlessly connecting Corporates with aspiring Directors.

Q.18 What is the percentage of one person who has completed a Masterclass with you and become your member in getting to be an Independent Director which you have assisted? Please give names of some people who are on boards.

Ans. IOD’s mission is to instill the skill set and knowledge required to be an efficient Independent Director and to create a pool of such qualified, eligible and willing-to-be Independent Directors. It would not be fair to put a percentage, the possibility of becoming an Independent Director as a result of doing Masterclass. You would appreciate, an employer would see the complete profile of the aspirant, Masterclass programme, would act as an added qualification towards Directorship. We have a lot of our participants being placed as Independent Directors in different Corporates and others have moved up the ladder in the executive front.

Q.19 Are there any other sites where we can get the information on openings on Independent Directors?

Ans. We always suggest our participants to list their profiles on other portals as well, as they deem fit.

Also, the best way to increase possibility of getting inducted in the Boardroom as an Independent Director is to expose yourself and your talents, by attending more conferences & seminars. Networking with the important people is the most common method of being observed and picked up for the role. IOD India would be offering many such opportunities to network through their national and international conferences.

Q.20 Is this certificate recognised/ accredited by Govt. / any other body? How the industry will give due value to it?

Ans. ‘Certified Corporate Director’ certification from IOD will provide recognition of your personnel and professional achievement in attaining and maintaining the requisite standards of knowledge, experience and probity. The Certificate is issued under the seal of Institute of Directors, which is the pioneering body in India and global in the areas of boardroom training and development. It has its own credentials.

Q.21 How is your placement assistance? Normally I don’t find any requirement of Independent directors in net or some other medium. Can you please help me understanding this?

Ans. IOD has been sharing requisite details with public limited companies who requires independent directors. IOD’s empanelment portal acts as only an interface between the corporates and IOD for sharing suitable profiles. Placement as an Independent Director needs a lot many traits, outside the domain of the Masterclass such as visibility & networking. Masterclass is only a useful step in this direction. We are acting as facilitators and are focused on preparing more number of Board ready professionals.

Q.22 What is Director Identification Number (DIN)

Ans. It is a unique identification number allotted to an individual who is appointed as director of a company upon making an application in form DIR 3 pursuant to section 153 & 154 of Companies Act, 2013.

Q.23 What is the procedure for obtaining DIN?

Ans. Any person intending to become a director in a new Company is required to apply for the allotment of Director Identification Number only through SPICe e-form at the time of incorporation.

Any person intending to become a director in an existing company shall have to make an application in e-Form DIR-3 for allotment of DIN and should follow the following procedure:

1. Attach the photograph and scanned copy of supporting documents i.e. attested proof of identity and attested proof of residence as prescribed.
2. Physical documents are not required to be submitted to the DIN cell.
3. Form DIR-3 is mandatorily to be signed by the Applicant and which shall be verified digitally by a Company Secretary in full time employment of the company or by the Managing Director or Director or CEO or CFO of an existing company in which the applicant is intended to be appointed as a director.
4. Upon upload, make the payment of filing fee of e-Form DIR-3. Only electronic payment of the fees shall be allowed (i.e. Net banking / Credit Card/Debit Card/Pay later/ NEFT). E-Form DIR-3 will be processed only once the DIN application fee is paid.
5. After successful payment, an approved DIN shall be generated in case the details of the e-Form have not been identified as potential duplicate. Provisional DIN shall be generated in case the details of the e-form have been found as potential duplicate. A suitable informational message will be given to the user in this regard in the receipt.
6. Verification of e-Form: In case, details of e-Form DIR-3 are found as potential duplicate, the same gets routed to DIN cell for back office processing. Upon approval of the form, provisional DIN becomes approved DIN and would be available for further use.