Empowering today’s leaders: Why D&O training is a strategic investment for every board

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the responsibilities of directors and officers have never been more complex. Heightened regulatory scrutiny, rising stakeholder expectations and an increasingly interconnected risk environment require leaders who understand not only their duties, but also the broader impact of their decisions. That’s why Director & Officer (D&O) training is no longer optional — it’s a strategic investment that strengthens your leadership team and protects your business.

Effective governance starts with informed leadership. Directors and officers play a critical role in setting the strategic direction, safeguarding the organisation’s integrity and upholding compliance. However, many board members — especially newly appointed or foreign directors — enter their roles with varying levels of exposure to (local) legal, regulatory and fiduciary duties.

D&O training addresses this gap by equipping leaders with a clear understanding of:

• Their core responsibilities, both individually and as part of a collective board.
• Their duty of care and duty of loyalty, and how these obligations translate into practical decision‑making.
• Key governance processes, including oversight, risk management and accountability mechanisms.

Well‑trained directors are more confident, more effective and better positioned to navigate the challenges of their mandate.

The decisions taken in the boardroom carry significant financial, operational and reputational consequences. Inadequate understanding of obligations and risks can expose both the organisation and individual directors to liability — often in ways that are preventable.

Investment in D&O training helps to:

• Reduce the likelihood of governance breaches, by ensuring directors are aware of evolving legal requirements.
• Enhance corporate resilience, through stronger oversight and more informed strategic decision-making.
• Build a culture of compliance, where directors identify and address risks earlier and more proactively.

A well-informed board is better equipped to protect the organisation from costly disputes, regulatory intervention and reputational damage.

EY Law’s interactive D&O training program is designed to give directors and officers the clarity, confidence, and practical knowledge they need to excel in their roles from day one of their mandate.

With EY Law’s in person training program, directors gain access to:

• Clear, actionable insights on the key duties and responsibilities of directors — not only as individuals, but as essential contributors to an effective, high‑performing board.
• Directors receive tailored guidance on the most important risks, legal obligations, and potential liabilities they may face — both at company level and personally.

For directors with roles in several jurisdiction, we could even facilitate jurisdiction‑specific governance insights.

Ready to empower your board?
For more information or to explore how D&O training can support your organization, contact the authors at EY Law. They will be happy to guide you through the available options and tailor the offering to your needs.