Sixteen members of the Bermuda branch of the Institute of Directors have earned professional designations.Laura West Burt and James O’Shaughnessy achieved the IoD diploma in company direction designation, taking to 22 the number of Bermuda diploma holders, while 14 people have earned a certificate in company direction.The diploma is the second stage in the IoD chartered director programme. The module is a three-day intensive case study called “developing board performance”, which asks programme delegates to put their skills to the test as they assume responsibility as a board member to tackle a real-life boardroom scenario.The diploma is achieved by passing a three-hour case study examination in which each delegate assumes the role of a non-executive director who must assess the status of the company and make recommendations to the board.Certificates in company direction were earned by: Angela Atherden, counsel, Conyers; Barry Zurbuchen, non-executive director; Candace Steele, chief compliance officer, Colonial Group International Ltd; Elizabeth Stewart, senior vice-president, Markel Bermuda Ltd; Jacki Dodds, head of regulatory compliance, HSBC Bank Bermuda Ltd; James O’Shaughnessy, independent non-executive director; Jo Stanton, head of finance, Tangency Capital Ltd; Julia Mather, director, Falcon Insurance PCC Ltd; Marc Morabito, chairman, Zobec Group of Companies; Mary Jane Gutteridge, consultant; Michael Tanglao, general counsel, One Communications; Nicole Pinder, vice-president, accounting and reporting, Hamilton Insurance Group Ltd; Richard Lau, senior vice-president of information technology, Ascendant Bermuda Ltd; and Yolanda Outerbridge, head of human resources, HSBC Bank Bermuda Ltd.The certificate is the first stage in the IoD chartered director programme, and comprises four modules covering key areas of governance, finance, strategy and leadership that are fundamental to effective directorship, the IoD said. Rochelle Simons, chairwoman of the IoD, said: “The IoD Bermuda believes that providing resident directors with quality professional development will inspire confidence and courage for effective directorship, which will positively influence sound decision making and professionalism in the boardroom.”The IoD’s 2020 professional development programme begins next month.The course schedule is: February 25, 26 and 27, finance for non-finance directors; March 9 and 10, leadership for directors; September 21 and 22, role of the director and the board (international); September 23, 24 and 25, strategy for directors; and September 28, 29 and 30, diploma in company direction: developing board performance. • Registration is available through the Bermuda Insurance Institute website at www.bii.bm