Mentoring circles are a group mentoring initiative facilitated by the IoDSA, for aspiring and experienced directors. The aims of these 3 hour sessions are to offer directors (the mentees) feedback and guidance from seasoned directors (the mentors), on the personal and social competencies outlined in the Director Competency Framework.

Conscience can be defined essentially as one’s sense of right and wrong. One’s conscience should guide one’s behaviour: this talks to the authenticity and integrity of an individual. Directors have a fiduciary duty to operate in the best interests of the company. Directors can nonetheless be torn between a variety of views of ‘right and wrong’.

Key Focus Areas
The actual individual problems to be mentored will be raised during the Circle. The following are intended to serve as thought-starters only: 

• Is it ever acceptable to act illegally if ethical considerations deem it necessary?
• How best might Directors raise issues of conscience in a Board setting?
• Which is paramount when making business decisions: company values or Directors personal values?
• What risks do Directors run if they raise issues of conscience?
• What risks do Directors run if they do not raise issues of conscience?
• How is conscience related to Directors’ responsibilities?
• What options are there for Directors who feel conflicted?
• How do Directors balance legal sensitivities with the need for transparency and accountability to a broad stakeholder group? 

Presentation fees