Certified Executive Director Programme
Lead with authority and drive organisational growth with this ILM recognised certification
Certified Executive Director Programme
Actuate Global’s Certified Leadership & Management Programme is designed for managers and senior managers responsible for delivering results through people. It equips leaders with the core behavioural, strategic and operational capabilities required to lead teams, manage performance and influence organisational success.
Accredited within the UK qualification framework and aligned to ILM Level 5 or Level 6 standards, this programme blends practical learning, real-world assessment and personalised development to build confident, capable and commercially aware leaders.
It provides the skills required to lead individuals and teams effectively, manage performance, communicate with impact, solve problems and execute organisational strategy with clarity and consistency.
What our learners are saying
Who is the Certified Executive Director Programme for?
This Certification programme is designed for and tailored to Executive Directors, Managing Directors, business unit leaders, senior divisional leaders and those preparing for their first executive appointment.
It is suited to leaders responsible for delivering strategy, managing large teams, driving organisational performance, and overseeing commercial and operational outcomes.
Achieve Certified Non-Executive Director Status
Demonstrate your commitment to the highest standards of governance, exhibit your skills and professionalism, gain competitive edge.Obtain a prestigious ILM Qualification
As part of our Certified NED Programme, you’ll gain the ILM Level 6 Qualification, awarded by The City and Guilds, founded in 1878 and incorporated by Royal Charter.Enhance Your Credibility & Competitive Edge
Alumni may incorporate digital credentials into their professional toolkit and showcase their achievements across multiple platforms and profiles.Executive Director Certification Module Overview
Executive Leadership and Influence
Develop the mindset, behavioural range and leadership presence required to influence at senior level and inspire organisational performance
Strategic Oversight and Execution
Strengthen strategic thinking, long-term planning, resource allocation and cross-functional execution to deliver sustained performance
Commercial and Financial Leadership
Enhance your understanding of organisational finance, budgeting, financial risk, investment decisions and commercial modelling
Operational Excellence and Organisational Performance
Learn to build scalable operational systems, measure performance effectively and lead high-performing functions
Leading Culture and Change
Build a culture that drives behaviour, performance and accountability. Lead complex change programmes with clarity and confidence
Digital, AI and Technology Leadership
Understand how to lead digital transformation, manage cyber risk, adopt AI effectively and align technology to organisational priorities
Executive Decision-Making Under Pressure
Strengthen judgement, risk analysis and communication in high-stakes, high-ambiguity environments
Assessment and Accreditation
Participants complete a structured portfolio including leadership reflections, executive-level scenario assessments, strategic projects and an ILM-aligned submission. Successful graduates receive their ILM Level 7 in Leadership & Management and their Actuate Certified Executive Director digital credential
Post-Programme Support
Graduates join a senior leadership alumni community with access to updated materials, executive learning events, and ongoing development opportunities to maintain strategic readiness. Re-certification annually
Start your Certified Non-Executive Journey Today
Maintaining Your Credentials
Your Certified Executive Director status provides you with your licensed credentials and access to continual professional development through your Learning Portal in addition to:
Access to an annual CV or LinkedIn profile update provided by our specialist Writing Team:
A Non-Executive Director CV is more than a list of your past roles, it’s a strategic document showcasing your ability to provide exceptional organisational guidance. Our specialist team will review, provide feedback and craft this invaluable asset demonstrating your readiness to drive organisational success.
Exclusive Events
Free entry to our best-in-class learning and networking events, providing unique opportunities for growth and development – including our exclusive NED Quarterly Update briefing.
20% Discount
Across our course catalogue and ancillary products.
Thriving Community
A diverse network of aspiring and experienced board leaders allowing you to forge connections and gain invaluable insights.
Certified Executive Programme
Register your interest below
Meet the Faculty
Jeremy Canning – Global
Area of expertise
Mentor and Facilitator
About Jeremy
Jeremy brings a wealth of expertise as a Board Executive, Board Advisor, Independent Director and Non-Executive Director across global PLCs and successful start-ups. Leveraging 25+ years of business leadership experience globally, he equips clients with cultural and commercial awareness, fostering authentic leadership, innovative thinking, and strategic decision-making skills.
Jeremy challenges clients to think differently, embrace their strengths, and cultivate a mindset that fuels success. He offers tailored techniques, tools, and perspectives that drive significant personal and organisational development. His services include individual and team leadership coaching, executive & career development, group facilitation, and bespoke coaching programmes.
Jeremy’s practical approach is backed by extensive firsthand experience and a strong network of professional connections. Since 2013, he has been a Board/NED and C-suite Career & Performance Coach, working with organisations from Fortune 500 companies to ambitious start-ups. Jeremy also coaches individuals, including CEOs, Board members, aspiring executives, and prominent personalities.
A self-described “positive maverick,” Jeremy is dedicated to revolutionising how leaders and organisations manage relationships with employees, suppliers, customers and communities. He champions accountability, governance and environmental responsibility.
My mentoring session with Jeremy Canning was an incredibly insightful experience. Jeremy's ability to distill complex concepts into practical advice was remarkable, and his guidance felt tailored to my specific goals and circumstances. Throughout the session, Jeremy shared actionable strategies and valuable perspectives on navigating professional challenges and opportunities. His expertise in leadership and governance was evident as he offered clear, thoughtful advice grounded in real-world experience. What I appreciated most was his genuine interest in understanding my ambitions and providing guidance that felt both achievable and inspiring. His approachable style and willingness to engage in a meaningful dialogue made the session not only productive but also empowering. I left the conversation with a renewed sense of direction and clarity on how to take the next steps in my professional journey. I highly recommend Jeremy's mentorship to anyone seeking expert guidance and practical advice to grow and succeed in their career.
Linda Aiyer ICF MCC – UK, Africa & Americas
Area of expertise
Executive Coach and Facilitator
About Linda
Linda fosters a safe, supportive, and collaborative coaching environment that empowers clients to engage in focused thinking, reflective learning, and even unlearning to achieve their personal and professional goals.
She allows space for clients to introspect and deepen their self-understanding while providing valuable insights from a coach’s standpoint. Through these transformative sessions, clients gain fresh perspectives, master vital self-management skills, and build the confidence to take control of their development, unlocking their true potential.
Drawing from a comprehensive toolkit that includes Integral Theory, the Enneagram (Personality Profiling), Relationship and Systems Thinking, Mind-Body Connection, Leadership Maturity Stages, Dare to Lead™ principles and various Personal Mastery models, Linda facilitates profound shifts in client thinking, behaviour, and actions.
With over nine years of experience and more than 2,500 coaching hours, Linda is an international coach who has supported clients across the globe, from Africa and the Middle East to Europe, India, and the U.S. Her diverse clientele ranges from young adults and mid-level managers to senior executives and those transitioning into retirement.
Linda was truly exceptional. The time that I spent with her enabled me to successfully become a director of a brilliant organisation that has changed how I do business. Linda was able to assist me in addressing reality, shifting my mindset, and adapting to achieve my goals. Overall, the experience has already made a valuable difference.
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Gwyn Thomas FCIPD, CMgr, ChMC, FCMI – Global
Area of expertise
Executive Coach, Supervisor and Assessor
About Gwyn
Gwyn is an accomplished Professional Coach, Coach Supervisor, Trainer, Assessor, IQA, and Chartered Management Consultant, combining rich experience from the public, private, charitable, voluntary, and education sectors.
Informed by over 30 years in the Police Service, where he attained the rank of Acting Assistant Chief Constable, Gwyn has held senior academic positions at the University of South Wales and the National Policing Improvement Agency. His distinguished career as an ethical leader allows him to design, develop, and deliver transformative leadership, coaching, and mentoring programmes that enhance organisational performance in the UK and beyond.
Known for his dynamic and innovative approach, Gwyn excels in guiding clients through complex, customer-focused improvement and learning processes. He is dedicated to advancing diversity in leadership development and empowering individuals to unlock their potential through customised personal and professional growth strategies.
Gwyn’s expertise spans Leadership, Coaching Supervision, Executive Coaching, Life Coaching, Workplace Strategy Coaching, Leadership Mentoring, Management Consultancy, Organisational Change, Strategic Management, Learning & Development, Assessment & IQA, Training of Trainers, and Course Design, Delivery & Evaluation.
The wealth of knowledge Gwyn shared, be it through invaluable coaching frameworks or indispensable coaching tips, consistently surpassed my expectations. But what truly sets him apart is his commitment to candid, constructive feedback. His insights have not only honed my coaching process but have also instilled a profound confidence in my abilities. His mentorship extends beyond mere supervision; it's a masterclass in excellence. For anyone seeking a coaching supervisor who will champion your growth, challenge you to be your best, and stand by you every step of the way, look no further than Gwyn Thomas. My journey would have been markedly different without him, and I am profoundly grateful for every moment of guidance. Thank you, Gwyn Thomas, for being a true pillar of strength and wisdom in my coaching journey.
Take the next steps in your certification journey today!
