Member Article

IoD appoints Suzanne Withrington as Tees Valley skills ambassador

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has appointed Suzanne Withrington to a new role that will forge stronger links between business and education.

Suzanne is Principal Lecturer for Enterprise and Business Engagement at Teesside University Business School. As Skills and Education Ambassador for the IoD North East (South) branch, she will connect directors with education providers and provide a local voice to the Institute’s work with colleges and universities.

Suzanne has gained a wealth of career experience by engaging with public, private and third sector organisations to develop their knowledge, skills and competencies. She now helps to equip students to become the directors of the future.

The appointment comes as the IoD prepares to launch its Tomorrow’s Director programme, which includes bitesize director training sessions delivered by the IoD Digital Academy

IoD chair Charlotte Valeur has placed skills and education at the top of the Institute’s agenda, with a mission to forge strong partnerships with Higher Education institutions that connect students with business leaders.

The aim is to provide students with a strong grasp of how boards operate, while a ‘reverse mentoring’ scheme will help businesses tap into the valuable insights of the next generation.

Suzanne said: “The past few months have presented huge challenges for businesses and education providers. We have all been forced to adapt and innovate. Now is the time for us to come together, identify the skills needed to rebuild the economy and provide young people with the confidence and opportunities to play a key role in our future.”

Karl Pemberton, chair of the IoD North East (South) branch, added: “I’m delighted that Suzanne is taking on this important role. She is a key member of our branch team and a passionate advocate for providing young people with pathways into business. The IoD believes that better directors build a better world – and that starts in our schools, colleges and universities.”

The IoD is the UK’s number one organisation for directors, providing support, events, professional development and a lobbying voice for all types of business. The Institute helped to secure vital support for directors during the Covid-19 pandemic, including financial assistance for wage bills and changes to insolvency rules.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Richard Abbott .