GE's managing director gains chartered status

THE managing director of Guernsey Electricity has been awarded chartered status by the Institute of Directors. Ian Watson, 55, has become the 16th chartered director in the Channel Islands. There are fewer then 420 in the UK.

'Studying the IoD syllabus taught me a great deal and I also gained a lot from simply being on the course and meeting fellow directors from different sectors of the economy in Guernsey,' he said.

Mr Watson started studying for his IoD diploma in September 2004 and completed his exams in May last year. The course covered directors' duties, liabilities and legal responsibilities, finance, setting strategic direction and change-and-performance management.

He then had to be interviewed to prove he had the necessary experience and management skills to qualify for chartered status.

Mr Watson had not studied for more than 20 years before working towards the award. He found that discipline and focus had come with age.

'I remember how stupid I was. I used to be on the train, hungover, on the way to my exams. I found it a lot easier this time around.'

He praised the Training Agency for the support provided to candidates studying for the diploma.

'They've given people in Guernsey the opportunity to take the IoD exams and without their initiative, people like me wouldn't have been able to train towards this prestigious qualification.'

Mr Watson will be presented with his accreditation at a ceremony in London in November.