A new qualification for IT directors aims to help develop non-technical and business skills and increase leadership qualities in the boardroom.

The Diploma in Company Direction was jointly developed by the Institute of Directors (IoD) and the British Computer Society (BCS) and reflects the growing need for IT professionals to possess business and leadership skills as well as technical know-how.

Alan Bayley, professional developments consultant at the IoD, says this need was the main motivation behind creating the programme.

‘This has been designed to provide senior IT executives with the wider skills needed for board leadership - such as governance, law, finance, marketing, human resources and strategic planning,’ he said.

‘It will be complementary to the skills IT professionals already bring to the table, but will help to bring IT into its proper context in today’s society.’

The role of IT professionals has changed dramatically and the diploma recognises modern businesses now require certain skills, says David Roberts, chief executive of user group The Corporate IT Forum.

'Blue-chip subscribers do not need computer scientists or people with theoretical IT skills as much as they once did – they increasingly need people with a high level of business acumen who understand the commercial application of IT,' he said.

'This course appears to recognise the vital role that technology and IT professionals now play in the success of any modern business. Today, there is an expectation among IT professionals that they can reach senior levels within the business.’

Tilly Travers, director of external communications at sector skills body e-Skills UK says the increasing importance of technology in business means it is essential for IT professionals to broaden their skills.

'Technology has become embedded at the heart of business and this has huge implications for the skills required by senior IT professionals,' she said.

'Increasingly they need to be able to understand how to translate business goals into technology solutions, communicate the benefits of IT to a wide range of audiences - including the board - and support and manage the organisation through IT-enabled change.'

Cliff Lineker, head of the professional products business unit at BCS, says this IT professionals must be equipped with wider leadership and management skills.

'IT drives the business and therefore we need to equip IT people to lead. They should be sitting on the management board and driving this,' he said.