About Us
Board Evaluations & Governance Advisory in Ireland
At Lionheart, we specialise in helping Boards, NEDs, and Trustees navigate today’s governance challenges with confidence. From increasing regulatory scrutiny to rising stakeholder expectations, we know that strong corporate governance is essential for trust, resilience, and long-term success.
Our team brings together deep governance expertise with real-world boardroom experience. We stay fully aligned with the latest developments in Irish company law, EU regulations, the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and the Charities Regulator Governance Code. This ensures that every Board Evaluation, CPD training module, or advisory engagement is not only compliant but also forward-looking and practical.
Lionheart offers:
Comprehensive Board Effectiveness Evaluations – independent reviews benchmarked against best practice.
Tailored CPD Training for Boards, NEDs & Trustees – covering ESG, AI governance, diversity & inclusion, and regulatory responsibilities.
Ongoing Governance Advisory Services – helping Boards strengthen policies, frameworks, and compliance processes.
Whether your organisation needs a Board Evaluation in Ireland, Trustee governance training, or ongoing board advisory support, Lionheart delivers solutions that create measurable impact and long-term value.
Partner with Lionheart—and move your Board from compliance to confidence.
Managing Partner
Patrick Downes.
At Lionheart, Patrick Downes serves as our Managing Partner and is a recognised authority in corporate governance and strategic board development. With decades of experience across both public and private sectors, Patrick specialises in delivering high-impact board evaluations and designing customised Continuing Professional Development (CPD)programmes that elevate board effectiveness and drive organisational success.
Patrick brings a unique blend of commercial acumen and governance expertise, helping boards navigate complex regulatory environments while enhancing strategic performance. His practical and authentic approach empowers board members to lead with confidence, make informed decisions, and foster a culture of innovation and accountability.
A proven leader, Patrick has built and led high-performing teams that consistently exceed governance and compliance benchmarks. His work not only ensures regulatory alignment but positions boards at the cutting edge of governance best practice. His extensive experience includes numerous board appointments, voluntary leadership roles, and transformative governance initiatives.
Clients seeking to strengthen their board’s capabilities and improve governance performance trust Patrick and the Lionheart team for:
Independent, in-depth board and committee evaluations
Bespoke CPD programmes tailored to director development
Strategic insights that drive board-level innovation and compliance
Practical governance frameworks grounded in international best practice
Whether you're a commercial enterprise, public body, or non-profit organisation, partnering with Patrick ensures access to leading governance solutions that deliver real-world results.At Lionheart, Patrick Downes, our Managing Partner, is a recognised authority in corporate governance, board evaluations, and strategic board development. With decades of experience across Ireland’s public, private, and non-profit sectors, Patrick specialises in delivering independent board effectiveness reviews and customised CPD programmes that strengthen director performance and drive organisational success.
Patrick combines commercial insight with deep governance expertise, enabling Boards, NEDs, and Trustees to navigate complex regulatory frameworks—from Irish company law and EU directives to the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and the Charities Regulator Governance Code. His practical, authentic approach empowers board members to make informed decisions, improve accountability, and foster a culture of innovation.
As a proven leader, Patrick has overseen high-performing governance reviews and evaluations that consistently exceed compliance standards while positioning Boards at the forefront of governance best practice. His track record spans board appointments, voluntary leadership roles, and transformative governance initiatives across multiple sectors.
Boards that engage Lionheart and Patrick Downes gain access to:
Independent Board & Committee Evaluations – evidence-based reviews benchmarked against best practice.
Tailored CPD Training for Directors & Trustees – covering roles and responsibilities, ESG, AI governance, and diversity.
Strategic Governance Insights – strengthening board performance, innovation, and compliance.
Practical Governance Frameworks – grounded in international standards and adapted to your organisation.
Whether you are a commercial enterprise, public body, or charity, partnering with Patrick Downes and Lionheart provides access to Ireland’s leading governance evaluation and training expertise—delivering measurable improvements in board effectiveness and organisational resilience.
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Board Evaluations & Corporate Governance Advisory in Ireland
At Lionheart, we help Boards across Ireland achieve and sustain the highest standards of corporate governance, compliance, and strategic performance. Our services are trusted by public bodies, private companies, and charities seeking independent board evaluations, governance advisory, and tailored CPD training.
Expertise in Irish & EU Governance
Our team brings deep knowledge of Irish company law, EU directives, stock exchange listing rules, and leading governance codes including the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and the Charities Regulator Governance Code. We turn complex legal requirements into clear, practical guidance that strengthens oversight, accountability, and decision-making.
Proven Governance Experience Across Sectors
Lionheart’s Partners are experienced board evaluators, governance advisors, and directors. This real-world perspective means we understand the pressures facing today’s Boards and deliver governance solutions that are practical, relevant, and strategic.
Independent Board Evaluations
Our independent board effectiveness reviews go beyond compliance. Using proven methodologies and confidential stakeholder engagement, we provide actionable recommendations that improve board performance, enhance accountability, and strengthen stakeholder trust.
Bespoke CPD Training for Boards, NEDs & Trustees
Lionheart designs custom CPD training programmes tailored to your board’s needs. Our modules cover NED roles and responsibilities, ESG, AI governance, diversity and inclusion, and trustee obligations. Training is delivered virtually, in hybrid formats, or through bespoke workshops—always aligned with international governance best practice.
Why Choose Lionheart?
Whether you need a Board Evaluation in Ireland, ongoing governance advisory services, or tailored CPD training for directors and trustees, Lionheart is your trusted partner for world-class governance solutions that deliver measurable impact.
Partner with Lionheart—and move your Board from compliance to confidence.
CONTACT US
Governance Solutions & Board Evaluations in Ireland
At Lionheart, we deliver governance solutions that are expert-led, practical, and grounded in the real-world needs of Boards, NEDs, and Trustees. Our services are trusted by organisations across the public, private, and non-profit sectors seeking to strengthen governance, compliance, and board performance.
Practical, Actionable Governance Solutions
We don’t just offer theory—we deliver change. Our board evaluation recommendations and governance frameworksare designed to be immediately actionable, enabling Boards to implement improvements that strengthen oversight, enhance accountability, and deliver measurable impact.
Clear, Transparent Governance Advisory
Every engagement is delivered with clarity and transparency. From independent board evaluation reports to tailored CPD training programmes, we provide jargon-free, accessible insights that Boards can use to make informed decisions and drive long-term improvements in effectiveness.
Value-Driven, Flexible Engagements
Lionheart offers cost-effective governance solutions tailored to each Board’s requirements. With transparent pricingand flexible service models, we ensure maximum value—without compromising on quality, rigour, or impact.
Whether you are seeking a Board Effectiveness Review, bespoke CPD training for directors, or support in strengthening governance structures, Lionheart provides clarity, value, and results at every step.
Tech-Enabled Governance and Board Evaluations
At Lionheart, we view corporate governance not as a one-time exercise but as a continuous journey. Our approach combines expert-led advisory with innovative, technology-driven solutions that keep Boards, NEDs, and Trustees effective, compliant, and future-ready.
Continuous Governance Support
Good governance evolves—and so do we. Lionheart provides ongoing advisory services that extend well beyond a single engagement. From follow-up Q&A sessions and regulatory updates to on-demand access to expert insights, we ensure your Board remains informed, agile, and compliant long after an evaluation or training programme is complete.
Technology-Driven Governance Solutions
Innovation is at the heart of our governance model. We leverage cutting-edge digital tools to enhance the board experience, including:
Secure online Board Evaluation platforms
Interactive CPD training modules for directors and trustees
Virtual governance workshops designed for efficiency and engagement
As an Accredited Zoom Partner® and an Authorised Diligent Partner, Lionheart delivers the best in digital governance technology, seamlessly integrated with our independent expertise.
Governance for Modern Boards
From independent board effectiveness reviews to tech-enabled CPD programmes and long-term advisory partnerships, Lionheart offers governance solutions that are modern, flexible, and built for today’s dynamic boardrooms.
Partner with Lionheart to strengthen your governance journey—today and into the future.
Tech-Enabled Governance & Board Evaluations in Ireland
At Lionheart, we view corporate governance not as a one-time exercise but as a continuous journey. Our approach combines expert-led advisory with innovative, technology-driven solutions that keep Boards, NEDs, and Trustees effective, compliant, and future-ready.
Continuous Governance Support
Good governance evolves—and so do we. Lionheart provides ongoing advisory services that extend well beyond a single engagement. From follow-up Q&A sessions and regulatory updates to on-demand access to expert insights, we ensure your Board remains informed, agile, and compliant long after an evaluation or training programme is complete.
Technology-Driven Governance Solutions
Innovation is at the heart of our governance model. We leverage cutting-edge digital tools to enhance the board experience, including:
Secure online Board Evaluation platforms
Interactive CPD training modules for directors and trustees
Virtual governance workshops designed for efficiency and engagement
As an Accredited Zoom Partner® and an Authorised Diligent Partner, Lionheart delivers the best in digital governance technology, seamlessly integrated with our independent expertise.
Governance for Modern Boards
From independent board effectiveness reviews to tech-enabled CPD programmes and long-term advisory partnerships, Lionheart offers governance solutions that are modern, flexible, and built for today’s dynamic boardrooms.
Partner with Lionheart to strengthen your governance journey—today and into the future.
Contact Us
Lionheart – Ireland’s Trusted Partner for Board Evaluations & Corporate Governance
Choosing Lionheart means more than engaging a service provider—you are partnering with a leading governance advisor in Ireland who understands board dynamics, regulatory expectations, and corporate governance best practice.
We work directly with Boards, NEDs, and Trustees to:
Simplify complex regulatory and compliance requirements
Strengthen strategic decision-making and oversight
Embed governance excellence at every level of the organisation
Our tailored solutions include:
Independent Board & Committee Evaluations – enhancing effectiveness and accountability
CPD Training for Directors and Trustees – covering roles, responsibilities, ESG, AI governance, and diversity
Governance Advisory Services – providing clarity, structure, and forward-looking insight
At Lionheart, our mission is to empower Boards to lead with confidence, clarity, and integrity in today’s evolving governance landscape.
Ready to strengthen your Board’s impact?
Contact Lionheart today to learn how our Board Evaluations, CPD training, and governance advisory can help your organisation thrive.
Our Clients
Testimonials
“We have worked with the team at Lionheart who have guided us in regard to our Corporate Governance requirements and found them to be excellent in terms of domain knowledge and providing us with efficient and effective solutions. I can highly recommend them.”
Frank Buckley, Business Owner at USP Financial
FAQ's
1. Who do you work with?
We have experience working with boards in state bodies, educational and sporting bodies, corporate and multinational entities, charities and NGO’s, representative bodies and SME’s and individual chairs, non-executive directors and company secretaries.
2. What sort of training do you offer?
We provide corporate governance workshops, masterclasses and downloadable modules which can be purchased via our website.
Our training is accredited for CPD by the ICMCI and our bespoke board training is delivered virtually by expert board practitioners with extensive corporate governance experience and deep domain knowledge.
3. What standards do you work to?
We work to the Swift 3000 code of practice for corporate governance assessment in Ireland which is accredited by the national standards authority (NSAI). Lionheart is also accredited to ISO 20700:2017 by the international council of management consulting institutes (ICMCI) and we maintain a discipline of keeping up to date with best practice. We are firm advocates and signatories of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and incorporate our CSR ethos into how we serve our clients.
4. Where do you provide your services?
Lionheart had pivoted to a virtual model in early 2019 and is one of the first accredited Zoom partner’s in Ireland which is our preferred secure virtual platform however we also provide services across the respective digital platforms designated by our clients. We equally deploy partners for onsite consultations and board training modules as our clients require.
5. How much will it cost?
We understand that organisations have different requirements at different times, and we aim to make our services accessible to all those who need it regardless of size or budget. If you are interested in learning more about how you can ensure compliance with your corporate governance needs please avail of a complimentary consultation with one of our partners so we can discuss your requirements.
6. Can you assist boards in succession planning?
Yes we work with client boards and provide a successful niche non-executive director search and need onboarding and induction service.
7. How long does an evaluation take?
Typically, a board evaluation undertaken by the Lionheart team will be completed in six weeks.