Insights from Non-Executive Directors

Science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) skills are essential to any modern business. Mistakes in STEM can be expensive, and in some cases, catastrophic, so it’s critical to have these skills represented at the top level. We spoke with STEM champion, Helen Ramsay, about her journey from a chemical engineer to Non-Executive Director. Why did you become a NED?

Should a company board be made up of those who have experience from within their specific industry, or with those from other industries too? We are seeing a shift in NED makeup: from boards almost exclusively appointing retired individuals from an industry, to boards now recognising the benefit of bringing in Non-Executives from other sectors. So, how can NEDs joining

Invest in your board career with a good book to help positively shape your board mindset for the coming year. Here are some top reads recommended by our NED Community Members.

Companies conduct thorough due diligence checks on candidates, but, it goes both ways. Or, at least it should. As a NED, this research can help you to know if the organisation is a good fit for you and your needs as a Non-Executive Director. But, what due diligence checks should you do? Read on to find out.

Whilst hybrid and online meetings have a number of benefits including increased attendance, greater diversity of board members, and centralised governance, they aren’t without their challenges. What steps can you take as a Chair or NED to make online/hybrid meetings more effective and productive for everyone in attendance? Read on to find out.

In a recent NED Community session, guest speaker, Paddy Gray, spoke about the most common types of disruptors, highlighting their key characteristics and provided us with some tips on how best to handle them to restore the balance in the boardroom.

Being a Chair requires an understanding of when and how to act and an awareness of what the company and its board needs from you. The switch from Exec or Non-Exec to Chair often requires a shift in mind-set. Read on for some top tips on how to make a positive impact as a new Chair.

Risk management is a serious topic and one that all Non-Executives should be focused on. We take a look at some of the most common mistakes of risk management and what Non-Executives can do to avoid them.

The Post Office Horizon IT Scandal is a sobering reminder of the importance of good governance in an organisation and serves as a cautionary tale for Non-Executive Directors. What can NEDs learn from the scandal? Read on to find out.

Whether you become a NED in your 30s or your 60s, being an effective Non-Executive Director takes a lot of hard work, self-motivation, resilience and self-development but it can be a highly rewarding career path. Read on for some top tips on how to progress your career as a Non-Executive Director.

Imposter Syndrome isn’t a topic that is widely discussed, yet so many Non-Execs will suffer from it at some point in their career. This blog covers advice from Non-Execs across the industry who have shared their own experiences of Imposter Syndrome with us and how they have challenged those feelings.

Watch our full conversation with Mark Sweeny, Non-Executive Director, Sapphire Independent Housing Highlights: ☛ Why housing associations’ have independent non-execs ☛ Has the experience of being on a housing association board changed in 30 years ☛ The COVID-19 impact on the length of board packs ☛ Innovation in housing associations ☛ The need to look at diversity in governance in a sustainable way

Watch our chat withJenny Brown, Board Member and Chair of Audit and Risk Committee, Longhurst Group. Jenny has been on boards since her 20s. In this video she shares her reflections on the role of a Non-Executive Director. Highlights:☛ Contributing in areas that aren’t necessarily your specialism☛ Standing back and seeing the wood from the trees☛ Having a NED role