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Developing and Mastering the Art of Being an Effective Non-Executive Director In-house Training

In today's rapidly changing business environment the role of the non-executive director is crucial but full of challenges. This course will help you rise to meet the demands of the role.

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Course overview

This intensive one-day masterclass is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the critical role played by Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) in modern corporate governance. Delegates will gain insights into the legal, ethical, and practical aspects of the NED position, exploring how non-executive directors contribute to organisational strategy, risk management and overall board effectiveness.

Throughout the day you will gain insights through interaction with the expert trainer and peers, examining real-world case studies and participating in interactive discussions. The masterclass will cover key areas such as board dynamics, financial oversight, stakeholder management and the evolving landscape of corporate governance. These are crucial topics that all new and existing NEDs need to have a very good understanding of. 

By the end of the masterclass, participants will have a clear understanding of the responsibilities, challenges and opportunities associated with the Non-Executive Director role. You will be equipped with practical tools, techniques and strategies to enhance your effectiveness as a NED or to prepare for future NED positions.

The expert trainer will use a mix of theory, case studies and practical examples to bring the topic to life and help embed the learning. 

This training course is part of our series of Corporate Strategy Training Courses covering the essential skills and best practices for all Company Directors and Company Secretaries, as well as business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Benefits of attending

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Non-Executive Director role and its importance in corporate governance
  • Learn about the legal and regulatory framework surrounding NED responsibilities 
  • Develop skills in effective boardroom communication and decision-making
  • Understand how to balance advisory and monitoring roles as a NED
  • Explore best practices in risk management and financial oversight from a NED perspective
  • Get to grips with strategies for managing potential conflicts of interest and maintaining independence
  • Gain insights into the latest trends and challenges in corporate governance

Who should attend?

This course has been specially developed for:

  • Aspiring Non-Executive Directors: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the role and prepare for future NED positions
  • Newly appointed Non-Executive Directors: Accelerate your effectiveness in the new role and avoid common pitfalls
  • Experienced Non-Executive Directors: Refresh your knowledge, stay updated on latest trends, and enhance your contribution to boards
  • C-Suite Executives: Understand board dynamics from a NED perspective and prepare for potential future NED roles
  • Company Secretaries and Governance Professionals: Gain insights into NED responsibilities to better support board activities and governance processes
  • Board and Sub-Committee Chairs: Enhance your ability to lead and manage an effective board, including optimising NED contributions
  • Institutional Investors and Shareholder Representatives: Understand the NED role to better evaluate board performance and engage with companies

This course will cover:

Introduction to the Non-Executive Director role

  • The historical context and evolution of the role of a Non-Executive Director
  • Key responsibilities and duties of NEDs
  • Expectations vs. reality of the NED position

Legal and regulatory framework

  • Overview of relevant laws and regulations
  • Legal responsibilities and liabilities
  • Case study: Legal implications of NED decisions

Board dynamics and effective communication

  • Understanding board composition and dynamics
  • Techniques for effective boardroom communication
  • Dilemma exercise: Navigating challenging board discussions

Strategic planning and oversight

  • The NED's role in strategy development and review
  • Balancing short-term and long-term organisational goals
  • Case study analysis: Successful strategic interventions by NEDs

Financial oversight and risk management

  • Key financial metrics and reports for NEDs
  • Risk assessment and management from a NED perspective
  • Analysing financial statements and risk reports

Stakeholder management and corporate social responsibility (CSR)

  • Identifying and prioritising stakeholders
  • The NED's role in promoting corporate social responsibility
  • Balancing stakeholder interests

Ethics and conflicts of interest

  • Ethical considerations for NEDs
  • Identifying and managing conflicts of interest
  • Resolving ethical dilemmas in the boardroom

Performance evaluation and succession planning

  • The NED's role in CEO and executive team evaluation
  • Board performance assessment and improvement
  • Developing a succession planning framework

Crisis management and reputation protection

  • The NED's role in crisis situations
  • Strategies for protecting and enhancing corporate reputation
  • Managing a corporate crisis

Technology and cybersecurity governance

  • Understanding technology risks and opportunities
  • The NED's role in cybersecurity oversight
  • Emerging technology trends and their impact on governance

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the boardroom

  • The importance of diversity in board composition
  • Strategies for promoting equity and inclusion
  • Overcoming barriers to diversity in corporate leadership

Future trends and developments for Non-Executive Directors

  • Emerging trends and challenges in corporate governance
  • Continuing professional development for NEDs
  • Action planning: Applying course learnings to participants' roles

Russell Shackleton

Russell Shackleton, CIA, CFE, MBA, FRSA, is a risk management and corporate governance expert consultant and trainer. He is an experienced advisor to Boards and sub-committees, and a tutor on the Financial Times Non-Executive Director programme.

He is an accomplished change agent and strategic thinker, as well as a civil and commercial mediator. He has an Executive MBA from Henley Business School and is a governance specialist with the FT Non-Executive Director Diploma.

Russell applies his operational experience allied with strategic thinking, exemplary leadership and team working skills to help businesses bring a structured change that is pragmatic, sustainable, and meets the needs and cultural fit of their organisation. He is passionate about empowering groups to achieve more than their component parts through effective stakeholder engagement and collaboration.

He has worked with many industries across the world, including manufacturing, FMCG, retail, automotive, supply chain logistics, food production/services, construction, textiles, engineering, infrastructure, energy, warehousing, transport, and charities.

Now based in the UK, he continues to serve organisations with an international footprint, culture or supply chain, both as an consultant / trainer or a Non-Executive Director and maintain those connections and knowledge. He speaks English and French.

More details

Multiple colleagues? See above for details of our discounts for 2, 3, or 4 delegates. For more, talk to one of our training experts to discuss how to:

Run this course conveniently and cost-effectively in-house for your staff and colleagues

Aleksandra Beer

Aleksandra BEER
Training expert

Yesim Nurko

Yesim NURKO
Training expert

+44 (0)20 7749 4749

inhouse@ipi.academy