What makes an effective Non-Executive Director?

Becoming a Non-Executive Director (NED) is considered a rite of passage by many executives, and yet, despite the increasing focus on corporate governance and board effectiveness, what makes an effective NED is still little understood. The aim of this Spectrum Executive Breakfast Seminar was to debate the issue, and to provide some of the answers.

Our keynote speaker, Ian Muir, is a highly experienced senior business adviser who works with leadership teams and individuals to improve organisational performance. In October 2012, having interviewed the Chairmen of 30 UK PLCs, he published a report on board effectiveness in association with Ashridge, which has since been distributed to the Chairs of all the FTSE 350. Ian’s research work has recently featured in the FT, and in America’s Corporate Board magazine. Ian’s 30 years in corporate life have encompassed Charter International plc, where he was an executive committee member; Cable & Wireless as a Director; and as a Trustee Director of a £2.2bn pension fund.

This event took place in London in 2013 and was attended by 87 existing and prospective Non-Executive Directors. As is our usual format, this event included an audience Q&A session, and the opportunity to network.