Non-Executive Directors

Course overview

Delivered by experienced board members and industry practitioners, the programme explores the unique dynamics of PE-backed boards, the responsibilities of NEDs, and how they can add strategic value. Delegates will gain practical insights into governance, stakeholder management, and boardroom effectiveness, whilst sharing experiences with fellow senior professionals.

Key topics include

• Legal responsibilities of directors
• Corporate governance
• Healthy and safety for directors
• Characteristics of effective boards
• Characteristics of effective NEDs
• Q&A with experienced NEDs
• Board dynamics
• Personal behaviour in the boardroom
• Removing directors
• Case Studies

What will delegates take away?

• Understand the NED Role in PE-Backed Businesses
  Gain clarity on the expectations, responsibilities, and influence of Non-Executive Directors.
• Boardroom Effectiveness
  Learn how to contribute strategically, challenge constructively, and support management teams in driving value creation.
• Governance & Legal Duties
  Refresh your understanding of corporate governance frameworks, fiduciary responsibilities, and legal obligations.
• Practical Insight & Peer Learning
  Benefit from real-world case studies, practitioner-led sessions, and shared experiences with fellow senior professionals.

Benefits to employers

• Stronger Board Performance
  Equip NEDs with the skills and confidence to provide effective oversight and strategic input across portfolio companies.
• Enhanced Governance Standards
  Ensure board members are up to date with legal and regulatory requirements, reducing risk and improving compliance.
• Value Creation Support
  Strengthen the board’s ability to challenge, guide and support management teams in achieving growth and operational excellence.
• Professional Development for Senior Professionals
  Invest in the development of experienced executives transitioning into or currently serving in NED roles.

FAQs about this course

Course Director

Murray Steele

Course Director

Murray holds Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Glasgow; an MBA from Cranfield School of Management and an accounting qualification from the Institute of Certified Accountants. He currently delivers NED development programmes for the Financial Times, BVCA and EBRD. Over 10,000 people have attended his NED Programmes both in the UK and internationally.

His practical experience ranges from being a NED of the Airline Division of British Aerospace which had revenues in excess of £1 billion to a nominee director of 3i. He was Chair of Orchard Hotels, a start-up hotel company which he created with a colleague in 1985 and sold successfully to a listed company in 2002. Currently, he is Chair of Octopus Apollo VCT, one of the largest in the UK; Surface Generation, an advanced manufacturing company; spotlite, a social media platform which is a safe space for children and a NED of AUGA Group, Europe’s largest organic food producer, which is listed on the Vilnius Stock Exchange. In total, he has held over 20 Chair and NED positions and led three successful exits.

Course testimonial

CPD accreditation

This course is CPD accredited by the CPD Certification Service for 13 hours. By attending this course, you will receive a digital certificate from Diplomasafe. This certificate allows you to share and save your new CPD accredited qualification on LinkedIn, adding instantly verifiable credentials and strengthening your professional profile.