How to Hire your first Non-Executive Director

A Practical Workshop for Aspiring NEDs

Overview

Stepping into your first Non-Executive Director (NED) role can be one of the most rewarding moves of your career — offering intellectual challenge, personal growth, and the chance to make a real impact on the direction of an organisation. Yet, for many professionals, the path to becoming a NED feels opaque.

What boards are looking for?
Where do you find opportunities?
And how do you position yourself as “board-ready” if you’ve never been one before?

This practical, engaging workshop — “How to Find Your First Non-Executive Director Role” — is designed to demystify the process and help you build a clear, actionable roadmap toward your first NED appointment.

Whether you’re a senior executive considering your next chapter, a founder seeking portfolio balance, or a professional eager to contribute at a strategic level, this event will give you the insights, strategies, and confidence to take that next step.

Who This Workshop Is For

This session is ideal for professionals who are:

• Experienced leaders or managers considering portfolio careers
• Executives and entrepreneurs looking to expand their influence beyond operational roles
• Senior professionals seeking personal development or a stepping stone toward future board positions
• Individuals curious about governance and strategy who want to understand the realities of NED work

You don’t need prior board experience — just curiosity, ambition, and a desire to make a difference.

What You’ll Learn

This isn’t a theoretical talk. You’ll walk away with a clear sense of how to actually land your first role. By the end of the session, you’ll understand:

1. What Boards Are Really Looking For

• The essential skills, attributes, and mindsets that make effective Non-Executive Directors
• How the needs of a start-up board differ from a charity or listed company
• What “board dynamics” really mean — and how you can add value from day one

2. How to Position Yourself as ‘Board-Ready’

• Translating your career achievements into a compelling NED profile
• Crafting a concise and persuasive Non-Executive CV and LinkedIn summary
• Identifying your unique contribution — financial expertise, governance, innovation, sector insight, or leadership experience

3. Where to Find Opportunities

• The different routes to NED roles: headhunters, networks, membership bodies, and direct applications
• How to make the most of board recruitment platforms and NED networks
• How to use your existing connections and reputation to generate opportunities organically

4. How to Navigate the Application and Interview Process

• What to expect from board interviews (and how they differ from executive ones)
• How to demonstrate judgment, integrity, and independence
• The types of questions you’ll face — and the questions you should ask in return

5. The Realities of NED Life

• How much time to expect to commit (and what the compensation looks like)
• The legal responsibilities and fiduciary duties of a director
• Balancing multiple board roles — and avoiding conflicts of interest

Why Attend

This workshop is practical, honest, and actionable. You won’t just leave with ideas — you’ll leave with a plan.

You’ll gain:

✅ Clarity on what type of NED roles suit your experience and ambitions
✅ Confidence in presenting yourself as a credible candidate
✅ Connections with other aspiring NEDs and current board members
✅ Concrete next steps to move forward immediately

Many attendees describe this session as a “lightbulb moment” — a turning point that transforms vague interest into focused strategy.

10:15 – 11:00 | What Boards Are Looking For
Learn how boards assess candidates, what skills are in demand, and how to align your background with their expectations.

11:00 – 11:15 | Break

11:15 – 12:00 | Positioning Yourself for Success
From refining your CV to shaping your personal brand — we’ll unpack what “board-ready” really means and how to showcase your unique value.

Format

You can join us in person (for interactive networking and practical exercises) or online (for flexibility and accessibility).

The session combines presentation, group discussion, and hands-on exercises, so you’ll have the chance to apply what you learn immediately. Expect to be engaged — not just lectured at!

What to Bring

• Your current CV or LinkedIn profile (optional but helpful)
• A notebook or laptop for exercises
• An open mind — and questions!

After the Workshop

You’ll receive:

• A workshop summary pack, including templates for a Non-Executive CV and self-assessment checklist
• A list of recommended NED platforms and search firms
• Optional access to follow-up mentoring or coaching sessions for deeper support

This isn’t a one-off session — it’s the start of your boardroom journey.

Testimonials

“This workshop gave me the confidence to put myself forward — and I secured my first Trustee role within two months.”
— Sarah M., Former Marketing Director

“Incredibly practical and energising. I left knowing exactly what to do next — and how to talk about my value at board level.”
— James L., Finance Professional

“It was a revelation. I finally understood what boards want and how to position myself. The advice on networking was gold.”
— Priya K., Business Owner

Places are limited to ensure a high-quality, interactive experience — so early booking is strongly recommended.

Why Now?

The demand for skilled Non-Executive Directors has never been higher. Organisations are actively seeking new voices — especially those who bring diverse experience, digital literacy, and modern leadership insight.

Whether your goal is to serve on a charity board, advisory board, start-up, or corporate board, the best time to start preparing is now.

Your first role might not be the biggest — but it will be the beginning of something significant.

Take the Next Step

If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to be on a board — but I’m not sure how to start,” this workshop is for you.

Join us for an insightful, motivating, and practical session that will help you take your first confident step into the boardroom.

🎟️ Reserve your place today — and start shaping your future as a Non-Executive Director.

Keywords for Eventbrite visibility:
Non-Executive Director, NED, Board Roles, Career Development, Governance, Portfolio Career, Leadership, Professional Development, Trustee, Board Training, Executive Career Transition.

Would you like me to tailor this version for a specific audience (e.g. corporate professionals, women leaders, charity trustees, or start-up advisors)? I can adjust tone, examples, and emphasis accordingly.

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