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Managing Director at The Alternative Board (Bristol North)", "I had the pleasure of attending a recent How to become a Non-Executive Director course that David ran.
As someone who not only runs their own business, has had a career and built up experience the opportunity to learn more about this was too good to miss.
David’s experience and expertise shone through as the day progressed – beginning with the roles, responsibilities, the legal aspects , the liabilities – all explained with examples of the good, the bad and the ugly of what has happened. David went through the skillset and actual case studies based on his career as an NED in all three sectors. This enabled there to be some great discussions where questions were answered. The structure of the day that David put together was second to none as I was taken through a well organised and flowing workshop – culminating in how I would secure a NED position. What was refreshing was the fact that David continually referred to his experience and not what you’d find in a text book coupled with a wealth of resources that are available. I would wholeheartedly recommend attending one of Execellensia courses that David runs and to point others that you know who may be interested in David’s direction.
Sean Humby Director & host - Business Network (SW) Ltd, lunch time networking. And Accredited Sales through Service licensee", "\'\'David's How to become a Non-Executive Director course is truly excellent. He provides context, knowledge and insight, with practical illumination from his own extensive personal experience. He is endlessly patient, deeply informative and always interesting to listen to. I cannot recommend this course too highly Chris Kenber Practical business coach bringing clarity and energy to help ambitious business owners raise their game", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
The course covered the background to governance comprehensively but more usefully for me was some of the practical issues in becoming a non-executive director, particularly in the SME sector
Graham Matthews", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
Well structured and informative course with plenty of time/room for group discussions. Ideal for anyone looking at NED roles.
Luke Ireland, Business leader and Non Executive Director", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
A really useful day for anyone with serious intentions of becoming a NED. The event was well structured with a good balance between the theory of corporate governance and NED responsibilities as well as allowing plenty of time for sharing experiences through group interaction
Mike Jones Director OBS Management Consultants Limited", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
Helpful and fulsome in opening up the channel of Non-Executive Director as a career path. I know considerably more about what is required and expected now and, of real practical benefit, how to go about seeking and finding a rewarding role as an NED. Highly recommended.
James Millar Company Director, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Lawyer, Trustee", "I recently attended David's one day introduction How to become a Non-Executive Director as part of my own professional development and to gain some insights for my clients too. David's breadth of experience, knowledge and practical guidance is inspiring. He is refreshingly frank, engaging and practical so I now have some next steps in terms of further reading, resources and action planning.
I would highly recommend David to anyone thinking about taking on a NED role
Kim Jones Business Consultant & Coach, Director at High Growth Knowledge Company", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
This one day course is an excellent overview, providing real advice and very helpful information for those Directors who are interested in developing a non-exec portfolio
Julian Dennis, Director Compliance & Sustainability at Wessex Water, Bath, United Kingdom", "How to become a Non-Executive Director is an essential introduction for those who seriously wish to pursue Non Executive Director Roles. The course, led by David Doughty an experienced and knowledgeable NED, is focused on the key information required to achieve your first position. It includes a discussion of the Non Executive Director Role, duties and liabilities, the relevant skill set and valid approaches to securing a NED position. The day includes case study work as well as interactive discussions of the course material. I thoroughly recommend this course which is good value for money. Nick Randle OBE Consultant/Interim Manager, Non-Executive Director", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
I recently attended Excellencia's NED course written and run by the highly experienced David Doughty. In one day you cover an enormous amount of ground where the topics include, Governance, Risk, Information, Due Diligence, Solvency, NED role including required skills, duties and liabilities and finally how to win a position. I recommend it highly.
Nick Bailey Managing Director Apexselling Limited", "\'\'I really enjoyed the last meeting. The seminar in particular was the best Social Media session I have attended. I have managed to grow my twitter following from 50 to 582 and counting Ed Kenworthy IT Consultant at Alphatec Systems Ltd", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
I would thoroughly recommend this course. It gave me an excellent overview of the role of a NED and a clear steer on how best to look for and be successful in becoming a NED. All my pre course questions were answered. The examples the tutor gave were interesting and stimulated good debate. The small size of the group allowed questions and good dialogue. Look no further for a course on this subject
Helen Sharpe Managing Director Education Division Priory Group", "Marketing for Non-Marketing Directors

\'\'Well worth the time! Duncan has packed a lot of information into the course, which reminded me of all the things I should be thinking about, and doing something about in my own business, and also sent me away with some action items. Highly recommended!
Andrew Stacey Founder, Cellular Systems", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
Excellent course giving a clear picture of the role, the skills and characteristics required, the range of NED opportunities and the various routes to secure such positions. As a bonus you also meet interesting people and useful contacts. A good career investment.
Mark Lambert, Non-Executive Director", "I found the How to become a Non-Executive Director course very informative and well presented. I would recommend it as a good overview of Board Function and personal requirements. It gave me clarity about things I thought I already knew but clearly did not. The small number of attendees made for a more personal interactive day which we all appreciated Maire Brankin, Director at Oxford Executive", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
I can thoroughly recommend this course and David. As well as meeting interesting colleagues, a great way to understand compliance, personal capabilities and skills needed to fulfil a NED role. A helpful and well structured intro into the NED world.
Alli Hooton, Managing Consultant 3103 Human Resources Ltd", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
As an introduction to the world of NED's this course is well structured to give an honest and practical insight in to how to identify and prepare for a move in this direction. Money well spent!
John Cooper, Vice President, North West Europe at Weber-Stephen Products LLC United Kingdom", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
I found the course very helpful, as I wanted to understand in detail what a NED role entailed. I felt that I gained enough information not only to decide if this was the sort of role that I would be interested in, but also to be able to function in such a role. The guidance on seeking appointments was an added bonus. It was also an interesting day with a varied group of delegates and I would happily recommend it.
Julia Iball, Managing Partner at Henmans LLP", "I found the How to become a Non-Executive Director workshop really insightful and useful in helping understand both the role of an NED and with creating your own plan on becoming an NED. I would recommend this workshop to anyone who is considering doing just that. Dave Harrison Co-Founder and Director at 10Eighty", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
I found the day stimulating and informative. It confirmed many of the areas I was aware of working with a Board as a Company Secretary and refreshed my knowledge on some of the legal aspects of the role
Barbara Suggitt Company Secretary at Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust", "Finance for Non-Finance Directors
Philip had an excellent wealth of experience & practical knowledge of a wide number of industries and was really warm & welcoming- An asset to the course!
Alana Chalmers, Marketing Management & Business Development", "Having attended one of David's Social Media seminars in the past, can I highly commend anyone still sitting on the bottom rung, watching everyone else climb the social media engagement ladder, to attend, listen and be enlightened by what David will no doubt convey Sam Finlay Experts in Creating Engaging Video & Animated Videos that Explain the Value of What You Do.", "Unlike many courses I have attended in the past, How to become a Non-Executive Director went beyond just the technical aspects of being a 'Non-Exec', and reflected on the differences in the approach required compared to being an Exec Director.
It allows you to make a fully informed decision on whether a Non Exec role is right for you, and if it is, how to go about finding opportunities.
An invaluable day of learning!
Alastair Lewis Managing Director at Carlisle Support Services Ltd", "Thank you for the interesting session on Social Media that I attended recently.
It was very thought provoking, and I left armed with a list of actions to take to improve the on-line presence of my business.
Thanks again.
Sarah Schofield Owner of SchofieldVA, providing a wide range of business support services", "How to become a Non-Executive Director

\'\'This course was excellent and greatly exceeded my expectations. The course format is interactive, with small-group teaching in a seminar/workshop format, led by an experienced Chartered Director who generously shared his personal experience
Christine Wilson Non-executive Director, Multi-Academy Trust", "Sales for Non-Sales Directors

\'\'I found this very useful , John really knew his stuff and made this engaging and materials were spot on and good interaction with other members on the course which added to the skill sharing- I learned a lot.
John Smith IT Resources Ltd.", "How to become a Non-Executive Director
\'\'David is a solid expert. The overview of the role of a NED was very well presented. Highly recommended.
Jean-Philippe Perraud Founder at NEDonBoard", "Having attended Social Media for Beginners, I have both a fuller understanding of the positive impact that appropriate use of social media could have on my business and better technical knowledge of the different tools available. I would recommend this course to anyone wishing to engage in cost neutral but effective marketing. Paul Mayo Chairman at SaRS, Managing Director at SQEP Ltd", ], numQuotes: 53, fadeDuration: 2, fadeoutDuration: 2, delay: 20, quotesInit: function(){ if (this.numQuotes

Apr 092021
 
How to become a Non-Executive Director – Video Course Wednesday 20 January 2021

Find out how you can obtain a Non-Executive Director position by booking a place on this interactive 1-day video course.

"This course is a must for any aspiring NED and even established NED's as a refresher. The content and its delivery were well paced, informative and challenging in equal measures, led by a seasoned expert who's capabilities provide a wealth of knowledge to be drawn upon. Incredible value for money and should be part of a suite of courses leading to a more formal qualification for aspiring NED's. 100% recommended, you will not be disappointed."

Jon Cross, Managing Director at Essenjay Associates Ltd

The How to become a Non-Executive Director course helps you to plan and prepare for your first NED position. It instils a real sense of what is expected of NEDs, and how you can meet the challenge.

non-executive director

This one-day interactive course is aimed at aspiring NEDs and covers essential knowledge about roles, responsibilities, strategy and corporate governance that are key foundations for a Non-Executive board role. It also considers up to date thinking on corporate governance and the responsibilities of owners, the board and employees.

This is followed by practical sessions on identifying NED opportunities, the process of obtaining a first appointment and performing due diligence before any position is accepted. There is emphasis on the importance of presenting your experiences with clarity and relevance.

This course identifies the various ways and circumstances in which non-executive directors can make an effective contribution to a board's work. It also examines methods for their selection and reviews their motivation, induction and reward.

Who should attend?
Individuals who are currently a non-executive director; those seeking appointment as a non-executive director and those looking to appoint a non-executive director.

What to expect?

  • Clarifies how and why non-executive directors can strengthen a board
  • Provides practical guidance on how best to secure an appointment as a non-executive director

Course objectives
Participation on this course will provide you with the knowledge to:

  • Clarify the board's role, purpose and key tasks
  • Appreciate the contributions that non-executive directors can make to the board in different types of company and situations
  • Recognise the qualities and experience needed to fulfil a non-executive director appointment
  • Appreciate appropriate methods for finding, selecting, appointing and rewarding non-executive directors
  • Understand the preparation required to interview for or be interviewed for the post of non-executive director

Course Leader: David Doughty CDir FIoD

David Doughty - Chartered Director

The course is delivered by David Doughty, a Chartered Director and highly experienced Non-Executive, Chief Executive, Chair, Entrepreneur and Business Mentor. David has extensive executive and non-executive experience in small and medium enterprises in private and public sectors. He is also a board level consultant to multi-national organisations and a Chartered Director Ambassador for the Institute of Directors. See his LinkedIn profile here: (http://uk.linkedin.com/in/daviddoughty)

Key Details
Duration: 1 day
Location:

Video Conference

Price

£350.00 (ex VAT)
Payment with Booking Price
£320.00 (ex VAT)

NEDworks Tier1 Member Price
£295.00 (ex VAT)

Book Now
To see course dates and to book your place now follow this link:
Course Registration
The fee includes a copy of the course handbook

Attendance counts as 6 CPD hours of structured learning


Mar 062021
 
How to become a Non-Executive Director – Video Course Wednesday 20 January 2021

Find out how you can obtain a Non-Executive Director position by booking a place on this interactive 1-day video course.

"This course is a must for any aspiring NED and even established NED's as a refresher. The content and its delivery were well paced, informative and challenging in equal measures, led by a seasoned expert who's capabilities provide a wealth of knowledge to be drawn upon. Incredible value for money and should be part of a suite of courses leading to a more formal qualification for aspiring NED's. 100% recommended, you will not be disappointed."

Jon Cross, Managing Director at Essenjay Associates Ltd

The How to become a Non-Executive Director course helps you to plan and prepare for your first NED position. It instils a real sense of what is expected of NEDs, and how you can meet the challenge.

non-executive director

This one-day interactive course is aimed at aspiring NEDs and covers essential knowledge about roles, responsibilities, strategy and corporate governance that are key foundations for a Non-Executive board role. It also considers up to date thinking on corporate governance and the responsibilities of owners, the board and employees.

This is followed by practical sessions on identifying NED opportunities, the process of obtaining a first appointment and performing due diligence before any position is accepted. There is emphasis on the importance of presenting your experiences with clarity and relevance.

This course identifies the various ways and circumstances in which non-executive directors can make an effective contribution to a board's work. It also examines methods for their selection and reviews their motivation, induction and reward.

Who should attend?
Individuals who are currently a non-executive director; those seeking appointment as a non-executive director and those looking to appoint a non-executive director.

What to expect?

  • Clarifies how and why non-executive directors can strengthen a board
  • Provides practical guidance on how best to secure an appointment as a non-executive director

Course objectives
Participation on this course will provide you with the knowledge to:

  • Clarify the board's role, purpose and key tasks
  • Appreciate the contributions that non-executive directors can make to the board in different types of company and situations
  • Recognise the qualities and experience needed to fulfil a non-executive director appointment
  • Appreciate appropriate methods for finding, selecting, appointing and rewarding non-executive directors
  • Understand the preparation required to interview for or be interviewed for the post of non-executive director

Course Leader: David Doughty CDir FIoD

David Doughty - Chartered Director

The course is delivered by David Doughty, a Chartered Director and highly experienced Non-Executive, Chief Executive, Chair, Entrepreneur and Business Mentor. David has extensive executive and non-executive experience in small and medium enterprises in private and public sectors. He is also a board level consultant to multi-national organisations and a Chartered Director Ambassador for the Institute of Directors. See his LinkedIn profile here: (http://uk.linkedin.com/in/daviddoughty)

Key Details
Duration: 1 day
Location:

Video Conference

Price

£350.00 (ex VAT)
Payment with Booking Price
£320.00 (ex VAT)

NEDworks Tier1 Member Price
£295.00 (ex VAT)

Book Now
To see course dates and to book your place now follow this link:
Course Registration
The fee includes lunch, refreshments and a copy of the course handbook

Attendance counts as 6 CPD hours of structured learning


Feb 022021
 

Diversity and Inclusion in the Boardroom

A practical interactive video course for Chairs and Board members

If you are wondering how you can promote diversity and inclusion on your Board then the Diversity and Inclusion in the Boardroom 1-day interactive video course will provide you with an essential overview of what is involved together with practical steps that can be taken to help you to achieve a more diverse and inclusive board.

This course is aimed at Chairs and Board members in the private, public and voluntary sectors including NHS Trusts, Social Enterprises, Local Authorities, School and College Governors and Charity Trustees looking to reflect on the impact of current issues on racial equity and working in order to promote diversity and inclusion on their boards and in their organisations.

Who should attend?

Chairs and Board members in the private, public and voluntary sectors including NHS Trusts, Social Enterprises, Local Authorities, School and College Governors and Charity Trustees.

What to expect?

  • An overview of the core principles and essential knowledge about the impact of diversity and inclusion in society and on organisations.
  • Identification of the challenges faced by Boards in the area of Diversity and Inclusion and an exploration of the various ways in which Executive and Non-Executive Directors can contribute to these issues
  • Practical guidance on how Board members can make positive contributions to a board’s work by embracing diversity and diversity of thought

Course objectives

Participants will gain the fundamental knowledge / terminology to interact at Board level whilst considering the key impact of these issues on Boards and within organisations.

There will be opportunities to explore recruitment and selection processes, induction and how Boards can implement diversity and inclusion principles

Course Leaders:

Dr Shungu Hilda M’gadzah

Director & Lead Consultant Psychologist: Diversity & Inclusion expert and Educational Psychologist at Inclusion Psychologists Ltd with senior leadership experience and Board level leadership experience in the voluntary sector and public sector. Experience as senior leader in education at Head of Service level leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams. (linkedin.com/in/shunguhildamgadzah/)

Shirley Wardell

Thinking Environment Coach and Facilitator Trainer specialising in Leadership Development. A member of the Time to Think Faculty, qualified to deliver Nancy Kline’s Thinking Environment courses. Experience in Higher Education, mostly for the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education (linkedin.com/in/shirley-wardell-47b2467/)

David Doughty CDir FIoD

David Doughty - Chartered Director

Chartered Director and highly experienced Non-Executive, Chief Executive, Chair, Entrepreneur and Business Mentor. David has extensive executive and non-executive experience in small and medium enterprises in private and public sectors. He is also a board level consultant to multi-national organisations and a Chartered Director Ambassador for the Institute of Directors. . (linkedin.com/in/daviddoughty)

Key Details

Duration: 1 day
Location: Zoom Video Conference

Price
£350.00 (ex VAT)
Payment with Booking Price £320.00 (ex
 VAT)
Partner Discount Price
£295.00 (ex VAT)*

Book Now

To see course dates and to book your place now follow this link:
Course Registration

The fee includes a copy of the course handbook

Attendance counts as 6 verifiable CPD hours of structured learning

*Discounts on Excellencia course fees are available for:

Courses can be delivered ‘in-house’ to a single board – to find out more contact [email protected] or call 01437 731 161


Jan 042021
 

Diversity and Inclusion in the Boardroom

A practical interactive video course for Chairs and Board members

If you are wondering how you can promote diversity and inclusion on your Board then the Diversity and Inclusion in the Boardroom 1-day interactive video course will provide you with an essential overview of what is involved together with practical steps that can be taken to help you to achieve a more diverse and inclusive board.

This course is aimed at Chairs and Board members in the private, public and voluntary sectors including NHS Trusts, Social Enterprises, Local Authorities, School and College Governors and Charity Trustees looking to reflect on the impact of current issues on racial equity and working in order to promote diversity and inclusion on their boards and in their organisations.

Who should attend?

Chairs and Board members in the private, public and voluntary sectors including NHS Trusts, Social Enterprises, Local Authorities, School and College Governors and Charity Trustees.

What to expect?

  • An overview of the core principles and essential knowledge about the impact of diversity and inclusion in society and on organisations.
  • Identification of the challenges faced by Boards in the area of Diversity and Inclusion and an exploration of the various ways in which Executive and Non-Executive Directors can contribute to these issues
  • Practical guidance on how Board members can make positive contributions to a board’s work by embracing diversity and diversity of thought

Course objectives

Participants will gain the fundamental knowledge / terminology to interact at Board level whilst considering the key impact of these issues on Boards and within organisations.

There will be opportunities to explore recruitment and selection processes, induction and how Boards can implement diversity and inclusion principles

Course Leaders:

Dr Shungu Hilda M’gadzah

Director & Lead Consultant Psychologist: Diversity & Inclusion expert and Educational Psychologist at Inclusion Psychologists Ltd with senior leadership experience and Board level leadership experience in the voluntary sector and public sector. Experience as senior leader in education at Head of Service level leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams. (linkedin.com/in/shunguhildamgadzah/)

Shirley Wardell

Thinking Environment Coach and Facilitator Trainer specialising in Leadership Development. A member of the Time to Think Faculty, qualified to deliver Nancy Kline’s Thinking Environment courses. Experience in Higher Education, mostly for the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education (linkedin.com/in/shirley-wardell-47b2467/)

David Doughty CDir FIoD

David Doughty - Chartered Director

Chartered Director and highly experienced Non-Executive, Chief Executive, Chair, Entrepreneur and Business Mentor. David has extensive executive and non-executive experience in small and medium enterprises in private and public sectors. He is also a board level consultant to multi-national organisations and a Chartered Director Ambassador for the Institute of Directors. . (linkedin.com/in/daviddoughty)

Key Details

Duration: 1 day
Location: Zoom Video Conference

Price
£350.00 (ex VAT)
Payment with Booking Price £320.00 (ex
 VAT)
Partner Discount Price
£295.00 (ex VAT)*

Book Now

To see course dates and to book your place now follow this link:
Course Registration

The fee includes a copy of the course handbook

Attendance counts as 6 verifiable CPD hours of structured learning

*Discounts on Excellencia course fees are available for:

Courses can be delivered ‘in-house’ to a single board – to find out more contact [email protected] or call 01437 731 161


 

Jan 042021
 
How to become a Non-Executive Director – Video Course Wednesday 20 January 2021

Find out how you can obtain a Non-Executive Director position by booking a place on this interactive 1-day video course.

"This course is a must for any aspiring NED and even established NED's as a refresher. The content and its delivery were well paced, informative and challenging in equal measures, led by a seasoned expert who's capabilities provide a wealth of knowledge to be drawn upon. Incredible value for money and should be part of a suite of courses leading to a more formal qualification for aspiring NED's. 100% recommended, you will not be disappointed."

Jon Cross, Managing Director at Essenjay Associates Ltd

The How to become a Non-Executive Director course helps you to plan and prepare for your first NED position. It instils a real sense of what is expected of NEDs, and how you can meet the challenge.

non-executive director

This one-day interactive course is aimed at aspiring NEDs and covers essential knowledge about roles, responsibilities, strategy and corporate governance that are key foundations for a Non-Executive board role. It also considers up to date thinking on corporate governance and the responsibilities of owners, the board and employees.

This is followed by practical sessions on identifying NED opportunities, the process of obtaining a first appointment and performing due diligence before any position is accepted. There is emphasis on the importance of presenting your experiences with clarity and relevance.

This course identifies the various ways and circumstances in which non-executive directors can make an effective contribution to a board's work. It also examines methods for their selection and reviews their motivation, induction and reward.

Who should attend?
Individuals who are currently a non-executive director; those seeking appointment as a non-executive director and those looking to appoint a non-executive director.

What to expect?

  • Clarifies how and why non-executive directors can strengthen a board
  • Provides practical guidance on how best to secure an appointment as a non-executive director

Course objectives
Participation on this course will provide you with the knowledge to:

  • Clarify the board's role, purpose and key tasks
  • Appreciate the contributions that non-executive directors can make to the board in different types of company and situations
  • Recognise the qualities and experience needed to fulfil a non-executive director appointment
  • Appreciate appropriate methods for finding, selecting, appointing and rewarding non-executive directors
  • Understand the preparation required to interview for or be interviewed for the post of non-executive director

Course Leader: David Doughty CDir FIoD

David Doughty - Chartered Director

The course is delivered by David Doughty, a Chartered Director and highly experienced Non-Executive, Chief Executive, Chair, Entrepreneur and Business Mentor. David has extensive executive and non-executive experience in small and medium enterprises in private and public sectors. He is also a board level consultant to multi-national organisations and a Chartered Director Ambassador for the Institute of Directors. See his LinkedIn profile here: (http://uk.linkedin.com/in/daviddoughty)

Key Details
Duration: 1 day
Location:

Video Conference

Price

£350.00 (ex VAT)
Payment with Booking Price
£320.00 (ex VAT)

NEDworks Tier1 Member Price
£295.00 (ex VAT)

Book Now
To see course dates and to book your place now follow this link:
Course Registration
The fee includes lunch, refreshments and a copy of the course handbook

Attendance counts as 6 CPD hours of structured learning


Dec 242020
 

non-executive director

The recently updated Charity Governance Code, which sets out 7 principles of good governance practice for charities in England and Wales, includes clearer recommended practice in the renamed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Principle, and updates to the Integrity Principle to emphasise ethics and the right of everyone who has contact with the charity to be safe.

The 2020 update to the Code follows a rigorous consultation with the charity sector that involved user focus groups and received over 800 responses. With feedback particularly focused on the diversity and integrity principles, the Code’s Steering Group commissioned specialist EDI consultants to carry out further research and advice.

Rosie Chapman, Chair of the Charity Governance Code Steering Group said:

These improvements to the Charity Governance Code reflect changes in society and the broader context in which charities are working. The updated Code is designed to help charities adopt good practice and secure better outcomes for the communities they serve. We know that charities are at varying stages in their efforts to fully adopt the Code, including in achieving equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion, and the updated Code is designed to help charities on this journey. We’ve also heard that charities and boards would like more guidance on how to improve their approach to EDI. In response, we are asking charity umbrella and infrastructure bodies to provide more guidance and support to charities, to help them meet the recommended practice in the Code.

The Code recommends four stages of practice for charities in their EDI journey. Boards should:

  1. Think about why equality, diversity and inclusion is important for the charity and assess the current level of understanding.
  2. Set out plans and targets tailored to the charity and its starting point.
  3. Monitor and measure how well the charity is doing.
  4. Be transparent and publish the charity’s progress.

Pari Dhillon, independent EDI consultant who advised the Steering Group on the changes, said:

As a governance and EDI fan, I’m very excited about the launch of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principle, for two reasons. Firstly, great EDI has the power to create social justice in our boardrooms, charities, sector and ultimately society. Secondly EDI practice sits at the heart of good governance, and I’d argue you can’t have one without the other. I say this because:

To maximise public benefit, boards must focus on achieving equality of outcomes through their charitable purpose.

To make better and more informed decisions, boards must be diverse, reflecting and centring the voices of the community and needs that the charity seeks to serve.

To make robust decisions, all board members must have the power to fully participate and societal power imbalances must be prevented from playing out in an inclusive board room.

Malcolm John, Action for Trustee Racial Diversity commented on the new EDI Principle:

I’m delighted that the updated EDI Principle picks up the mantra of Actions not Words by encouraging charities to focus firmly on agreeing plans, setting targets and monitoring their progress. I’m hopeful that this will help set charities on the path to achieving greater racial diversity at all levels by moving away from informal recruitment processes for trustees and committing time and resources to drawing from a wider and more diverse pool of people.

As part of the Code’s refresh, the Integrity Principle has also been strengthened to emphasise the importance of a charity’s values, ethical decision making and the culture this creates.

Rosie Chapman, Chair of the Steering Group explains:

We’ve also updated the integrity principle to reflect the importance of everyone who comes into contact with a charity being treated with dignity and respect and to feel that they are in a safe and supportive environment.

In particular, the Code includes new recommended practice on the right to be safe (safeguarding) that asks trustees to:

Understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

Establish appropriate procedures that are integrated with the charity’s risk management approach.

Ensure that everyone in contact with the charity knows how to speak up and raise concerns.

Charities are encouraged to visit the Code’s website to view and download the new edition of the Code. Explanatory videos and accompanying blogs can also be found on the website.

As any experienced business executive who joins a Charity Board as a Trustee knows, running a charity, especially in 2020, is a particularly challenging task. Charity Chief Executives should be able to draw on the widest range of skills, background and experience from their Trustees for support. EDI should not be seen as pandering to sentiment but as an essential requirement to ensure that Boards have the best people contributing to the governance of the Charity, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or class.

Charity Trustees are, by and large, enthusiastic, unpaid, supporters of the cause that their charity serves but they should also ensure that they understand their role, duties and responsibilities - the updated Charity Governance Code is essential reading for all charity Trustees.

Dec 212020
 

The critical role Non-Executive Directors and Trustees play in Executive performance.

by J A Sutherland

Ensuring General Wisdom: The practical guide for non-executive directors and trustees on how to get the best out of executives covering: leadership, culture, business models and conduct of business. Discover the four drivers of culture: trust, communication, decision making and incentives. Find out why understanding corporate failure increases the chances of corporate success and that learning from history is difficult but essential.

 

 

 

Dec 112020
 

The Non-Executive Director's Guide to Effective Board Presence

by Gerry Brown

Independent Chairmen and Directors play a crucial role in business today. This comprehensive, global guide provides a unique insight into what it's like to be an Independent Chairman and Director, the contributions made to companies, and the challenges faced in these roles. It features a large range of international case studies from different sectors, which are used to explore eight central themes critical to business today. Supported by academic research and interviews with business leaders, the book provides a rare emphasis on 'soft skills', the importance of cultural flexibility, relationship building, and the value to boards of an independent perspective. It is essential reading both for current and aspiring Independent Chairmen or Directors, as well as for companies seeking to improve their boards.

 

 

 

Dec 112020
 

The Definitive Guide to Gaining a Non-Executive Directorship

by David Schwarz

There are many things in life that you cannot prepare for but the board appointment process is not one of them. Non-executive board directors often describe finding their first directorship as an arduous and time-consuming process. More experienced board members suggest finding subsequent board roles equally challenging. For these reasons, the biggest mistake most people make when considering their board career is not starting the process early enough and not understanding how board appointments are made. Regardless of your approach, the process of finding and being appointed to a board takes a certain amount of skill and practice. This book provides practical advice, clearly written, to help get you on a board and 'dare them not to appoint you'.

 

 

Dec 102020
 

The whole can of Non-Executive worms has been subject to investigation, reappraisal and some rigorous new rulings

by Ade Asefeso Mcips Mba

Non Executive Directors used to be caricatured as cronies of the Chairman (who is also a Non Executive Director) or Ceo. Fat cats, freeloading members of the "old boy network", retirees who wanted to have somewhere to go other than the golf club for a decent lunch and a chat. Not an attractive scenario and for various reasons, but not least because of numerous serious corporate scandals where shareholders were left unprotected, the whole can of Non Executive worms has been subject to investigation, reappraisal and some rigorous new rulings. Most people have heard the term Non Executive Director without actually knowing what they are, much less what they can potentially do for a start-ups or growing business. A well chosen Non Executive director can be key to good governance but getting that first Non Executive Director appointment can be tricky.