Host a NED Placement
As part of our Non-Executive Director (NED) training programme, we have an opportunity for SME businesses to benefit from hosting a three-month NED placement on their board of directors.
Delegates take part in a four-month course to enhance their existing skills in order to become a Non-Executive Director (NED), supporting small and medium sized organisations. Our delegates have either worked in large corporate organisations, managed large teams and be used to strict corporate governance, or may be entrepreneurs who have previously grown their own company.
The placement provides delegates with first-hand experience in a NED role, whilst offering SME businesses the opportunity to access fresh ideas and new perspectives in their boardroom from someone with extensive industry experience.
SMEs receive the benefit of a Non-Executive Director for three months, at no cost or long-term commitment to the business.
What is a Non-Executive Director?
Unlike most directors, NEDs are typically outsiders, who are detached from the day-to-day running of your business but are valued because they can provide unbiased views. They can offer a unique and differing perspective on a range of business areas and can help challenge your organisation to think differently, or offer insight into how other organisations work.
What is involved as a host organisation?
As an organisation hosting a NED, you will offer a 3-month placement on your board to one of the delegates on our Non-Executive Director training programme. We will look to partner you with the right NED delegate for your organisation and will discuss the placement options with you in advance.
In advance of the placement, we will ask all parties to sign a legal agreement to protect you in respect of intellectual property and confidentiality.
During the three months, the NED will attend a minimum of three board meetings and contribute actively to your business.
There are no financial costs involved unless you wish to offer travel expenses.
What are the benefits for my organisation?
- The chance to see first-hand what value an external NED could bring to your organisation
- Benefit from fresh perspectives a new board member can bring
- Many NED placements have resulted in permanent NED positions on the board
- Many organisations choose to host a NED from consecutive cohorts, benefiting from a variety of external input
Is my organisation eligible to host a NED placement?
- SME business from any industry with a growth mindset
- Have a minimum of 10 employees
- Operating for more than 1 year
- Have an established board or senior management team
- Based in the UK
- Open to external input and challenge
Testimonials
We had the extreme pleasure of working with Tina, she gave us lots of insight on our new board. We worked on putting our growth plans in place, and in the time she spent with us has deeply enriched our business strategy as we embark on our journey forward.
Placement Host, Caroline Wherritt, Founder & CEO of Re:Work Office Furniture. Read more about Caroline’s experience here.
Register to be a NED host
Contact the team
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please contact the team at ExecEd@leeds.ac.uk
Or alternatively contact our Business Development Officer, Alison Cameron on 07935 342227