Jean has a post graduate Non Executive Director accreditation from the FT and is an experienced Non Executive Director with a wealth of Board experience. She believes that a well considered external perspective is essential in order to create an effective board.

Non Executive Director

Non Executive Directors play a vital role in ensuring the effectiveness of a Board. It is essential that they are experienced and well versed in corporate governance in order to facilitate effective and prudent management. The UK Code of Governance identifies the legal responsibilities of Non Executive Directors to;

  • Provide entrepreneurial leadership
  • Determine company values and standards
  • Determine strategic aims
  • Effectively manage human resource and finances
  • Review management performance
  • Meet obligations to shareholders/stakeholders

Specific skills of an NED

The Code encompasses the Higgs Review 2003 which emphasises the need for Non Executive Directors to constructively challenge in order for a Board to be more effective. It recommends that NEDs should use their independent perspective to challenge; strategy, management performance, management of risk, remuneration and the management of people. In addition Non Executive Directors should be fully conversant with; the market place, the economic climate and an in-depth knowledge of the company.