Unlock your potential as a non-executive director
The path towards a non-executive role
Becoming a non-executive director (NED) can be a natural and rewarding next step for many experienced directors. Your experience and knowledge can provide a valuable perspective for many organisations. Being a non-executive director is not only rewarding, it can boost your reputation and fit around your other commitments.
As the UK’s leading business policy and governance body, we can provide everything you need to steer you into a non-executive role.
The role of a NED
If you’re not sure what is expected from a non-executive director, this free factsheet is a good place to start.
How to become a NED
Get practical tips and insider strategies to secure your first non-executive director role in this free guide.
Route to NED webinar
Hear speakers from IoD and European Women on Boards discuss the different paths they know and have personally experienced to reach non-executive director roles.
Career guidance
Get your CV reviewed by our career advisor and unlock your next non-executive director opportunity with expert guidance and valuable resources.
Find a NED role
Get free and fast-track access to the latest non-executive director roles via Nurole’s platform.
Find a mentor
Connect with accomplished executive and non-executive directors to help you on your path to a board-level role through the IoD Mentor Connect platform.
Becoming a NED course
This interactive workshop is designed and delivered by non-executive directors. It will help you define how you extend your skills to fulfil the role and show you where and how to apply for suitable positions.
Emerging NEDs group
Our Special Interest Group aims to identify, inspire, develop and place talented professionals from diverse backgrounds onto boards across a range of sectors, from charities through to FTSE 250 companies.
Board Dynamics course
Take a deep dive into the behaviours that directors knowingly and unconsciously adopt in board and leadership meetings.
Join the IoD today
There are many more reasons to become an IoD member. Join around 20,000 business leaders from across the UK and beyond, to make the most of IoD membership.
Network at our events with other professional business leaders
Join one of our many Special Interest Groups
Access our huge library of business resources and factsheets
Take CPD courses worth over £1,000
Get confidential business advice from specialist advisors
Research through our information service to make better informed decisions
Access our legal and tax helplines
Meet and work from locations across the country including the iconic 116 Pall Mall in central London
Become a qualified non-executive director
For over 120 years, directors have joined the IoD looking for support to start, run and grow successful businesses in every sector and corner of the UK and beyond.
Our world-class professional development courses are tailored by directors for directors, with the aim of guiding you towards effectively steering your organisation to success and promoting ongoing learning to develop relevant skills and knowledge.
IoD awards, certificate and diploma level qualifications are internationally recognised and credit rated under the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
The IoD has been an invaluable source of support for me and my board. The Chartered Director Qualification has given me confidence, inspired confidence in others and evidenced my professional competence as a director. My organisation benefited from my improved performance.
FAQs
Find out everything you need to know about membership, events, professional development, and more!
Do you offer resources specifically for NEDs?
We understand the unique needs of NEDs. Our “Resources” section, easily accessible through the navigation, features a wealth of content tailored to your development:
- Factsheets: Get quick, focused insights on key topics relevant to executive and non-executive directors.
- Webinars on demand: Deepen your knowledge with pre-recorded webinars you can watch at your convenience.
- Reports and Papers: Gain access to in-depth research and analysis on critical issues for directors.
- Blogs: Stay current with industry trends and practical advice through insightful blog posts.
- Videos: Learn visually with engaging video content covering various aspects of the NED role.
Plus:
We offer a dedicated Non-Executive Director Hub. This central location provides you with targeted resources specifically for NEDs.
Do I have to be a company director to join the IoD?
No, the IoD lends support to a variety of business leaders across the nation and globally. This includes partners, managing consultants and those that work closely with directors. There are different packages depending on your experience and the services you need.
Explore our membership packages here.
Alternatively, if you have any questions about becoming an IoD member, you can call our membership team on +44 (0)20 7451 3209 (9.00am – 5.00pm UK time).
How can I become a chartered director?
Our programme is made up of three stages that together lead to chartered status, an internationally recognised qualification.
The first stage, Certificate in Company Direction, comprises four modules.
The next stage, Diploma in Company Direction, is an intensive three-day course.
The final stage, the Chartered Director Qualification, is achieved following a successful interview and assessment of business experience.
What short courses do you offer?
IoD open courses cover the essentials needed to successfully steer an organisation. You can take courses individually or as part of a tailored training package.
Is there an extra cost to joining Special Interest Groups?
You can join any of our Special Interest Groups at no extra cost and you can join as many as you like. Please get in contact with the relationship team on +44 (0)20 8142 8835 if you wish to get in contact with a specific SIG’s leadership team.
Can I visit face to face events in other regions?
Yes, you are more than welcome in any IoD event and as a member, you will often receive a discount on paid ticketed events.
Does the IoD offer corporate membership?
Yes, we offer bespoke corporate memberships, to enquire please contact [email protected].
Can I speak at an IoD event?
To express your interest in speaking at an event please get in touch with [email protected].
How many guests can I bring to 116 Pall Mall?
Members may bring up to 3 guests during their visit to 116 Pall Mall. Our full list of member rules can be found here.
Can I create my own Special Interest Group?
Yes, please send through a proposal to [email protected] and the relationship team will see if this would be of value to our members as a Special Interest Group.
Join us
Connect with other directors, develop yourself and influence the people that matter.
Free registration with IoD
Stay up-to-date on issues that affect directors and get access to free resources.