What is a non-executive director and why does your business need one?

A non-executive director looks at your organisation independently to offer advice and expertise – and makes sure your voice is heard.

Everyone has individual styles, processes and attitudes to running their business. One of the biggest benefits I’ve gained from working with a variety of organisations is understanding those different perspectives and bringing a rounded knowledge that I can share across businesses, but always with an eye on the finances.

How can a non-executive director help you?

A good non-executive director is someone who supports you through key planning processes, giving advice with independence and empathy. We’re not official employees, so typically won’t be involved in the day-to-day management of your business. Instead, we step in to help you with key decisions, look at policies and sit with you in your board meetings to support your staff and your stakeholders.

Asking someone new to come on board at a senior level can be a big step. Yet impartiality and expertise offers an objective view to truly change the way you work.

There are a number of key things I like to do when I’m supporting my clients:

1. Attend your board meetings

Board meetings can be a challenge for businesses owners, as everyone brings different ideas to the table. With a non-executive director sitting in on your monthly or quarterly meetings, you get an unbiased opinion from someone who isn’t on the payroll, helping you consider things from an independent point of view.

2. Bring outside experience

Knowing your business inside out can sometimes make decisions a little more difficult. When it’s something that matters so much to you, which you’ve worked on exclusively for many years, it’s likely you don’t have recent experience in different sectors or markets.
There’s where a non-executive director without a company niche, steps in to support you. I’ve worked in organisations from legal firms to non-profits, so I bring experience from a variety of industries and businesses. I love to offer ideas you might not have thought about or share approaches that have worked for others, which you can put in place too.

3. Help you to be heard

All companies are different. Yet for me there’s always one shared value I want bring into every business I work with: to listen to your concerns and support your team. Making sure your voice is heard is important to me and I will work with you to achieve this.
A great non-executive director relationship is one based on trust. So I always make sure I build close connections with the organisations that bring me on board. They know I’m not simply there when I’m called upon for advice or attendance. Instead, I get beneath the surface to understand you and your business so I can support you in the way that makes a difference – and matters most to you.

If you’re thinking of bringing a non-executive director into your team but you’re not sure where to start, get in touch today!

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