Next Generation: Non-Executive Directors Scheme
Published: 9th September 2024
Our Next Gen NEDs Scheme is now in its 4th year, and we are delighted to announce the application window for the 2025 Placement Programme is now open.*
In 2024 we successfully placed 17 participants with member regulators including ICO, TPR, Ofcom, Ofgem, Ofwat and ORR, and we are pleased to welcome the FCA to the 2025 programme.
*and remains open until Monday 7th October.
Building a diverse pipeline
At UKRN our ambition is to make regulation an attractive career choice and the Next Gen NEDs Scheme and community ensures that the broadest range of people are represented on platforms, voicing their views and opinions, and contributing to recommendations and decisions for people across the UK.
In addition to the Placement Programme, the online Community of Interest (CoI) is an integral part of the scheme, with over 300 members, and which provides inspiration, networking opportunities and online events, featuring advice from a range of speakers including NEDs, HR specialists and recruitment consultants. The CoI is open to colleagues from all UKRN members.
The aim of the placement programme is to create unique opportunities for colleagues to boost their careers in making a difference through non-executive work, by:
- widening the talent pipeline of Non-Executive Directors in the public sector – to promote inclusion and to maximise the potential of candidates who can bring diversity of thought and experience to a non-executive role;
- creating greater transparency around the role, functions and requirements of a non-executive;
- supporting the sustained success in the appointment of under-represented candidates to panel or committee positions and/or as Non-Executive Directors or Chairs;
- offering opportunities for individuals to gain experience in board, committee and panel work and strengthen any future applications they may make for such roles.
The window for applications is open
from Monday 9th September 2024 until Monday 7th October 2024.
We are delighted that the FCA have joined our 2025 programme, and invite colleagues from the following participating members to apply to join the new cohort:
Successful applicants, from participating members – will experience a one-year period of mentoring and shadowing (12 months; January to December), on a selected board, committee or panel, some examples of these opportunities are:
Next Steps..
You can find more information on our WEBPAGE
or email us: NGN_UKRN@CAA.CO.UK
We encourage you to join our Community of Interest: HERE
Request a copy of the Rules of Participation: HERE
Apply for the Placement Programme: HERE
Don’t just take our word for it, read what some of our stakeholders have said:
Mark McAllister, Chairman of Ofgem
“This year (2024), I have the pleasure of welcome three Next GEN NEDs to the Ofgem Board. The Next Gen NED programme is a fantastic initiative which provides unique opportunities for aspiring board members across regulators.
I believe that key success of the programme is to ensure that as regulators we have an enduring pipeline of talented and diverse expertise that can become future non-executive directors.
I look forward to working with our Next GEN NED cohort in the year ahead and in the future, building their understanding and confidence as aspiring NEDs and injecting diverse perspectives into our Board discussions.”
Fiona Lennox, Ofcom
Fiona is a founder of the Next Gen NEDs Scheme. She is a powerhouse of energy, knowledge, enthusiasm, and ambition. She recently made a tough decision to step away from the scheme, and in sharing her thoughts said this;
“Next Gen NEDs has been a passion for me these last few years. Together we have created a unique range of opportunities for our colleagues. We’ve started to see successes from that and I hope the initiative will continue enabling more colleagues to begin their journeys of applying their amazing range of talents in wider public service.
It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with such a talented and dedicated group of colleagues from across the regulators. It’s also been great fun! UKRN plays such an important role in bringing colleagues together and in doing so, enables the creation of synergies, that otherwise would not have been possible.
I will remain one of your most fervent cheerleaders and wish you the very best in taking Next Gen NEDs forward”.
2022 Alumni
“Since finishing the NGN scheme, the community of interest events have been very instrumental in my development and journey towards obtaining a paid NED position. I recall that one of the speakers recommended that we go for areas we are passionate about.
In my role as a trustee, I was offered the position of safeguarding champion for the board. Upon accepting the role, I was exposed to areas of need in society, which really aligns with the reason for joining the charity.”
2024 Cohort
“I’ve really enjoyed participating in the Next Gen NED programme. It has been a great opportunity to find out more about how boards operate, how they inform the work and performance of an organisation, and ultimately improve a public service. I have found it valuable to have the chance to interact with senior leaders that I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet, and to observe their interactions in the meetings.
My mentor has been fantastic in providing me with valuable background context, answering questions and sharing their personal reflections in advance of and after the meetings. I’ve also learnt lots about a different regulated sector which has been interesting in itself!”