Next Generation Non-Executive Directors (NEDs)
What is a NED?
A Non-Executive Director (NED) is someone who works with an organisation but is not employed as a colleague.
They bring an objective view and can offer a different perspective to the organisation’s governance matters.
They do not get involved in day-to-day management but provide objective oversight and strategic direction, bringing diverse views and challenges, and helping to set the tone for organisational culture.
Our Aim
To build a diverse pipeline of people who in future will be interested in applying to become NEDs, bringing a rich mix of thinking styles, perspectives and innovative ideas.
The Opportunity
The aim of the scheme is to create unique opportunities for colleagues to boost their careers in making a difference through non-executive work, by:
- widening the talent pipeline for 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 to strengthen any future applications they may make for such roles.
About the Scheme
The NGN scheme aims to build long-term relationships and an enduring talent pipeline, by offering networking opportunities and a number of placements across participating member panels, committees or boards and provide advice to a wider group of next generation non-executive directors via a Community of Interest.
The scheme has 3 main elements:
1
Community of Interest
Our Community of Interest is a group for like-minded colleagues to network and learn together, with access to a schedule of ‘Spotlight’ virtual events, featuring special guest speakers on NED related topics and themes.
2
LinkedIn networking group
A private LinkedIn group to share experiences, insights, news and vacancy opportunities.
3
Placement Programme
A one-year observer placement programme across committees, panels and boards within participating UKRN members, together with mentoring from an existing NED.
About the Community of Interest & LinkedIn Groups
Any employee from our member regulators can participate in the Community of Interest and LinkedIn groups, which provides inspiration, networking opportunities and online events, featuring advice from a range of speakers including NEDs, HR specialists and recruitment consultants.
Interested in getting involved?
About the 12-month Placement Programme
Since the first pilot in 2021, we have successful placed participants on a one-year programme of shadowing opportunity across participating member organisations’, offering these NGNs an experience of board meetings, committee’s or panel work and strengthening skills for future applications that they may make for such roles.
September
Application Window Open
October
Interviews and matching
November
Placements Confirmed
January – December
Placement Programme
FAQs
Can I join the NGN Scheme if my employer is not a UKRN member?
No, the scheme is only available to colleagues from members within the UKRN community.
Do I have to be a certain job grade or demographic to join the NGN Scheme?
The Community of Interest Group is available to all UKRN member employees who have an interest in meeting like-minded colleagues to network, share information and learning together. The 12-month placement programme is designed to be as inclusive as possible, and we welcome applications from everyone, regardless of job grade or demographics. However, the NED roles offered by participating host organisations can have different requirements, so there will be an element of selection to ensure the best possible fit for the roles during the matching phase of the application process.
Can I join the Community of Interest and/or LinkedIn group, without participating in the Placement Programme?
Yes – the Community of Interest (CoI) and LinkedIn group are completely separate to the 12-month placement programme. You are encouraged to join the CoI group first, where you can network with like minded colleagues, share information and learn together (you can apply to join HERE). You can remain a member of the CoI without applying to join the placement programme and, conversely, you don’t have to be a member of the CoI in order to apply for the placement programme.
Is the Placement Programme suitable for me if I already have NED, Governor, Trustee, etc. experience?
The programme is intended to expand the potential pool of candidates for NED roles, and is therefore targeted at those people without any prior NED experience. However, we do ask candidates to have an understanding of the role and we endeavour to maximise the potential of candidates who can bring diversity of thought and experience, which may have been gained in these types of voluntary role.
If I participate in the Placement Programme, will I be offered a permanent role at the end of the programme?
The placement programme is a learning and development opportunity; it is not a recruitment programme. It is hoped that individuals participating would strengthen any future applications they make for such roles, but the programme itself will not provide NED vacancy opportunities.
How much does it cost?
There are no charges to join the Next Gen NEDs Scheme; it is provided as part of UKRN membership. The Community of Interest Group is free to join for colleagues from all UKRN members and the Placement Programme is also free to colleagues from participating members. However, there are other resource commitments (such as time and travel) that should be considered.
How much time would I need to commit to the Placement Programme?
It is a 12-month commitment that runs alongside your existing role. Time required will vary depending on which board, panel or committee you are matched with (if successful). You can anticipate those being once per quarter, up to 2hrs in duration and whilst some will be in-person, others may be virtual/hybrid. You should allow for your own preparation and research time prior to each meeting, and we recommend a pre-brief and de-brief with your mentor sponsor before and after each meeting.
Ask us about the scheme
“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”
2022 Alumni
“It has been a great opportunity to learn how boards operate, how they inform the work and performance of an organisation, and ultimately improve a public service”
2024 Cohort
“the scheme transcends a mere program; it’s a journey of discovery and empowerment”
2022 Alumni
“I learnt how to position and present issues in the most effective ways, to get good engagement and high quality decision making”
2023 Alumni