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Celebrating two decades of leadership, integrity, and impact across the UK’s boardrooms and beyond, the Non-Executive Director Awards were established in 2006 - by Peel Hunt - to recognise the achievements of Non-Executive Directors who contribute daily to the success and growth of businesses and Not-for-Profit organisations across the UK.
Each year, the NED Awards honour the outstanding contributions of Non-Executive Directors who exemplify excellence in governance, strategic insight, and leadership. The previous winners represent a diverse and inspiring group of individuals who have helped shape the success and resilience of organisations across sectors—from FTSE 100 giants to not-for-profits and private equity-backed ventures.
These awards shine a spotlight on those who bring more than just experience to the boardroom. They bring integrity, courage, and a unique ability to challenge constructively, support decisively, and lead with vision.
As one judge put it, the best NEDs possess a “rare combination of personal warmth and steel” and act as “lightning rods for board debate on environmental and social targets”
There are eight categories within the awards, with seven open for nominations:
- FTSE 100 – Chair - Sponsored by Santander CIB
- FTSE 100 - Non-Executive Director - Sponsored by Audeliss
- FTSE All Share - Sponsored by CMS
- FTSE AIM - Sponsored by Georgeson
- Private/Private Equity Backed - Sponsored by FGS Global
- Dame Helen Alexander 'NED to Watch' - Sponsored by Board Intelligence
- Not–for–Profit/Public Service Organisation - Sponsored by CBI
There will also be a Lifetime Achievement Award selected seperately, sponsored by A&M.
Do you know a NED, Chair or SID that deserves to be recognised?
Nomination Process:
- Nomination Submission - Anyone who knows an outstanding NED, Chair or SID can nominate them by completing a short form. It takes just 5 minutes.
- Long Form Invitation - Once nominated, a board member is invited to complete a long form with three key questions to provide further insight into their contributions.
- Shortlisting - All nominations are reviewed by three professors from the judging panel. A shortlist of five nominees per category is confirmed.
- Judges Interviews - Each shortlisted nominee is interviewed by a member of the judging panel to explore their impact and achievements in greater depth.
- Final Deliberation - The judges convene to discuss the interviews and shortlist. Winners are selected through an anonymous voting process, ensuring fairness and integrity.
NEDA is proud to be a primary partner for the NED Awards.