Build the governance knowledge, strategic insight and boardroom confidence to succeed as a Non-Executive Director or Trustee. This practical programme combines expert-led learning, realistic scenarios and certification to help you add value, challenge constructively and strengthen your boardroom impact.
Non-Executive Directors and Trustees are expected to provide independent oversight, strategic input and constructive challenge while helping boards make sound decisions. Without a clear understanding of governance duties, board dynamics and emerging risks, they may struggle to influence effectively, maintain appropriate independence or add value at board level.
How this course helps:
This practical, accredited programme gives you the knowledge, frameworks and insight to add value from day one - understanding the realities of boardroom dynamics, governance expectations, and how to secure and succeed in NED roles across different sectors.
Learn from leading experts who combine professional insight with practical experience, benefit from peer discussion, and earn verfiable CPD from a recognised professional body.
What you will learn:
By the end of this course, you'll be able to:
Who should attend?
New and aspiring Non-Executive Directors and Trustees who want to understand the essential responsibilities, behaviours and expectations of the role.
Experienced NEDs and Trustees who want to refresh their governance knowledge and keep up to date with best practice in board effectiveness, strategy, risk and ESG.
Agenda includes:
The role and responsibilities of a NED
- Understanding the NED and Trustee remit.
- Corporate governance frameworks and legal duties.
- The role of NEDs, the Chair and Board Committees.
- Effective boards, culture and dynamics.
Adding strategic value
- Strategy, risk, finance and ESG for boards.
- Oversight of AI and emerging technologies.
- How NEDs contribute to organisational resilience and ethical leadership.
- Practical boardroom behaviours: challenge, influence and collaboration.
Becoming and developing as a NED
- How to position yourself and find the right NED or Trustee role.
- Presenting yourself as an independent and credible candidate.
- Tips from experienced guest NED speakers.
- Certification test overview and next steps.
Certification and resources:
- ICAEW-endorsed NED Certificate, awarded after passing the online post-course test.
- Up to two attempts at the 30-question, open-book multiple-choice test, to be completed within 12 months.
- 6 months’ complimentary NEDA Premium membership, including access to The Non-Executive Directors’ Handbook, as the primary study material for the NED Certificate test.
- Course materials, reading list and post-course resources for ongoing development.
CPD hours:
Attending this course could contribute up to 8hrs of verifiable CPD, providing you can demonstrate that the content is relevant to your role. A copy of the course booking confirmation email is accepted as evidence of verifiable CPD.
Please note: when you register for the training package, any personal data provided will be shared with the ICAEW and NEDA.
Feedback from previous NED Training Courses:
'Excellent course with some great content which importantly, was practical and highly applicable. The mix of a highly experienced course presenter, standout guest speaker and engaged cohort meant that this was a really rich learning experience. I would strongly recommend for anyone interested in becoming a NED.' - Sept 2026 attendee
'Covered a lot of content but kept it engaging and interesting. Very useful.' - Sept 2026 attendee
"Great content and experience - wealth of important and useful information delivered with clarity." - May 2026 attendee.
"Well presented and good involvement of each participant. Substantial resources provided during the training." - Mar 2026 attendee
"Very knowledgeable trainer with effective, relevant and informative slides." - Mar 2026 attendee
'The pace of the course keeps you on your toes and there are lots of opportunities to discuss with others and learn others’ views.'
'The trainer’s knowledge and support brought the course to life, I also really enjoyed the guest NED speaker – great war stories and insight.'