Gain the knowledge, credibility, and practical insight to excel as a Non-Executive Director or Trustee - strengthening your governance, strategic oversight, and boardroom impact.
The role of NED has never been more demanding. As guardians of governance, NEDs are expected to provide independent oversight, strategic input, and constructive challenge while supporting boards to make better decisions.
Our 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.
What you'll learn
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand the qualities and responsibilities of an effective NED or Trustee.
- Apply governance, strategy, risk, AI and ESG principles to real board scenarios.
- Recognise the characteristics of high-performing boards and effective committees.
- Clarify how NEDs and Trustees contribute to strategy, oversight and assurance.
- Identify how to add tangible value and challenge constructively in the boardroom.
- Position yourself to secure your first or next NED or Trustee role with confidence.
WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
- 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 will also benefit from refreshing their governance knowledge and staying current with best practice in board effectiveness, strategy, risk, and ESG.
CERTIFICATION AND RESOURCES
- The NED Certificate (awarded on passing the online post-course test).
- Up to two attempts at the online test (30 multiple-choice questions, open-book, to be completed within 12 months).
- Six months’ complimentary NEDA Premium membership, including access to The Non-Executive Directors’ Handbook.
- Course materials, reading list, and post-course resources for ongoing development.
Designed and delivered by leading experts, this practical and interactive course combines professional insight with real-world experiences, case studies, and actionable knowledge to ensure the programme delivers immediate workplace impact.
AGENDA INCLUDES:
The role and responsibilities of the 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.
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
'I feel much more confident as an aspirant NED than I did before the course.'
'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 whole session was excellent and the introductions at the start were great for a really interactive day's training.'
'The trainer’s knowledge and support brought the course to life, I also really enjoyed the guest NED speaker – great war stories and insight.'