This factsheet explains the role of a non-executive director (NED) and how NEDs operate within a company. It provides an overview of the ways in which people professionals can support board members, as well as an overview of the qualities sought from prospective NEDs, and highlights why senior people professionals may be suited to an NED role.

Member tool: CIPD Buddy BETA
Experiment with AI to find answers on this topic with our prototype. Login to explore CIPD Buddy

On this page

Members access only

Unlock exclusive, tailored content and resources, just for members.

Sign in to access

Not a member yet? Find out how you can become a member today!

CIPD Trust

Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.

Find out more

Bullying
and harassment

Discover our practice guidance and recommendations to tackle bullying and harassment in the workplace.

View our resources

Related content

Factsheet
Corporate responsibility: An introduction

This factsheet explores corporate responsibility and putting it into action in the workplace

For Members
Factsheet
Modern slavery

Learn what modern slavery is, as well as HR's role in preventing and tackling it

For Members
CIPD Viewpoint
Responsible business

Explore the CIPD’s point of view on responsible business, including recommendations for employers

Factsheet
Corporate governance: An introduction

Examines the origins, aims and framework of corporate governance as it exists in the UK

For Members

Explore our other factsheets

Factsheet
Pay fairness and pay reporting

Find out what's meant by fair pay, what pay information UK employers must disclose by law and the opportunities pay narratives bring.

For Members
Factsheet
Organisational climate and culture

Discover why organisational culture is an influential but problematic term, and why employers should focus on organisational climate to more readily enact positive change

For Members
Factsheet
Occupational health

Outlines the kind of occupational health services an organisation might offer and the role of confidentiality and consent in discussing an employee’s health

For Members
Factsheet
Harassment and bullying at work

Understand what bullying and harassment at work is, and how employers and employees can address the problem

Factsheets