The boardroom has traditionally been one of the hardest places to reach - reserved for those with the right connections, the right timing, or decades climbing a single corporate ladder. That's changing. Today, experienced leaders are finding new pathways to Non-Executive Director roles, particularly through the startup and scaleup ecosystem where governance expertise is in high demand.
This guide walks you through what NED roles involve, the skills and experience boards look for, and practical steps to secure your first appointment - whether you're transitioning from executive leadership or building a portfolio career across multiple organisations.
What is a non-executive director?
A non-executive director sits on a company's board but isn't involved in day-to-day operations. Unlike executive directors who run the business, NEDs provide independent oversight, constructive challenge, and strategic guidance. They hold statutory responsibilities and fiduciary duties - legal obligations to act in the company's best interests.
In startups and scaleups, NEDs often join boards to strengthen governance ahead of fundraising, bring credibility with investors, and offer experienced perspective as the business prepares to scale. The role typically requires 4-8 hours per month, making it well-suited to those building a career across multiple organisations.
What does a non-executive director do?
Strategic oversight and governance
NEDs contribute to long-term strategy without getting involved in execution. They review executive performance, ensure proper governance frameworks exist, and help the board navigate risk and compliance. This isn't about micromanaging - it's about asking the right questions at the right time.
Independent challenge and accountability
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the NED role is providing constructive challenge. By offering an external perspective and asking probing questions, NEDs protect shareholder interests and hold leadership accountable. The best NEDs balance support with healthy scepticism.
How NED responsibilities differ from executive directors
| Aspect | Non-Executive Director | Executive Director |
| Daily operations | No involvement | Directly responsible |
| Employment status | Not employed by company | Employee |
| Time commitment | Typically monthly | Full-time |
| Primary focus | Oversight and governance | Execution and management |
Why become a non-executive director?
Expand your influence beyond a single organisation
As a NED, you can serve on multiple boards simultaneously. This multiplies your strategic impact across different industries and sectors - something that's simply not possible in a traditional executive role.
Build your reputation at board level
Securing a NED role signals credibility to investors, peers, and stakeholders. It's a career milestone that elevates your professional standing and opens doors to further board opportunities.
Create a flexible and impactful career
NED roles form a cornerstone of the modern portfolio career. Many senior leaders combine board positions with advisory or fractional leadership work, creating a diversified career that offers both flexibility and meaningful impact.
What qualifications and skills do non-executive directors need?
Essential skills for non-executive directors
Boards look for a specific combination of capabilities:
- Strategic thinking: The ability to see the bigger picture and understand long-term implications
- Financial literacy: A solid grasp of financial statements, commercial drivers, and key metrics
- Communication: The skill to challenge constructively without creating confrontation
- Judgement: Capacity for independent decision-making, often under uncertainty
Relevant experience and sector knowledge
Boards expect NEDs to bring significant operational or leadership experience - corporate governance experience rose to 41% of S&P 500 directors by 2024. While deep sector expertise adds value, it isn't always mandatory - transferable skills in areas like digital transformation, finance, or people leadership can be equally compelling.
Formal qualifications and certifications
Formal qualifications aren't required, though they can strengthen your candidacy. Certifications like the IoD Chartered Director programme or courses from NEDonBoard and the Corporate Governance Institute demonstrate commitment and provide solid grounding in board responsibilities. For first-time NEDs especially, credentials like these can help bridge the experience gap.
How to become a non-executive director
1. Assess your readiness for board roles
Start with honest self-assessment. What experience and skills do you bring? Where are your knowledge gaps? Can you genuinely commit the time required? Understanding your starting point helps you plan the journey ahead.
2. Define your value proposition for board positions
What makes you distinctive? Perhaps it's experience in digital transformation, M&A, international expansion, or people leadership. Boards look for specific expertise—articulating yours clearly is essential.
3. Build your governance knowledge
Develop understanding of corporate governance codes, financial reporting, and the legal aspects of directorship. Formal courses help, but practical routes matter too. Taking on a charity trustee or school governor role provides excellent governance experience and demonstrates commitment.
4. Develop your board-level network
Most non-exec roles are filled through networks rather than advertisements. Inform your existing contacts of your board aspirations, connect with mentors who are experienced directors, and engage with executive search firms specialising in board appointments.
5. Build your personal brand
Cultivate a reputation as a strategic thinker in your field. Contribute to industry discussions, share perspectives on LinkedIn, and attend board-focused events. The goal is becoming known to the people who influence board appointments.
6. Apply and position yourself strategically
Tailor your CV to highlight strategic value and governance experience—not just executive achievements. Consider working with experienced NEDs or specialist search firms to refine your positioning and prepare for interviews.
How to get your first non-executive director role
Start with startups and scaleups
Smaller companies and high-growth startups often offer more accessible entry points than established PLCs. Startups and scaleups value hands-on commercial experience and frequently welcome first-time NEDs who bring relevant expertise in fundraising, scaling operations, or market entry.
Growth-stage companies preparing for funding rounds particularly benefit from governance support, creating natural opportunities for aspiring NEDs who can add immediate value.
Progress from advisor to non-executive director
Taking on an advisory role can be a natural pathway to a formal NED appointment. This allows you to demonstrate value and build trust with the leadership team first. Once your impact is clear, the relationship can be formalised into a board position - a common route we see at Connectd.
Leverage platforms to access NED opportunities
Specialist platforms offer a more direct route to opportunities than relying solely on traditional headhunters, especially for roles in early-stage companies. Connectd, for example, connects experienced leaders directly with startups and scaleups seeking board talent across more than 100 industries.
Where to find non-executive director opportunities
Specialist NED platforms and networks
Online platforms match experienced professionals with companies seeking board talent. Platforms like Connectd can be particularly effective for accessing opportunities in innovative startups and scaleups that might not use traditional recruitment channels.
Professional associations and membership bodies
Organisations like the Institute of Directors (IoD), ICAEW, and sector-specific professional bodies often advertise NED vacancies to members. They also provide valuable networking opportunities with current board members and recruiters.
Executive search and direct approaches
Executive search firms remain a primary channel for senior board positions, particularly for larger companies. However, proactive outreach to companies you admire can also yield results - founding teams are often open to connecting with experienced leaders who show genuine interest.
How much do Non-Executive Directors get paid?
NED compensation in startups and scaleups
Early-stage companies typically offer lower cash fees than established corporates. Compensation reflects the expected time commitment and the company's funding stage. Fees vary significantly by company size, sector, and responsibility level - you can learn more in our non-executive salary guide.
Equity, cash and hybrid arrangements
NED compensation typically takes one of three forms:
- Cash fees: A monthly or annual retainer for your time and contribution
- Equity: Share options aligning your interests with the company's long-term success—common in startups
- Hybrid: A combination of reduced cash fee plus equity participation
How NED roles fit into a portfolio career
Combining NED roles with fractional leadership
Many Non-Executive Directors hold multiple board positions alongside advisory or fractional executive work. This creates a diversified portfolio of strategic influence, allowing you to apply expertise across several organisations simultaneously.
Building a sustainable board portfolio
When building a portfolio, consider your capacity carefully - each NED role requires proper attention and diligence. The quality of your contribution to a few boards matters more than the quantity of roles you hold.
Your pathway to board-level impact
Becoming a Non-Executive Director is an achievable goal for experienced leaders prepared to strategically build their knowledge, network, and personal brand. The pathway requires patience and intentionality, but the rewards - influence, flexibility, and meaningful impact - make the journey worthwhile.
Join Connectd to connect with startups and scaleups seeking experienced board talent.
FAQs about becoming a non-executive director
What is the average age of a Non-Executive Director?
There's no fixed age requirement, with NEDs ranging from their thirties to their seventies depending on the company and sector. What matters most is relevant experience and the ability to contribute meaningfully at board level.
How many NED roles can you hold at once?
Most Non-Executive Directors hold between one and four board positions simultaneously, depending on time commitment required for each. The key is ensuring you can dedicate sufficient attention to each company's governance and strategic needs.
Do you need a formal qualification to become a NED?
Formal qualifications aren't mandatory, though governance courses and certifications can strengthen your candidacy. Boards primarily value relevant experience, sound judgement, and the ability to contribute strategically.
What is the difference between a NED and an independent director?
In UK governance, a Non-Executive Director is any director without executive responsibilities. An independent NED has no material relationship with the company beyond their board role, ensuring freedom from potential conflicts of interest.
How long does it typically take to secure your first NED appointment?
The timeline varies based on your network, sector, and how actively you pursue opportunities. Many first-time NEDs spend six to eighteen months building visibility and making connections before securing their first formal board role.
Can you become a Non-Executive Director while employed full-time?
Yes, many NEDs maintain full-time executive roles alongside board positions, though you'll want to ensure there are no conflicts of interest and have employer approval where required. The time commitment of NED roles makes this feasible for most senior professionals.
