--- title: The Best Fractional Executive Platforms in the UK (2026) date: 2026-10-05T12:16:00+01:00 author: Annette B canonical_url: "https://www.connectd.com/article/best-platforms-for-fractional-executives" section: Insights --- ![](/uploads/Images/_1920x1080_crop_center-center_90_none/blog2.10.26_1_1030-x-690-@-300dpi.webp) For Fractional# The Best Fractional Executive Platforms in the UK (2026) By Connectd Last updated: 8th October 2026 ## Contents [Share via Social ↗](#share)- [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.connectd.com/article/best-platforms-for-fractional-executives.md&title=The%20Best%20Fractional%20Executive%20Platforms%20in%20the%20UK%20%282026%29) - [X](https://x.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.connectd.com/article/best-platforms-for-fractional-executives.md&text=The%20Best%20Fractional%20Executive%20Platforms%20in%20the%20UK%20%282026%29) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.connectd.com/article/best-platforms-for-fractional-executives.md) If you want a platform that can find a fractional executive at the moment you become operationally stretched, an advisor to support you along the way, and a [Non-Executive Director (NED)](https://www.connectd.com/non-executive-director-services) once governance starts to matter, Connectd covers all three. If you're a founder who needs a single senior hire quickly, Go Fractional and Fractionus are built for exactly that. Toptal is the pick for specialist project work, such as software development, design or finance. ## **Best Fractional Executive Platforms: Quick Comparison** **Platform****Covers****What you pay****UK focus****How it matches you**ConnectdFractional, advisory, NEDFree to join, with pro bono supportUK-founded, global reachAI-assisted matching, plus an onboarding callGo FractionalFractional and interim executives, with conversion to full-timeThe executive's time, month to monthPrimarily US\*Recruiter-supported matching, or browse the network yourselfFractionusFractional executivesNo placement feeUS, UK, Europe and AustraliaShare a brief, see matches within days.ToptalGeneral freelance and fractional talent$79/mo + $60 to $200+/hr (USD)GlobalMatched by Toptal, then a trial periodBusiness Talent GroupInterim executives and independent expertsCustom quoteUS-led, UK presenceFirm-managed, not self-serveCatalantIndependent consultants and boutique firmsNot publishedUS-led, London officePost a project, review recommended experts\*Headquartered in New York. Go Fractional serves some UK roles and UK-based talent, so it isn't US-only. It doesn't have a confirmed UK office or entity the way Catalant does. ## **How we evaluated these platforms** Choosing where to source senior talent shapes more than your next hire. It determines who you can call on as the business grows, how much confidence you can place in each introduction, and what the relationship will really cost. We assessed every platform against the same three criteria, in order of importance: 1. **Breadth across fractional, advisory and NED work:** A company's need for senior expertise rarely stays fixed, and changing provider at each stage costs time, context and momentum. We gave the most weight to platforms that can support a business across fractional, advisory and NED roles as its needs change. 2. **How transparently each platform vets and matches:** An introduction is only as valuable as the process behind it. We looked for clear, published detail on who screens candidates, what that screening involves and how matches are made, so a hiring company knows what has been checked before the first conversation. 3. **Whether pricing is published or requires a sales call:** Pricing models in this market range from no fee for the hiring company to fully bespoke quotes, and how a platform earns its money matters as much as the headline figure. Platforms that publish their pricing, or explain clearly how they're paid, make it far easier to compare like with like. Connectd publishes this guide and is one of the platforms compared. It's held to the same three criteria as everyone else and, like every platform here, gets an honest trade-off.Everything we say about each platform comes from its own website or published coverage, checked in September 2026. ## **Connectd** ![](/uploads/connectd.webp)**Best for:** companies that expect to need more than one kind of senior help, and would rather not start from scratch each time. Connectd [matches startups and scaleups](https://www.connectd.com/startups) with fractional executives, [board advisors](https://www.connectd.com/board-advisory-services) and Non-Executive Directors. Its network spans more than 6,500 experts and 3,700 companies, across 60+ countries, 100+ industries and 80+ skillsets. Nobody is matched cold. Every company new to the network begins with an onboarding call, so the team understands your stage, challenges and sector before putting anyone forward. The bigger difference is continuity. A company might start with a pro bono advisor at pre-seed, bring in a [fractional CMO](https://www.connectd.com/fractional-cmo-services) at Series A and add a NED as the board takes shape. With Connectd, all of that can come from one place.[Genesis Health](https://www.connectd.com/stories/francicso-berumen-rick-haslam) brought in fractional CEO Rick Haslam when the business outgrew its founder-led model but wasn't ready for a full-time executive. PLUGG added a board advisor and a NED to give founder and CEO [Rodney Kabuye](https://www.connectd.com/stories/rodney-kabuye) a sounding board for its next stage of growth. Relationships often begin pro bono. A matched expert works alongside a startup for a set period, getting to know the business and its people, and the engagement can grow into a paid role as the value builds. Companies can also post paid fractional roles from the outset. Connectd also invests in the people it matches. Members can train through the [Connectd Academy](https://www.connectd.com/fractional) for fractional C-suite, [advisory](http://connectd.com/advisors) and NED roles, and on completion they move into a guaranteed pro bono placement. **Trade-off:** you can't browse and book. Every membership starts with an onboarding process which includes a need-find, so if you need one operational role filled straight away, a platform built for one type of hire may be quicker. **Pricing:** Connectd is free for startups to join, and pro bono engagements cost the company nothing. It's funded by memberships paid by the experts in its community. Once an engagement turns paid, you agree terms directly with the expert. [ Find fractional talent ](https://startups.connectd.com/onboarding)## **Go Fractional** ![](/uploads/gofractional.webp)**Best for:** a company that needs an experienced executive in the room within days, and might want to make it permanent later. [Go Fractional](https://www.gofractional.com) is built around speed. The New York company, founded in 2021, says most clients start interviews within the week, and engagements run month to month with no upfront deposit. You can browse more than 15,000 leaders by function or let the team match you. Either way, an executive recruiter checks each candidate's qualifications, availability and interest before you see them. It places fractional and interim executives across roles such as CTO, CMO, CFO and COO. Full-time hiring works through conversion: under its "try before you buy" model, a fractional or interim leader can move into a permanent role once the fit is proven. **Trade-off:** it's a US business at heart, and board or NED/Independent Director appointments aren't among its listed services, so support in governance or fiduciary matters later on would mean turning to another provider. **Pricing:** you pay for the executive's time. Go Fractional says it charges no placement fees, but if a permanent hire is a possibility, ask about conversion terms before you sign. ## **Fractionus** ![](/uploads/Fractionus.webp)**Best for:** a growing company that wants a vetted C-suite shortlist quickly, without paying a placement fee. [Fractionus](https://fractionus.com) doesn't charge hiring companies a placement fee. It takes a share of what its executives earn instead, so the rate you agree with the executive is the full cost. Send a brief on Monday and you could be reading vetted profiles by Wednesday. From there, Fractionus handles the agreements and ongoing support. The pool is executive-only: more than 5,000 leaders across the US, UK, Europe and Australia, in roles from CFO and CMO to CTO, COO and CRO. Fractionus says it accepts fewer than 3% of applicants. For a scaleup hiring across time zones, that spread matters. **Trade-off:** Fractionus is newer and smaller than the most established names here, and the US is its main market. It's also executive-only, so advisory or board support would need to come from elsewhere. **Pricing:** no placement fee for the hiring company. You pay the executive's rate, which they set themselves, and Fractionus's share comes out of what the executive earns. ## **Toptal** ![](/uploads/toptal.webp)**Best for:** a defined piece of work that needs a proven specialist, rather than someone to lead a function. [Toptal](https://www.toptal.com)'s reputation rests on its screening. Independent reviews put its acceptance rate at around 3%. Candidates go through a live interview, technical tests and a trial project before they're let in. That filter is most of what you're paying for. The flip side is that Toptal thinks in projects. Its network spans developers, designers, finance experts and product managers rather than executives specifically, and it's set up around work with a clear scope. You describe the job, Toptal proposes someone, and you get a trial period before committing. **Trade-off:** if you need someone to own a function over the next year, Toptal isn't set up for that. Pricing is also hard to pin down, because there's no public rate card and the margin is built into the hourly rate. **Pricing:** a $500 refundable deposit credited to your first invoice, a $79 monthly subscription, then roughly $60 to $200+ an hour depending on the role. Figures are in US dollars. ## **Business Talent Group** ![](/uploads/business-talent.webp)**Best for:** a mid-market or enterprise company with a complex interim role or project to fill. [Business Talent Group](https://www.businesstalentgroup.com) sits inside a global leadership advisory firm. Heidrick & Struggles bought it in 2021, two years after the pair began an exclusive collaboration. Founded in Los Angeles in 2007, BTG supplies independent consultants, subject matter experts, project managers and interim executives. That parentage shows in how it works. Engagements are firm-managed rather than self-serve, and the team scopes the work with you before anyone starts. It might be an interim leader to steady a transition, or specialists brought in for a defined initiative. **Trade-off:** expect more process than elsewhere on this list, and no published pricing to compare against. BTG is built for mid-market and enterprise clients, so an early-stage company may find the model heavier than it needs. **Pricing:** a custom quote, scoped to each engagement. ## **Catalant** ![](/uploads/Catalant.webp)**Best for:** a large organisation running consulting-style projects at scale. [Catalant](https://www.catalant.com) works at a different scale. Its marketplace holds more than 100,000 independent consultants and thousands of boutique firms. It started in 2013 as HourlyNerd, a Harvard Business School class project, and is now based in Boston, with a London office since 2018. You post a project, and machine-learning matching suggests consultants with the right skills and experience. Its clients lean towards enterprises, private equity firms and consultancies, and typical projects include strategy, market research and digital transformation. **Trade-off:** it's designed for large enterprise engagements, so a startup looking for one senior leader will find it a poor fit. Pricing isn't published, and the consulting-style model suits defined projects better than ongoing leadership. **Pricing:** not published. You'll need to ask Catalant for a quote. ## **How to choose between these platforms** - **Expect to need different kinds of senior help over time?** Connectd covers fractional, advisory and NED from one relationship. - **Need one operational leader, fast?** Go Fractional and Fractionus both aim to have candidates in front of you within days. - **Filling a formal board seat?** That's a different appointment with [legal duties attached](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/being-a-company-director), and Connectd is the only platform of those we've compared that's built for this. - **Hiring across borders?** Fractionus covers the US, UK, Europe and Australia, while Toptal and Catalant work globally. - **Want to avoid platform fees?** Connectd is free to join, with pro bono support available, and Fractionus charges no placement fee. - **Have a scoped project rather than a leadership gap?** Toptal, Business Talent Group or Catalant suit that kind of work. ## **The right platform depends on what you're solving for** There's no definitive answer to which is the single best platform, only the best fit for the problem in front of you. If you're operationally stretched and need one role filled quickly, a platform built for one type of hire will usually get you there. If you can see the next skills or talent gap coming, choose a platform that can keep up as your business grows. Run through the checklist and the answer should become obvious. Still weighing fractional against a permanent hire? Start with a [fractional vs full-time decision framework](https://www.connectd.com/article/fractional-vs-full-time-executives-the-complete-decision-framework). And if the road ahead will need different kinds of talent to help you navigate it, a [Connectd startup membership](https://www.connectd.com/learn/for-startups) can help you build that team, from fractional leaders to NEDs. ## **Frequently Asked Questions** ### **What is the best fractional executive platform in the UK?** It depends on what you need. Connectd covers the widest range of the platforms compared here, with fractional, advisory and NED support from one place. For a single, fast fractional hire, Go Fractional or Fractionus can move quicker. ### **How do startups find and vet fractional executives?** Most use a fractional platform, their own network, or a mix of the two. Platforms such as Connectd, Go Fractional and Fractionus screen candidates before you meet them, so the first round of checking is done for you. Personal referrals can work well, but the vetting is down to you. ### **What's the difference between a fractional executive platform and a NED search firm?** Platforms such as Go Fractional and Fractionus match companies with leaders for fractional and operational roles. A NED search firm such as Nurole handles[ formal board appointments](https://www.connectd.com/article/how-to-find-ned-and-advisory-board-roles-platforms-networks-and-what-boards-look-for). That's a different kind of hire, because [executive and non-executive directors](https://www.connectd.com/article/the-key-differences-executive-directors-and-non-executive-directors) carry different responsibilities. Connectd is the exception here, covering both through its NED pathway. ### **How much does it cost to hire a fractional executive through a platform?** Costs depend on the model. Connectd is free for startups to join and offers pro bono engagements, funded by memberships paid by its experts. Fractionus charges no placement fee and takes a share of what its talent earns. Go Fractional bills for the executive's time, while Toptal and Business Talent Group charge through hourly rates, subscriptions, retainers or scoped fees. Once an engagement is paid, the executive's rate is the main cost, so weigh it against the [benefits of fractional leadership](https://www.connectd.com/article/benefits-of-hiring-fractional-vs-full-time-leadership) compared with a full-time hire. ### **Can I find both fractional executives and Non-Executive Directors on the same platform?** Yes, on Connectd. It covers the full pathway, from fractional executive through board advisor to NED. Most other platforms here focus on fractional or interim work. If you're not sure which role you need, start with the [differences between NEDs and advisors](https://www.connectd.com/article/three-differences-between-non-executive-directors-neds-and-advisors). ### **How does Connectd help me find fractional talent?** Connectd is [free for startups to join](http://www.connectd.com/join-now), and matches them with vetted fractional executives, advisors and NEDs, often starting with pro bono support. Its Academy and mentoring network also mean the talent pool is actively developed, not just listed. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What costs are associated with joining the platform? After creating an account during your onboarding call, you’ll have instant access to our network of experts. You can filter the talent pool by role, industry, skill set, location, and compensation expectations to help you find the best people for your business. No, everything is absolutely free. The only requirement is to complete an onboarding call and then you have full access to the platform. ### How do I find experts on the platform? Three core on-platform features enable you to connect with talent, which include job postings, expert search and AI recommendations. You can also connect with experts through our monthly global events. ### Where do you operate geographically? Our members are located across 40+ countires with our main regions in the UK and US. For now.... ### What's the difference between fractional leadership, board advisory and NED? Fractional leadership is part-time executive support with hands-on responsibility. Board advisory provides strategic guidance without formal governance duties. Non-Executive Directors (NED's) sit on the board, offering oversight, governance, and strategic input, but don’t manage day-to-day operations. ### Can Connectd help to assemble entire boards? Yes, Connectd can help assemble entire boards tailored to your company’s specific needs. Every business is different, and we take into account your stage, sector, goals, and gaps. With over 3,000+ experts in our network—including experienced non-executives, advisors, and fractional leaders—we can build a well-rounded board that brings strategic value. We often support a blend of roles and remuneration types, from pro bono and equity-only arrangements to paid advisory and traditional fractional positions, depending on your requirements and available resources. ### How can Connectd guarantee my role? We provide a guaranteed pro bono placement for every member who finishes the online Academy for a particular pathway (Fractional C-suite, Advisor or NED). This Academy provides the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake the placement, which in turn provides you with the practical, hands-on experience of working with a dynamic company, building your skills and competencies and allowing the company to access your expertise. We have hundreds of high-growth companies, in over 100 sectors, actively seeking the talent they need to drive success. The Connectd platform intelligently matches fractional talent with companies looking for their specific skills and experience, meaning you will have access to a number of highly relevant placement opportunities. What’s more, once your pro bono placement comes to an end, you can continue to work with the startup if agreeable to both parties, providing the opportunity to negotiate your remuneration as you move forward in the engagement. ### How does the Academy work? Is it recognised by an official provider? The Connectd Academy offers on-demand video content alongside practical follow-up exercises designed to help you build a successful fractional career at your own pace. Simply log in to the platform to access a wide range of modules covering both hard and soft skills. All content is created and curated by subject matter experts and is fully CPD-accredited, allowing you to leverage your learning outcomes as you expand your fractional portfolio. ### How long is a reasonable time to transition into a fractional portfolio career? Building a diverse and rewarding fractional portfolio can take several years, primarily due to the need for hands-on experience across the three to four core roles that typically define a successful fractional career. Our Transition to Portfolio programme is designed to support this journey while you remain in full-time corporate employment. Through the Connectd platform, you'll gain practical experience across these roles by working with a range of partner organisations within the Connectd community - accelerating your development, delivering lasting value to companies, and advancing your career trajectory. ### What's the difference between Fractional Leadership, Board Advisory and NED? Fractional leaders are experienced professionals who work on a part-time basis in a senior leadership role (for example, a CFO or Head of Marketing). They are responsible for day-to-day leadership and execution in their area of expertise and will typically be embedded in the management team. Board advisors provide - often highly targeted - advice to a company or leadership team, as well as mentoring, offering broader guidance and leveraging industry connections. Unlike non-executives, board advisors have no legal or fiduciary responsibilities. Non-executive directors are formal board members but are not part of the executive management team. They provide oversight, governance and strategic direction, offering an independent and impartial perspective to constructively challenge the executive team. Non-execs must execute legal and fiduciary duties under corporate governance laws. ### What is a vesting period and how will I be compensated as a fractional employee? Companies, especially startups or early-stage ventures, often compensate fractional employees with equity rather than cash. This approach helps conserve capital while aligning interests, offering a stake in the company’s future success in exchange for expertise, guidance, or part-time leadership. To manage risk and ensure continued contribution, this equity is typically granted over a vesting period, meaning it is earned incrementally over time or upon meeting certain performance milestones. A time based agreement might be that a certain amount of shares will vest over an agreed period (commonly between three and five years), whereas performance milestones will typically be measured on key metrics (for example when a revenue target or profitability is met). ### What’s the difference between an interim and fractional CMO? An interim CMO works full-time with companies on a short-term basis to bridge a gap between hires, or covering a period of leave. Whereas a fractional CMO is hired on a part-time contract, usually for an on-going period of time, offering strategic marketing direction. ### Should we hire a fractional or full-time CMO? It depends where you are as a business. Fractional CMOs are ideal for startups and scaleups because they offer senior experience without the long-term commitment or cost. If you need strategic marketing support but aren’t ready (and can’t afford) to bring in a full-time CMO, we recommend looking for fractional support. On the other hand, if you’re more established and need a leader whose entire focus will be on your brand, you might want to consider looking for a full-time CMO. ### What costs are associated with joining the platform? Connectd is free to join for startups. The only requirement is to complete an onboarding call with a member of our team to get full access to the platform. After creating an account during your onboarding call, you’ll have instant access to our network of experts. You can filter talent by role, industry, skill set, location, and compensation expectations to help you find the best people for your business. ### How do I find experts on the platform? There are three core on-platform features which enable you to connect with talent: job postings, expert search and AI recommendations. Our global events also provide opportunities to build relationships with experts. ### Where do you operate geographically? Our members are located across 40+ countries, with strong representation in the UK and US. This enables you to access global expertise and cross-border collaboration, working with experts remotely if required. ### What’s the difference between an executive and a non-executive director? An executive director is employed by a company full-time and typically specialises in an area of operations such as marketing or human resources. A non-executive director, on the other hand, is not an employee. They won’t be involved in the everyday management of your startup, but will focus on governance, strategic oversight and constructive challenge at board level, bringing an impartial and balanced viewpoint to board discussions. Read our guide to learn more about [executive vs non-executive directors](https://www.connectd.com/article/the-key-differences-executive-directors-and-non-executive-directors). ### Will a non-executive director be exclusive to your startup? This depends on the workload and personal preference of the non-executive director you choose. They may sit on multiple boards, provided they can meet their commitments and declare any potential conflicts of interest to maintain impartiality. ### How many hours does a non-executive director work? There is no fixed time commitment. In practice, it often ranges from a few hours per week to one or two days per month, depending on your needs and the agreed scope. ### What’s the difference between a board advisor and a non-executive director? A board advisor provides strategic guidance and constructive challenge without holding a formal board position or legal responsibilities. A non-executive director, by contrast, is a statutory board member with governance duties and fiduciary obligations. Board advisors offer flexibility and insight without formal appointment. ### Are board advisors involved in day-to-day operations? No. Board advisors are not involved in the day-to-day running of your business. Their role is to step back, provide perspective and help founders and leadership teams think through challenges and make decisions more effectively. ### Will a board advisor work exclusively with our startup? This depends on the advisor’s availability and preferences. Board advisors may support multiple businesses, but they are expected to declare any conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality to ensure impartial, trusted advice. ### What’s the difference between an interim and fractional CFO? An interim CFO typically works full-time on a short-term basis to bridge a gap between hires, or support a specific transition. Whereas you engage a fractional CFO part-time, usually on an ongoing basis, to provide senior financial leadership and strategic guidance as your business grows. ### Should we hire a fractional or full-time CFO? This depends on your stage of growth. Fractional CFOs are ideal for startups and early-stage scaleups that need senior financial expertise without the long-term cost of a full-time hire. If you need strategic financial support, but aren’t ready to commit to a permanent CFO, fractional support offers flexibility and immediate impact. As your business matures, a full-time CFO may become the right next step. ### What can a fractional CFO help us with day-to-day? A fractional CFO helps bring clarity to your finances. This can include budgeting, forecasting, cash flow oversight, investor reporting and supporting funding decisions. They focus on helping founders make informed choices, rather than handling routine bookkeeping or admin tasks. ### What’s the difference between an interim and a fractional COO? An interim COO typically provides cover for short-term leave or periods between hires, while a fractional COO is hired on an ongoing basis to give strategic guidance and drive growth at startups. ### Should we hire a fractional or full-time COO? Fractional COOs are often a good choice for startups and scaleups with ambitious growth plans, as they offer affordable access to experienced leadership and strategic insights over short-term periods. Hiring a full-time COO is a heavier financial commitment that is more typical of established organisations that can afford it. ### Should we hire a fractional CTO or a full-time CTO? It depends on your current stage and budget. Startups and scaleups typically choose fractional CTOs to access strategic leadership without the costs of a full-time executive hire. This model provides the flexibility to pivot and scale. A full-time CTO might be necessary once your technical team grows and your infrastructure requires 24/7 executive-level oversight. ### Will a fractional CTO manage our existing team? Yes, but their focus is on high-level mentorship and engineering excellence rather than daily admin. A fractional CTO levels up your internal team by implementing professional standards, such as CI/CD and robust QA frameworks, that improve output quality and speed. They bridge the gap between your technical developers and your commercial goals, ensuring your team is building the right things in the right way. ### What’s the difference between an interim and fractional CIO? An interim CIO works full-time with startups or organisations on a short-term basis to bridge the gap between permanent hires. Whereas a fractional CIO is hired on a part-time contract, typically for an extended or indefinite period, to provide comprehensive strategic IT support, consultancy, and leadership. ### Should I hire a fractional or full-time CIO? It depends on what level of support your business needs. If you’re a startup or scaleup looking for executive-level IT and technology guidance without a long-term commitment, hiring a fractional CIO is a wise decision. If you're more established and need IT leadership day-in-day-out, you might want to consider hiring full-time. Fractional CIO services are especially beneficial if you’re working towards specific tech-centric goals or ambitions and don’t have the budget or need to commit to a full-time hire. With a fractional specialist, you’ll benefit from flexibility, minimal commitment, and maximum strategic expertise. ### Should we use an outsourced HR service or hire a fractional expert?? An outsourced HR service can handle the essentials like payroll, contracts, and compliance. Whereas a fractional CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer) or CPO (Chief People Office) is an experienced and strategic leader who can develop your culture, team structure and talent framework. They are a part-time employee who share the ambition and drive of your founding team. If you need to scale your organisation effectively rather than just manage administration, the fractional model provides the high-level expertise required to take your business forward. ### What’s the difference between interim and fractional HR support? An interim CHRO or CPO will work full-time with startups or businesses on a short-term basis to bridge the gap until full-time hires are in place. Whereas a fractional expert operates on a part-time contract, often for an indefinite or extended period, to provide deep-dive strategic support and leadership on key HR projects or initiatives. ### Should we hire a full-time or fractional CISO? It depends on factors such as your cybersecurity vulnerabilities, timeline, and your budget. Fractional CISOs are quicker to hire, offer you flexibility in terms of the hours they work, are generally less expensive, and often bring advice from various verticals and sectors. Plus, our platform’s members are pre-vetted to deliver insights backed by real-world experience. For these reasons startups are usually better off hiring fractional CISOs. For larger and more established organisations who need high-level cybersecurity expertise day in day out, a full-time CISO might make more sense. ### Can my startup hire a fractional CISO during a cybersecurity threat? Yes. Given Connectd’s short hiring time, alongside the various ways to search for talent and make intros, you can rely on fractional CISO members to make critical decisions fast. With their tried and tested experience of resolving challenges, we encourage you to reach out. If their results impress, you may wish to extend their involvement on further projects, training and tasks. ### What experience do you need to become a fractional leader? There’s no hard and fast rule to this, but if you’ve have around 10+ years experience in a senior leadership role, you will likely have lots to offer as a fractional executive. If you feel you can deliver high-impact results without the support of a large corporate structure, you have the necessary experience. ### What skills or qualifications do you need? There aren’t any specific qualifications required, but many aspiring fractionals undertake a training course like the one offered here by Connectd. This provides the knowledge, experience and mentorship to seamlessly make the transition to a fractional executive and build a successful portfolio career. ### Can I pursue fractional roles while still in full-time employment? Yes, most of our members hold a full-time position. This programme allows them to plan for their future and transition into a portfolio role, when they are ready to finish full-time employment. ### How will I be compensated as a fractional executive? There are different types of payment structures for fractional execs, with the potential to build up a lucrative portfolio. While initial placements may be pro bono to build your startup track record, paid roles typically involve a mix of monthly retainers, day rates, and performance-related bonuses. In the early-stage ecosystem, many executives also negotiate equity or share options, allowing their compensation to scale alongside the company's long-term success. ### Who is Connectd for? Connectd is built for growing, post-MVP startups with a registered business address that are ready to scale and bring in senior strategic support through fractional executives and advisors. We’re not able to support pre-MVP ideas, businesses without a registered address, sole practitioners, consultants or CICs, or organisations looking for junior or purely transactional support. Connectd works best where there is traction, ambition and a genuine need for experienced strategic input. ### What experience do you need to become a NED? There's no single rule, and no fixed skill set that guarantees a seat. What boards actually look for is judgement and strategic thinking built up over a senior leadership career, along with a working understanding of corporate governance and board dynamics, rather than a specific title or number of years in the role. Aspiring NEDs often assume they need a finance background specifically, but boards actually look for a genuine mix of expertise. ### Do I need board experience to become a NED? Not necessarily. Most first non-executive director appointments go to people with deep executive experience but no formal board track record yet, what matters most is the value you bring as a board member, not a prior title. That's exactly what our guaranteed placement is built to solve. Connectd gives you the real board experience and case studies you need before you apply for paid roles, and a first role to point to when you're ready to apply for ned positions elsewhere. ### What's the difference between a NED and a director? An executive director runs the business day to day, with direct responsibility for operational decisions. A non-executive director sits outside daily operations entirely, providing independent oversight, strategic advice, and constructive challenge at board level, without being involved in running things. Both a NED and an executive director carry the same legal duties under the [Companies Act 2006](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/46/contents), but the day-to-day involvement is fundamentally different. ### What's the difference between a NED and a board advisor? A board advisor offers guidance and mentoring without formal fiduciary responsibility, and without an official board seat. A non-executive director, or NED, holds an actual board seat, with the same legal duties and accountability as an executive director under the Companies Act 2006. Many people build advisory experience first, then move into a formal NED role once they've developed the right board-level track record. ### Can I become a NED while working full-time? Yes. Most of our members hold a full-time position while completing the programme, alongside other commitments like family and existing board roles. The time commitment for a NED role is genuinely manageable if you invest time consistently, and many members plan their board-level transition for whenever they're ready to step back from full-time employment. ### How important is networking for getting a NED role? Very. Many NED opportunities come through introductions rather than open advertisements. That's exactly why mentorship matters, your mentor can help you gain access to their own network, not just teach you the theory. Many organisations still fill board seats through personal recommendation rather than a formal search, so who you know matters as much as what you know. ### How much do NEDs get paid? Pay varies a great deal by company size, sector, and stage, there's no single figure that applies across the board. Our [NED salary guide](https://www.connectd.com/article/ned-salary-guide) and [salary calculator](https://calculator.connectd.com/) break this down properly, using real market data alongside our own placement experience, rather than a single average that doesn't reflect your specific situation. ### What credential do I get from completing the programme? You'll earn CPD-accredited points on completion, recognised across the governance and professional development space, plus a real placement track record and case studies you can point to in interviews and applications. It's a rewarding way to build credibility with future boards. ### Does Connectd help with public sector NED roles? Our focus is startups and scaleups, not public sector boards specifically. The judgement and governance skills you build through the programme transfer well if you later move into a public sector role, but our placements and network are built around the growth-company world. ### How does Connectd guarantee my placement? Every member who completes the Academy for their chosen pathway gets a guaranteed pro bono placement with a real, high-growth company. That gives you the practical, hands-on experience needed to move toward paid roles, and gains you access to a network built specifically around high performing boards. We assess candidates individually, since the right fit matters more than a generic checklist. What you bring on day one and how you're likely to contribute as the business grows are equally important, whether it's for-profit or mission-led. ## Related articles and resources [ For Fractional### How to manage multiple clients as a fractional leader ![](/uploads/Images/_876x552_crop_center-center_90_none/blog2.10.26_3_1030-x-690-@-300dpi.webp) ](https://www.connectd.com/article/how-to-manage-multiple-clients-as-a-fractional-leader) [ For Startups### Go-to-Market Strategy for Startups: Building a Repeatable Growth Engine From Early Traction ![](/uploads/Images/_876x552_crop_center-center_90_none/Skills-you-need_1030-x-690.webp) ](https://www.connectd.com/article/go-to-market-strategy-for-startups) [ For Fractional### Non-executive skills: the capabilities every aspiring NED needs ![](/uploads/Images/_876x552_crop_center-center_90_none/What-is-a-portfolio-career__1030-x-690.webp) ](https://www.connectd.com/article/non-executive-skills) [ Go to the Knowledge Hub ](/learn) ## Be a part of the leading startup ecosystem. 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