Non-Executive Directors Development Programme

The programme is structured across three full-day sessions delivered virtually, covering the core competencies required for effective Non-Executive Director performance. Session one addresses the role and legal responsibilities of a NED, including director duties under the Companies Act 2006, corporate and ethical governance principles, ESG frameworks, risk management and lessons from recent governance failures. Session two focuses on finance for Non-Executive Directors – interpreting financial statements (cash flow, balance sheet, profit and loss), understanding annual reporting and the accounts sign-off process and recognising early warning signs of financial distress. Session three covers leadership and strategy at board level, including influencing organisational culture, diversity and inclusion in board decision-making, strategic planning frameworks and horizon scanning for risk and opportunity.

The programme is delivered by industry practitioners including Andy Bate, a qualified chartered accountant with over 15 years’ experience in corporate finance and service on more than 15 boards. Content may be tailored to cohort requirements.

INPD’s Non-Executive Directors Development Programme is designed for senior professionals who are either preparing to take on their first NED role or seeking to strengthen their effectiveness as an existing Non-Executive Director. Typical delegates include board-level directors, C-suite executives, trustees, and senior leaders with an average of seven years’ directorship experience. Attendees come from across all sectors – private, public, and third sector – reflecting the cross-industry relevance of governance and board leadership skills.

The programme is particularly suited to professionals who have been offered or are actively pursuing a NED appointment and want structured preparation in governance, finance and boardroom strategy before taking their seat. It is equally relevant for those building a portfolio career combining executive and non-executive roles. Delegates frequently cite the opportunity to learn alongside peers from different sectors as a key benefit, with one participant, Andy Hayles of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, describing the experience as “thought provoking and challenging.”

INPD is a fully approved Chartered Management Institute (CMI) centre, accredited since June 2019. The organisation also holds academic partnerships with the University of Chester (since June 2018) and the University of East London (since September 2019) for the delivery of other programmes in its portfolio. The Non-Executive Directors Development Programme itself is not linked to a formal assessed qualification or certification, but participation contributes to continuing professional development (CPD) and provides a structured foundation for board-level governance roles.

INPD holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 876 verified reviews, with course quality and trainer expertise consistently highlighted by delegates. The organisation has trained over 15,697 professionals since its founding in March 2018 and has delivered in-house programmes for the English Football League, American Express, the NHS, the Ministry of Justice, Adobe, DHL, and Salford City Council. INPD won the Newcomer of the Year award at the City of Manchester Business Awards in 2019.

The Non-Executive Directors Development Programme is delivered over three consecutive days via live virtual classroom. Each session runs from 9:00 AM and is led by practising industry experts rather than academic lecturers, ensuring that content is grounded in real boardroom experience. The programme lead, Andy Bate, is a qualified chartered accountant with over 15 years in corporate finance and private equity, service on more than 15 boards, and founding experience across two businesses.

Cohorts are limited to a maximum of 16 delegates to ensure meaningful interaction, peer learning, and the opportunity for individual questions. The virtual format enables attendance from anywhere in the UK without travel costs or accommodation, making it accessible to professionals managing existing board or executive commitments. Upcoming cohorts with individual places priced at £1,750 plus VAT. The programme is also available as a fully customisable in-house delivery for organisations and teams, from £2,750 plus VAT per day.