The legal duties and responsibilities of a non-executive director are no different in law from those of full time executive directors.

As the NED is by definition only at the company or organisation's premises for a part of each month, it is essential that he or she is highly efficient and effective in that time.

There is an excellent quarterly training course offered at Cranfield, the Non-Executive Directors Seminar.

You might also consider the Chartered Director qualification, which involves a written examination, submission of a portfolio of professional experience, and a formal interview with experienced directors. Details are available from Jonathan Trouncer at the Institute of Directors.

Due diligence - protecting my reputation

The same level of due diligence used for executive appointments should be applied to non-executive appointments, particularly for those assignments found directly rather than through a nationally respected consultancy.

Directors and Officers liability insurance

There are a number of providers offering policies for an individual who has a number of appointments. It may be more convenient to have a composite individual policy than be covered by several separate company schemes, particularly as these policies are usually on a claims made basis.

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