FT Non-Executive Director Diploma

The leading fully accredited, practitioner-led, post-graduate qualification specifically designed for non-executive directors

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BUILD KNOWLEDGE AND CONFIDENCE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CAREER

Delivered in the UK and Asia, the FT Non-Executive Director Diploma is a formally accredited, post-graduate level qualification for current and aspiring non-executive directors. It’s approved by Pearson Education Limited as meeting the criteria for Pearson's Self Regulated Framework*.

Based on the local Corporate Governance Code and built upon the principles it contains, the Diploma covers all aspects of successfully running a company and the important role the non-executive director plays in maximising value and ensuring long term sustainability.

Completed over six months, this course will equip you with:

  1. The core knowledge and confidence to succeed as a non-executive director

  2. The skills needed to navigate board dynamics, fulfil legal liabilities and duties, and the all-important behavioural skills required to make an effective contribution to the board

  3. The connections to learn from and collaborate with; develop rewarding relationships with your 'top flight' cohort of non-executive directors and future non-executive directors

*Pearson's Self Regulated Framework is designed for qualifications that have been customised to meet the needs of a particular range of learners and stakeholders.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Access comprehensive, in-depth course content on everything a non-executive director should know, including soft skills and behaviours needed to be an effective board member.

Course modules:

  1. The Effective Non-Executive Director

  2. Director’s Duties and Liabilities*

  3. Board Structure and Performance*

  4. Risk Management and Internal Control

  5. Audit and Financial Reporting

*Legal content in Modules 2 and 3 updated by Hogan Lovells – January 2023


LIFE AS A NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VIDEO SERIES

Enrol in the FT NED Diploma to get full access to a library of practical videos featuring insights from a diverse range of Non-Executive Directors to put your learnings into practice.

Watch the preview video here

 

the LEARNING platform

join a blended programme with tutor-led workshops, online self-learning formats, and get ongoing support from your tutors and peers with regular knowledge check-ins.

Key features include the ability to:

  • Access the learning platform at any time, anywhere, and on the go with our mobile app

  • Join discussion threads allowing you to converse with other cohort members on the key topics being covered and to learn from your peers’ experiences

  • Connect with your learning buddy via instant messaging and video calling

  • Hear personal views from experienced non-executive directors, adding an extra level of depth to the course content

  • Take part in quizzes to reaffirm your understanding

  • Explore additional reading lists of other interesting publications you may want to explore outside of the course

WHY QUALIFY?

Gain a competitive edge by acquiring the leading fully-accredited, practioner-led, level 7 postgraduate qualification to help you secure new roles.

Grow your network and be part of an increasing, dynamic and diverse Alumni Board Member community - your valuable, durable network and catalyst for powerful collaboration.

Be fast tracked onto the KPMG connect on Board programme connecting non-executives from a diverse talent pool, with organisations seeking to build better boards.

Immediately gain credibility, upon graduation, in addition to your official certification, receive a digital credential to add to your Linkedin profile and have your name printed within the
Financial Times newspaper.

SUPPORTING YOUR SUCCESS POST-GRADUATION

Alumni Network

• Create a profile on the Financial Times Board Director Programme’s exclusive alumni community platform with a focus on your skills, experience, industry, location, and desired NED role preferences. 

• Connect with fellow graduates with the ‘flash mentoring’ feature, allowing you to search for specific alumni members with specific skills and experience

• Create subgroups within the community such as specific cohorts, geographic regions, industries etc.

• Continue boosting your learning and development by connecting with peers who have extensive experience on how to kickstart your NED career or how to approach key challenges

• Hear about the latest Chair, NED and Trustee roles coming to market and share opportunities with your peers.

Additional Workshop Access

• Get free access to the ‘How To Get Your First Non-Executive Director Role’ in-person workshop or the ‘Getting Your First Role’ eLearning course which will give you the skills to build a clear plan of action on how to go about getting your first role

• Gain valuable insights on navigating the non-exec recruitment market as an aspiring NED

• Enhance your personal brand by tailoring the messaging on your social media profile and CV

• Gain confidence on how to best prepare for non-exec interviews and how to approach networking effectively

Specialist CV Consultancy

• Take advantage of our specialist CV consultancy service where an experienced NED headhunter will review and provide feedback on how you can optimise your CV for success within the non-exec recruitment market

 

course structure

A half day induction workshop to introduce you to the course and the topics covered.

Module 1 of the online study, must be completed before attending the next workshop.

A two day workshop on effective boardroom behaviour, both for individuals and group dynamics.

4 weeks after the second workshop, course members will hand in 2 short essays and a learning log.

2 weeks before the end of course practical assessment, members will hand in a case study

Course members will complete a controlled finance assessment at the end of the course.

 

MEET THE FACULTY

  • SARAH BOULTON

    Chair

    Healthy Boards

  • SIMON BURKE

    Non-Executive Chair, Non-Executive Director

    Legal & General (PMS) Limited, Capita Life and Pensions

  • MONICA CHADHA

    Independent Director and Board Advisor

  • DIANA DAVID

    Founder

    Future Proof Lab

  • STEVEN DEKREY

    Workshop Leader

    The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

  • PATRICK DUNNE

    Experienced Chair and board member

  • REBECCA GANZ

    Chair & Non-Executive Director

    iFM Bolton & Bolton NHS Foundation Trust

  • ALISON GILL

    CEO

    Bvalco

  • JACQUIE O'DEA

    NED & Corporate Governance Advisor

    Claire Career Consulting Ltd

  • COSETTE RECZEK

    Chair

    Citizens Advice Lewisham

  • RAYMOND REED BAKER

    Instructor

    One World International Group Ltd

  • SALA SIHOMBING

    Mediator

    Conflict Change Consulting Limited

  • MURRAY STEELE

    Portfolio Non-Executive Director & Chair

    Octopus Apollo VCT, Surface Generation

  • LESLEY STEPHENSON

    Publisher

    FT Board Director Programme

  • ANDY SLEE

    Chairman & Non-Executive Director

    Black Sheep Brewery, Titanic Brewery

  • ALAN MCWALTER

    Chair

    Churchill China plc, Newmarket Travel

  • CLAIRE DAVIES

    Founder and Managing Director

    CoSecutive Ltd

  • ELIZABETH MOHR

    Co-Founder

    OnBoard Programme

  • JEREMY WILLIAMS

    Portfolio Director & Mentor

    Assembly Studios, Premier League

  • RUSSELL SHACKLETON

    Corporate Governance & Risk Advisor, and NED

    Shackleton Consulting Plus

  • CARLA STENT

    Non Executive Director & Board / Committee Chair

    Marex Group plc, Telecom Plus plc & Evelyn Partners Group

  • TIM FARAZMAND

    Co-founder

    PCB Partners

  • SIMON LEBUS

    Non-Executive Director

    Various

  • PHIL CONSIDINE

    Director

    Strathclyde Executive Education and Development, University of Strathclyde

Download brochure

The diploma is run in the UK and Asia. Download a brochure to find out about the course content, tutors and the latest enrolment dates.

 

Who is the diploma for?

  • Aspiring non-executive directors who are looking to secure their first role, particularly those who do not have relevant board experience.

  • Newly appointed non-executive directors seeking to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the role.

  • Existing non-executive directors who are looking to refresh their knowledge and skills.

Eligibility criteria

In order to enrol on the programme, you must have a degree, professional body or equivalent educational qualification and have experience at a senior level of business for at least five years.

All applications are considered on an individual basis. The course tutor, on their sole discretion, may admit someone onto the course who does not strictly meet these criteria.

 

COURSE FEES AND APPLICATION PROCESS

ASIA DIPLOMA COHORT PRICING:

  • In-person: £9,300

UK DIPLOMA COHORT PRICING:

  • In-person: £8,500 (excl. VAT)

  • Virtual: £7,150 (excl. VAT)

This amount includes assessment fees, attendance at the workshops including networking sessions, access to online learning materials, and support.

Please note a 20% non-refundable application fee is required upon registration. The remaining payment is due within 25 days of booking confirmation or the start of the course, whichever is first.

Upon registration, we will send you a formal application, which you will need to complete and submit to us within two weeks of your deposit payment. If your application is unsuccessful for any reason, your application fee will be refunded. If we do not receive your completed application form within the allotted time frame we reserve the right to release your space and refund your application fee. If your application is successful, the amount of the application fee paid will be deducted from the full course fee payable.

Please read our Terms and Conditions here.

GRADUATE SUCCESS STORIES

  • SUCCESS STORIES: BENEFITS OF THE DIPLOMA AS AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    SUCCESS STORIES: BENEFITS OF THE DIPLOMA AS AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • SUCCESS STORIES: THREE VALUABLE INSIGHTS GAINED FROM THE DIPLOMA

    SUCCESS STORIES: THREE VALUABLE INSIGHTS GAINED FROM THE DIPLOMA

  • SUCCESS STORIES: A NED’S EXPERIENCE WITH THE DIPLOMA - AVRIL GALLAGHER

    SUCCESS STORIES: A NED’S EXPERIENCE WITH THE DIPLOMA - AVRIL GALLAGHER

  • HEAR WHAT OUR ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY

    A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable course. The content was well structured and comprehensive, which contemplated both the technical and behavioural aspects of becoming an effective NED. The tutors are excellent, with experience in both the classroom and boardroom. The practitioners added a real “colour” to the course. It was also good to have the support of a range of students from across many walks of business life.

    Ben Deverell, Relationship Director - Leisure, Lloyds Bank Corporate & Institutional

  • HEAR WHAT OUR ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY

    "The first virtual Diploma was both interesting and rewarding. I was supported the whole way through by an efficient team that answered my questions and helped me navigate the course."

    John Williams, Managing Director, Partnerships & Government Affairs, Asia of International SOS

  • HEAR WHAT OUR ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY

    "This Diploma is one of the best investments I've ever made in my ongoing executive education. Intense, rigorous and firmly grounded in real-world examples, it gave useful case studies and insights into the latest regulations to help me hone my practical boardroom skills.

    A diverse cohort of seasoned professionals from across Asia really enriched the discussions, and the topics, like ESG Reporting, were highly relevant and valuable."

    David Aikman, Former Chief Representative Officer, Greater China of World Economic Forum

  • HEAR WHAT OUR ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY

    “I really enjoyed the course; the quality of teaching, the very learned and personable tutors and the super efficient administration were exceptional. The FT Non-Executive Director Diploma is very much the 'gold standard' - incredibly rewarding and thought providing and I feel I have grown because of it.”

    William Tuffy, Chair, Miromore

  • HEAR WHAT OUR ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY

    “If you're a current board member, or seriously considering taking on board work - do this course. It gave me practical skills and the confidence to be a better board member.”

    Thomas Otter, Non-Executive Director, Headhunter

  • HEAR WHAT OUR ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY

    “Within a year of graduating the Diploma, I've been appointed three roles where I've been able to contribute and display the valuable learnings and skills the diploma provided me with and make a real impact at Board level.”

    Megan McCracken, Board Member, Fidelity China

  • HEAR WHAT OUR ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY

    “This intensive course paves a strong foundation for candidates to be independant non-executive directors. Having a cohort of experienced professionals from different backgrounds provided an excellent platform to share practical views in corporate governance in the Asian context.”

    Ananth Sankaran, Director, Corporate Credit Risk Division – Asia Pacific, Societe Generale, Hong Kong

  • HEAR WHAT OUR ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY

    “Highly recommend. The FT program was more in depth, broader and provided a far better platform than any I have previously participated in. Focusing on behaviours in the boardroom really makes you think about how you conduct yourself in board situations. The support from the program director and staff was excellent at all times, with lots of opportunities to network with the cohort before and beyond graduation. “

    Richard Kennerley, CEO, Rapid Securities, Australia

  • HEAR WHAT OUR ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY

    “I gained considerable knowledge and experience from the FT Non-Executive Director Diploma. I learned new skills, approaches, and had the opportunity to test behavioural and management concepts to better understand boardroom behaviours and functions. The most rewarding element was the practical learning and engagement from working together with my cohort. It was practical, flexible and tailored to individual learning styles.”

    Ty Morrissey, Director, Morrissey Consulting International Pty Ltd

 

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