A scheme offering prospective Non-Executive Directors the chance to sit on a board has been renamed to more accurately reflect its purpose.
Originally known as the NED Apprenticeship Programme, the scheme is now called the NED Development Programme. Run by the GTA University Centre, it aims to develop and diversify the local NED pool by offering aspiring NEDs the opportunity to gain experience sitting on a partner board.
Since launching in 2015, 11 people have completed placements, with three going on to be appointed full-time to a board. There are 22 aspiring NEDs signed up to the scheme awaiting placements, with a further eight sitting on host boards. Two other boards are going through the placement process.
GTA University Centre Programmes Manager Michelle Morley said: “Despite the scheme’s success, we continually review the programme, and there was some question over the use of the word ‘apprentice’, which doesn’t reflect the seniority, expertise and business acumen that those joining the scheme have. We feel the time is right to rename it.”
The programme involves training, including accounting and corporate governance sessions with Deloitte and legal and corporate governance sessions with Appleby. It features a 12-month placement on a partner board, where participants are mentored by an experienced board member who will share their expertise.
The scheme also offers participants free membership to the NED Forum, enabling them to attend NED Forum training sessions and networking events.
• For more information, contact Tina Torode, NED Development Programme Co-ordinator, at tina.torode@gta.gg or call the GTA on 721555