So you wanna be an NED?

Non-Executive Director (NED) roles are an over-subscribed market and, with an aging senior executive population, competition will only grow. There are plenty of attractions. A nice portfolio comprising, say, one FTSE appointment, two mid-caps, a start-up and an unpaid trusteeship might bring in £150k, some interesting equity and a strengthened professional network. Big beasts who chair committees (Remuneration, Audit) in prominent companies can earn multiples of that figure. 

But for many, motivations are more complex. Some lean heavily into purpose, for example backing companies and organisations that are pursuing a strong green agenda, social impact or education. Others want to share hard-earned lessons, applying their expertise to help organisations navigate change. Ego can also feature, either in terms of acquiring prestige or - for some - simply remaining relevant towards the end of their working life. And even a meaty portfolio like the one I described can still leave adequate time for sailing, golf and Tuscan cookery courses. 

However, these roles are not without risk, public scrutiny comes with the territory. Health and safety has become personal, fiduciary responsibilities more onerous and the environment more litigious. It’s not for everyone.