2025: NED training & certification programme (In-person)

The role of the Non-Executive Director (NED) has come under the spotlight and the expectations of key stakeholders of companies, both internal and external, has increased significantly. NEDs are considered to be the “guardians of corporate governance”, but are also required to bring a broad range of experience and insight, as well as providing a positive and supporting challenge to the boardroom. Aspiring NEDs need basic knowledge and understanding; new NEDs need to have the essential tools and techniques to add value from day one; experienced NEDs need to keep up-to-date, both technically and with further development of some of the softer personal skills.

This NED training and certification programme, run in partnership with the Non-Executive Directors' Association (NEDA), covers a breadth of essential topics including: the role of NEDs, NEDs and the board, director duties and responsibilities the role of the chairman and board committees (especially the Audit Committee), updates on corporate governance, business strategy and risk management, evolving good practice in board performance as well as exploring aspects of corporate culture and director attributes.

The cost of the course includes: 

• All course materials and supporting documents
• Six months’ complimentary membership of NEDA providing access to the course text - the Non-Executive Directors’ Handbook (through the members’ portal) – plus all of the other NEDA member benefits.
• The Non-Executive Directors’ Handbook not only supports the overall course learning outcomes, especially taking the NED Certificate Test (see below), but also serves as the essential reference guide during your career as a NED, leader and board committee member.
• A link to the NED Certificate Test will be provided after attending the course allowing up to two attempts to pass the Test.
• The Test comprises 30 multiple choice questions to be answered in one hour. Questions are drawn from an extensive question bank based on the NED Handbook which should therefore be read in advance of taking the Test. The Test is online, 'open-book' and can be taken at any time.
• The 'ICAEW NED Certificate' is awarded upon successful completion of the online Test.

Learning outcomes:

• Understanding what it means to be a professional non-executive director.
• Seeing the role in the context of the demands of a range of industry sectors.
• Being up-to-date with the leading governance, strategy and risk practices aligned with stakeholder interests.
• Appreciating why an “effective board” is needed and what it should look like.
• Familiarity with the roles and responsibilities of Board Committees.
• All you need to know with regard to the Audit Committee.
• Understanding how you can and should be adding tangible value to an organisation.
• Knowing the best way to go to market as a new NED, with some tips and hints on presenting yourself as an independent NED.
• Benefiting from the knowledge and experience of NEDA, the leading NED training, advisory and support organisation.

Please note: when you register for any of the available training packages any personal data provided will be shared with ICAEW and NEDA.

In partnership with:

CPD hours

ICAEW's revised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Regulations bring in new CPD requirements. This includes a minimum number of hours and an ethics requirement.

Attending this course could contribute up to 7 hours of verifiable CPD, providing you can demonstrate that the content is relevant to your role.

A copy of the course booking confirmation email is accepted as evidence of verifiable CPD. You will need to save the email as a JPEG or PDF before uploading it to your record.

Click here to use ICAEW’s self-assessment tool to help you work out how much CPD you will need to fulfil each year.

Who should attend?

Business leaders. Please see 'Course level' tab for more details.