Non-Executive Director Search & Placement

Overview

An experienced non-executive director (NED) can transform the way a board works. The right appointment brings independent challenge, specialist knowledge, a wider network and the credibility that investors, lenders and acquirers look for. The wrong appointment, or no appointment at all, can leave a founder or executive team without the scrutiny and support they need at critical moments.

Our Non-Executive Director Search & Placement service gives you a structured, professional route to finding the right person. We work with you to define exactly what your board needs, search our network and the wider market, and present a shortlist of assessed candidates. We then support you through interviews, referencing and appointment, so your new director can start contributing quickly.

To understand the role in more depth, read our guide to the role of a non-executive director.

Who it’s for

• Founder-led businesses appointing their first independent director.
• Scale-ups preparing for a funding round, where investors expect independent oversight.
• Family businesses seeking outside perspective and balance between family and non-family interests.
• Investor-backed firms needing a chair or NED with specific sector, financial or exit experience.
• Boards with a skills gap, for example in audit, risk, technology, people or international expansion.
• Charities and not-for-profits recruiting trustees or a chair.

What’s included

• A briefing session with your chair, CEO or founders to understand the board, the business and the gap the appointment should fill.
• A board skills review to identify the experience and attributes that would add most value.
• A written role profile and person specification, including expected time commitment and any committee responsibilities.
• A targeted search drawing on our network of experienced directors and wider market research.
• Initial screening and assessment of candidates against the agreed criteria.
• A shortlist report with candidate summaries and our assessment of each.
• Interview coordination and suggested interview questions.
• Referencing, conflict of interest checks and confirmation of other commitments.
• Guidance on the letter of appointment, fees and practical onboarding.
• A structured induction plan for the first months in post.

We actively seek diverse shortlists and challenge narrow criteria that might exclude strong candidates. If board diversity is a particular priority, our board diversity and inclusion consulting can complement the search.

How it works

1. Discovery call: a free conversation to understand your board, your plans and why you are looking for a NED now.
2. Briefing and role profile: we meet key stakeholders, review the board’s current skills and agree a written role profile with you.
3. Search: we identify and approach potential candidates, keeping your search confidential where required.
4. Assessment and shortlist: we assess candidates and present a shortlist with clear, balanced summaries.
5. Interviews: you meet shortlisted candidates, with our support on structure, questions and feedback.
6. Appointment: we complete referencing and checks, and help you agree terms and the letter of appointment.
7. Induction: we provide an induction plan so your new director gets up to speed quickly.

Timescales vary with the seniority and specialism of the role, and we will agree a realistic timetable with you at the start.

Deliverables

• Board skills review summary.
• Role profile and person specification.
• Shortlist report with candidate assessments.
• Interview guide and scoring framework.
• Reference and conflict-check summary for the preferred candidate.
• Letter of appointment guidance and induction plan.

Pricing starts from £2,950 excluding VAT. The final fee depends on the seniority of the role and the scope of the search, and is confirmed in a fixed-fee proposal before work begins. Once your NED is in post, you may also want to read our guide on how to run an effective board meeting.

Frequently asked questions

How much time does a non-executive director typically commit?

It depends on the business and the role. Many NEDs in SMEs and scale-ups commit one or two days a month, covering board meetings, preparation and support between meetings. Committee chairs or chairs of the board usually commit more. We agree the expected time commitment in the role profile so candidates understand it from the outset.

Does a non-executive director have the same legal duties as an executive director?

Yes. Under the Companies Act 2006, non-executive directors share the same general duties as executive directors, including the duty to promote the success of the company. Their role differs in practice, focusing on independent oversight, challenge and support rather than day-to-day management.

Is the NED’s ongoing fee included in the placement price?

No. The placement fee covers the search and appointment process. The NED’s own remuneration is agreed between your company and the director, and we can advise on what is appropriate for the role and the business.