Derek McGlashan shares how attending The Non-Executive Director Programme enhanced his confidence in applying for and holding NED roles.
“After over twenty years working for the Forth Ports Group, mostly in the senior management team, in 2022 I set up my own company, Saltire Sustainability Ltd. I had also held several pro bono NED positions over many years, and now aspired to more commercial positions to compliment my consulting business.
“To support this ambition, I wanted to undertake some formal training. I hoped it would offer a refresher on the wider responsibilities of being a NED, and help me understand if the approach I had developed for pro bono roles needed to be refined as I made the leap from voluntary to paid positions. I also recognised that learning from people who had held NED roles in larger and corporate entities would help me understand the different challenges involved in working with these boards.
“When researching NED courses, the Cranfield one provided a good balance of topics. I also liked the residential format which allowed for a more intensive approach, as opposed to remote learning spread over a longer period of time. When I arrived at Cranfield I found the group on the course welcoming. The tutors were exceptionally knowledgeable, with lots of practical experience and anecdotes, as opposed to ‘book knowledge’. The guest speaker in the evening was also particularly thought provoking.
“A critical take-away for me was to trust your gut. If you feel something is not going well, is wrong, or perhaps should be flagged, then it is critical to do so. Avoid coasting along as this creates the illusion that everyone feels OK about the situation – chances are, if you have a question, others may well think the same as you. Better to speak up and resolve it than let it fester. I also took away that a good chair is worth their weight in gold.
“Attending the Cranfield NED programme has definitely enhanced my confidence in both serving as a NED and applying for new NED roles. I have applied many of the learnings from TNEDP on an ongoing basis, and my top tip would be to make full use of the network attending the course. You can learn so much from those who are attending with you, from their experiences and expectations. A number of us have kept in touch and continue to support each other.
“Since attending the Cranfield Non-Executive Director Programme I have been appointed to three commercial boards. In one case I am the first ever non-exec on the board. I also recently made the ENDS Report Power List for 2025 as one of the 100 most influential environmental professionals, for my work as a NED at Marine Zero.
“So, what’s next? I'd like to break out of the maritime sector and into other areas. I feel I’m ready for a chair role too, and what I’ve learned from the Cranfield course has been key to getting me to this point.
“I am regularly approached on how to become a NED, and have recommended the Cranfield course to a number of others, especially those looking to take on their first NED position or move from charity to commercial. The standout reasons for these recommendations are a combination of the opportunity to learn from those who have actually performed the NED role, not those who have just read or studied it; the friendly approach that was open and supportive; and the excellent resources that remain available after the course.
“The Cranfield NED programme was excellent. I left with a positive vibe, plenty of knowledge, a great network, and the confidence to pursue and succeed in my NED career.”
Non-Executive Director Programme
If you want a greater appreciation of what the role entails, the Cranfield Non-Executive Director Programme offers current and aspiring NEDs the opportunity to learn what’s involved and build their NED network.
To find out more download the brochure here:
