Victoria Coxen reflects on how attending the Cranfield Non-Executive Director Programme has helped her drive wide-ranging board initiatives.
“I had been an independent NED for 18 months on the board of NRP Ltd, and wanted to understand if I was doing it ‘properly’ and learn what my technical and professional development needs might be. The content of Non-Executive Director Programme (TNEDP) at Cranfield matched my aims and I signed up to attend.
“During the course it was reassuring to find that I was already proficient in the essentials of understanding the legal requirements of boards and directors, finance, risk and best governance practice. The world of NEDs and boards is an ever-changing landscape, so these sessions we’re very informative on current practice and legislation.
“For me, the more intriguing elements of the programme were exploring the challenges NEDs face around business ethics, power dynamics and people. One of my key takeaways was how to encourage and extend continuous board learning and development, in service of our organisation’s greater purpose and strategy, while keeping our stakeholders aligned.
“The programme leaders were all carefully selected to share their deep knowledge and stimulate our discussion and awareness of what is required of NED leadership. I met some wonderful people from different backgrounds (private, public and third sector) which really helped enrich the learning experience.
“The TNEDP experience provided a solid foundation to both build my confidence in my ability to be a successful NED, and also to accelerate my ambitions for the future. Being a NED is always a work in progress; it is about being the best we can be in service of others, gaining feedback on how we are showing up in the world, and always looking to take the next step in evolving and growing in confidence and competence.
“The programme covered a wide spectrum of board territory which helped raise my awareness of what I needed to focus on as a NED, both practically and professionally, and what my next development goals were. A year after my TNEDP experience I was appointed as Chair of the NRP Ltd board by the shareholders and have begun a new development journey.
“Since attending the programme, and becoming a board chair, the governance of NRP Ltd has been reviewed, including the articles, shareholders agreement, board administration, board committees and business cadence. We have also renewed our strategy to keep apace with our sector’s needs. What I learned on the Cranfield programme was instrumental in enabling me to support these initiatives as both a NED and now as Chair.
“Cranfield is a positive, nurturing, dynamic and expansive environment, and I would absolutely recommend the TNEDP programme. By unpacking all the vital components, in a digestible way and with leading professionals in the NED field, it provides invaluable insight and knowledge, whether you are an aspiring or existing NED. Cranfield is a quality, trustworthy and innovative academic institution; organisations seeking NEDs demand the best, and having the Cranfield brand behind NED development is a powerful quality-assurance and risk-reduction stamp.”
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:
