Before becoming a NED
According to the Institute of Directors, the role of the NED is to provide a creative contribution to the Board by providing objective criticism. NEDs should bring independent judgement to bear on issues of strategy, performance and resources, which extend to matters such as key appointments and standards of conduct.
In particular, the significance of personal risk should not be underestimated. In the event of failure, regulators are increasingly indicating that there will be a “presumption of guilt of negligence among all Board members, unless it can be proved to the contrary.
So, why would anybody wish to become a NED? The answer, like many of the issues addressed in this Information Bank, is not necessarily cut and dried. A variety of reasons exist, but the more common ones in the insurance industry are:
Emphasis today, tends to be more on continuing as a professional within the insurance industry, albeit part time, rather than on simply “giving something back.” The role of being a NED in the regulated sector should not be construed as a retirement hobby.
For aspiring NEDs thinking of doing it “for the money they need to be aware that NED remuneration is normally by way of a fixed annual fee, although some firms supplement this with “per meeting attendance fees. Chairmanship of the Board or a committee usually attracts a higher fee. The roles of the Chair are discussed more fully below.
While a portfolio of three or more non-Executive Directorships may involve total remuneration running into six figures, it will rarely reach the annual salary level, with bonuses, of a very senior manager in the insurance industry. Additionally, of course, for independent NEDs, their remuneration will not normally involve any incentive compensation, stock awards or benefits such as health insurance and pension contributions.
However, not all senior people who have the career background and gravitas to become a NED necessarily possess the requisite personality, attributes and skills. So, if you do wish to become a NED, the next question should be your starting point.
Institute of Directors Factsheet