What is a non-executive director?

A non-executive director (NEDs) is a part-time position on a company’s board of directors. They share the responsibility for the company’s success without being involved in day-to-day operations. Unlike executive directors, they do not hold any operational responsibilities within the company, nor are they considered employees.

In recent years, the role of non-executive directors (NEDs) in UK companies has really taken off.

This role used to be exclusively for larger organisations, but now we’re seeing the role across all sorts of organisations, including smaller, private firms.

A NEDs role is to provide insights, review business performance and offer strategic guidance. They may oversee board meetings, oversee projects or represent the company at events.

While they may not hold a full-time role at any one business, their time is split heavily across several organisations, industries, and even countries.

One day they could be advising on strategy for a start up and the next talking financials with a global firm.

It’s an exciting and varied role which requires them to be everywhere at once and constantly switching up their focus.

This often means they need flexible support to help them best manage their time so they can do their job efficiently.

This is where we come in.

Why non-executive directors need virtual assistants

Non-executive directors do not usually need someone full time. Instead, they need someone flexible and hands-on—someone who understands their unique challenges and can help them manage the whirlwind of tasks that come with their role. This is where we shine.

As experienced Executive Assistants, we’re here to support our clients, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. From managing calendars to organising important meetings and preparing essential reports, we handle the details so our clients can concentrate on the bigger picture.

4 reasons NEDs would benefit from an executive assistant

There’s many reasons that a non-executive director would hire an executive assistant. Here are only four fantastic reasons:

1. EA’s save valuable time
   NEDs are often pulled in multiple directions, trying to juggle various responsibilities. With a virtual executive assistant on board to handle administrative tasks, it frees up precious time to focus on what they do best – strategic thinking.
2. Flexibility
   We’ve already mentioned it, but having flexible, expert support is a game charger for NEDs. We can adapt to the unpredictable schedules, whether it’s adjusting to last-minute meetings or shifting priorities, EAs provide the flexibility needed to manage a busy workload.
3. Problem solving
   Executive Assistants are excellent problem solvers. We can understand the role of NEDs and can diligently and efficiently problem solve, make decisions and prepare on their behalf.
4. Objective Insights
   Virtual EAs often serve as an additional set of eyes and ears for NEDs, providing valuable insights into the organisation’s operations. They can gather information, summarise reports, and even highlight issues that may need attention. This objective perspective helps NEDs make informed decisions and stay connected to the team without being overwhelmed.

Conclusion

If you’re a non-executive director—or know someone who is—and this sounds like the kind of support that could make a difference, we’d love to chat with you.

We offer free consultation calls to discuss your unique needs and what our services can do for you.

Get in touch with us.

Contact us.