FAQs
Explore the answers to the questions you have.
Non-Executive Director Certification
Coaching Accreditation
Executive Director Certification
Leadership and Management
Women as Leaders Certification
General Questions
Who is Actuate?
Actuate are a UK‑based leader in professional learning, coaching, and accredited development. Delivering expert‑led programmes designed to accelerate growth, elevate performance, and help individuals and organisations build clarity, capability, and confidence. Our mission is to empower people with meaningful, industry‑relevant development that supports long‑term career success.
Why do professionals and organisations choose Actuate over other coaching and development providers?
Actuate delivers accredited ILM-certified qualifications, executive coaching, leadership development, and bespoke organisational transformation solutions through a proprietary, data-driven model. With 98% client recommendations and 85% repeat engagement, our approach is built on structured diagnostics, practical application, and real-world business challenges to deliver immediate, measurable impact.
What does the Actuate Accreditation include when I complete a certification?
- Access to exclusive alumni events
- Continuous professional development
- A complimentary annual CV and LinkedIn review
- A 20% discount on all future Actuate programmes
- A growing network of leaders and practitioners to connect with
How do I enrol?
You can enrol in two ways:
- Purchase the programme online through the Actuate website. Once your registration is complete, our team will contact you to confirm your start date, guide you through onboarding, and ensure you’re placed on the most suitable pathway.
- Book a discovery call if you’d prefer to speak with someone first. A member of our team will walk you through the programme, answer any questions, and help you choose the right option before completing your enrolment.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes – we offer flexible, interest‑free payment plans for all of our prorgrammes so you can spread the cost of your development without any upfront financial pressure. Through our partnering company Buyline, you can spread your payments over up to 12 months, completely interest‑free.
How do I contact you?
You can reach us directly through our website, by emailing our team or by simply giving us a call.
During any programme, our Client Success Team is on hand to ensure your experience is smooth, supported, and personalised from start to finish.
Email – info@actuateglobal.com
Phone – 0161 850 9970
Discover the Right Learning Pathway For You
Non-Executive Director Certification
Is this suitable for first-time NEDs?
Yes – it is specifically designed to bridge the gap between executive experience and board readiness, particularly for those preparing for their first Non-Executive role.
Is it relevant for experienced NEDs?
Yes – experienced NEDs use the programme to refine effectiveness, update thinking, and remain competitive in a changing governance landscape.
How long does the course take?
You have 12 months from the date of purchase to complete the Certified NED programme. Many delegates comfortably finish within 6 months. This gives you the flexibility to work through each module, apply the learning in real time, and complete all required assessments at a manageable pace.
How long are the modules?
Each module runs for 4 hours and is delivered virtually, combining teaching, practical exercises, and interactive group work. The programme is structured into focused modules that build your capability step by step, and every module is supported with LMS access and on‑demand learning.
Can you do the modules in any order?
Yes – you can complete four modules in any order that suits your schedule and learning style. The only exceptions are the first on-demand module, which must be completed first, and Coaching Skills for NEDs, which must be completed last. This final module brings together everything you’ve learned and prepares you for the NED assessment and graduation.
How is the course structured – are they live masterclasses?
Yes – all of the modules are delivered as live online masterclasses, not prerecorded sessions. Each module is led in real time by experienced NEDs and senior‑level coaches, giving you the chance to ask questions, take part in discussions, and apply the learning immediately.
What will I gain from the NED Certification, and how do the modules support my journey?
The NED Certification helps executives step back, consolidate their career experience, and reposition their value in a way many have not previously had the opportunity to do. It supports the transition to an “eyes‑on, hands‑off” mindset, enabling you to add strategic value to boards and organisations.
There are six key modules through which you will develop the core competencies of a Non‑Executive Director and gain an independently accredited qualification recognised globally, alongside expert support to help you go to market effectively. This is a valuable opportunity for personal growth and development, while increasing your marketability and differentiation in a competitive landscape. You will also build high‑value new connections and lasting relationships both during the programme and through the alumni network.
I’m struggling to secure my first board role – what am I missing?
Most candidates aren’t lacking experience – they’re lacking positioning. Boards look for individuals who can operate at a strategic “balcony view,” not just as capable senior executives. That requires both clarity in how you articulate your value and confidence in presenting yourself as board-ready. This programme develops the technical competencies, mindset, and positioning needed to help you secure your first board role.
I’m not sure how or where I need to develop – can this programme help?
Yes. The programme provides a comprehensive and structured approach to board-level development. It covers all core competencies required for an effective Non-Executive Director, ensuring each area is understood, tested, and strengthened throughout the accreditation. Even experienced NEDs consistently uncover new insights and areas for growth during the process.
I’m unsure what my options are at my current level – what should I do next?
The best next step is to speak with one of our highly trained and experienced advisers. They can assess your current position and help determine whether this programme is the right fit for you. Beyond the programme, we offer an ecosystem of leadership development tools, resources, and pathways designed to support your progression toward a board role.
Do you see patterns in who succeeds on the programme?
Yes. Those who succeed tend to be focused, committed, and intentional about securing a board role. They are clear on their strengths, confident in their capabilities, and able to evidence their value at board level.
The programme supports this by going beyond learning and development. It also focuses on what boards actually look for, how to position yourself effectively in the market, and how to navigate the process of securing a NED role.
Which topics do participants find most insightful?
It often depends on their background. Executives who have progressed through a specific functional discipline typically find the shift to a broader, organisation-wide perspective particularly valuable. Developing the ability to think horizontally across the business is a key insight.
On the other hand, those who have held CEO or MD roles often benefit from gaining greater clarity and focus in how they position their value at board level. The programme helps them refine their narrative and align their experience more effectively with what boards are looking for.
Which topics do participants find most challenging, and how do you support them?
Some of the more technical areas – particularly board-level finance – can be challenging, especially for those without an accounting or P&L background.
We address this through a structured combination of classroom-based learning, on-demand content, and practical assessment. In addition, participants are supported by a range of experienced facilitators, coaches, and mentors. This ensures they build both the confidence and competence required to operate effectively at board level.
What results can I expect?
Don’t just take it from us – check the facts and figures in our prospectus. Our graduates consistently report stronger board readiness, increased confidence, and clearer pathways into NED roles. The data speaks for itself, and the results show the real‑world impact of investing in your development.
What skills will I gain?
This is about building strong board-level credibility, developing confident governance capability, and stepping into a more influential role where your strategic insight helps shape direction and decision-making at the highest level.
You will be able to:
- Understand and operate inside board dynamics, governance, risk, and accountability frameworks
- Challenge executive leadership constructively without overstepping authority
- Assess strategy, financial decisions, and organisational risk like a board member
- Position yourself for NED roles where oversight matters more than hierarchy
You leave with recognised governance capability and ILM Level 6 qualification, helping you stand out in a market where thousands compete for limited board seats.
How much does it cost?
£3495, this includes assessments, graduation and LMS access for a year after you complete the course. We do also offer flexible payment plans through our partnering company, Buyline.
The Certified Non-Executive Director Qualification
Coaching Accreditation
Who is this course for?
- Aspiring Coaches seeking to build a credible foundation for a professional coaching career
- Current Specialist Coaches in High‑Growth Sectors wanting to formalise and elevate their practice
- Corporate Professionals aiming to enhance their leadership impact through coaching capability
- Human Resources Professionals looking to deepen their expertise in people development
- Entrepreneurs and Business Owners seeking to lead with greater clarity, influence, and resilience
How long does the course take?
You have 3 years from the date of purchase to complete the Accredited Coaching Programme. Many delegates comfortably finish within 12 months, which gives you the flexibility to work through each module, apply the learning in real time, and complete all required assessments at a manageable pace.
How long are the modules?
Each module runs for 4 hours and is delivered virtually, combining teaching, practical exercises, and interactive group work. The programme is structured into focused modules that build your capability step by step, and every module is supported with LMS access and on‑demand learning.
Can you do the modules in any order?
Yes – you can complete the modules in any order. For the best learning experience, we recommend following the sequence shown on your Eventbrite page, but this is not mandatory. You’re free to progress through the content in the order that works best for your schedule and learning style.
How is the course structured – are they live masterclasses?
Yes – all of the modules are delivered as live online masterclasses, not prerecorded sessions. Each module is led in real time by experienced executives and senior‑level coaches, giving you the chance to ask questions, take part in discussions, and apply the learning immediately.
What results can I expect?
- Confidence as a professional coach
- Career progression and new opportunities
- Stronger leadership and communication skills
- A way to separate yourself from over 100,000 coaches
What skills will I gain?
You gain professional coaching capability that goes beyond informal “advice-giving”.
This is a structured, accredited coaching practice.
You will be able to:
- Coach individuals using recognised frameworks rather than intuition or experience alone
- Hold structured developmental conversations that shift behaviour, not just mindset
- Build credibility as a certified coach in organisational, executive, or independent settings
- Apply coaching as a leadership tool to improve performance, accountability, and retention
You move from giving opinions to enabling measurable behaviour change in others.
What qualifications will I gain?
You will gain a dual accreditation: ILM Level 7 qualification and Association for Coaching (AC) accreditation, positioning you as a credible, professionally recognised coach equipped to operate at senior levels and deliver measurable impact in leadership and organisational performance.
How much does it cost?
£3495, this includes assessments, graduation and LMS access for a year after you complete the course. We do also offer flexible payment plans through our partnering company, Buyline.
The Accredited Certified Coach Programme
Executive Director Certification
Who is this course designed for?
- Executive Directors, Managing Directors, and heads of function are poised for enterprise leadership
- Senior business leaders
- High-potential leaders identified for C-suite succession
- Leaders with P&L responsibility seeking formal executive recognition
- Individuals aiming to increase professional visibility and competitive edge in executive hiring markets
How long does the course take?
You have 12 months from the date of purchase to complete the Certified Executive Director programme. Many delegates comfortably finish within 6 months. This gives you the flexibility to work through each module, apply the learning in real time, and complete all required assessments at a manageable pace.
What qualifications will I get?
Graduates earn the ILM Level 6 qualification, awarded by City & Guilds, alongside the Actuate Certified Executive Director digital credential. This combination provides a prestigious, government‑regulated certification that strengthens professional credibility.
What skills will I gain?
You gain the ability to operate at executive level where decisions affect entire organisations, not just teams.
You will be able to:
- Think and act like an Executive Director, balancing strategy, risk, finance, and long-term organisational performance
- Lead across functions, not just departments, and influence senior stakeholders without authority over them
- Make high-stakes decisions under pressure using structured executive judgement
- Handle commercial, digital, and organisational complexity with board-level clarity
You also gain an ILM Level 6 qualification and an Executive Director credential, signalling you are operating at a level where organisations start trusting you with enterprise outcomes and positioning you as a credible, senior leader trusted with strategic decisions and organisational impact.
How long are the modules?
Each module runs for 4 hours and is delivered virtually, combining teaching, practical exercises, and interactive group work. The programme is structured into focused modules that build your capability step by step, and every module is supported with LMS access and on‑demand learning.
How is the course structured – are they live masterclasses?
Yes – all of the modules are delivered as live online masterclasses, not prerecorded sessions. Each module is led in real time by experienced NEDs and senior‑level coaches, giving you the chance to ask questions, take part in discussions, and apply the learning immediately.
How much does it cost?
£ 2500 + VAT. This includes assessments, graduation, and LMS access for a year after you complete the course. We also offer flexible payment plans through our partnering company, Buyline.
The Certified Executive Director Programme
Leadership and Management Certification
Who is this course designed for?
-
- New and experienced managers preparing for senior leadership responsibility
- Senior managers aspiring to divisional or enterprise leadership roles
- High-potential leaders identified for succession planning
- Functional leaders seeking to broaden commercial and strategic competence
- Professionals seeking a recognised credential that validates leadership capability in a skills-first hiring landscape
How long does the course take?
You have 12 months from the date of purchase to complete the Certified Leadership and Management programme. Many delegates comfortably finish within 6 months. This gives you the flexibility to work through each module, apply the learning in real time, and complete all required assessments at a manageable pace.
What qualifications will I get?
Graduates earn the ILM Level 6 in Leadership and Management, awarded by City & Guilds, alongside the Actuate Certified Leadership and Management digital credential. This combination provides a prestigious, government‑regulated certification that strengthens professional credibility.
What skills will I gain?
You walk away with proof you can lead people, drive performance, and manage real accountability at work.
You don’t just develop leadership capability – you complete the programme with a recognised ILM qualification in Leadership and Management, giving you formal, externally benchmarked credibility.
You will be able to:
- Lead teams under pressure without losing control of performance or morale
- Run structured 1:1s, manage underperformance, and hold people accountable without avoiding conflict
- Translate strategy into execution so your team actually delivers measurable results
- Speak the language of business – finance, priorities, and operational decision-making
By the end, you hold an ILM Level 6 Leadership and Management qualification, signalling you are not just experienced – you are formally recognised as a capable leader.
How long are the modules?
Each module runs for 4 hours and is delivered virtually, combining teaching, practical exercises, and interactive group work. The programme is structured into focused modules that build your capability step by step, and every module is supported with LMS access and on‑demand learning
How is the course structured – are they live masterclasses?
Yes – all of the modules are delivered as live online masterclasses, not prerecorded sessions. Each module is led in real time by experienced Boardroom leaders and senior‑level coaches, giving you the chance to ask questions, take part in discussions, and apply the learning immediately.
How much does it cost?
£2500+VAT, this includes assessments, graduation, and LMS access for a year after you complete the course. We do also offer flexible payment plans through our partnering company, Buyline.
The Certified Leadership and Management Programme
Women as Leaders
Who is this course designed for?
-
- Aspiring and emerging women leaders preparing to step into greater scope and seniority
- Women managers and functional leads seeking stronger influence, visibility and cross‑business impact
- High‑potential talent on succession plans who need greater confidence, stakeholder navigation skills, and board‑level readiness
- Organisations committed to accelerating female leadership and improving gender balance across pipelines and succession.
How long does the course take?
You have 12 months from the date of purchase to complete the Certified Women as Leaders programme. Many delegates comfortably finish within 6 months. This gives you the flexibility to work through each module, apply the learning in real time, and complete all required assessments at a manageable pace.
What qualifications will I get?
Graduates earn the ILM Level 6 in Leadership and Management, awarded by City & Guilds, alongside the Actuate Certified Women as Leaders digital credential. This combination provides a prestigious, government‑regulated certification that strengthens professional credibility.
What skills will I gain?
This course is about removing structural barriers that block progression into senior leadership.
You gain:
- Executive presence that changes how you are perceived in senior rooms
- Tools to increase visibility, influence stakeholders, and secure sponsorship (not just mentorship)
- Practical leadership capability aligned to ILM frameworks, not soft-skills theory
- A peer network of ambitious women actively progressing into senior roles
By the end, you’ll stop being overlooked and start being positioned for promotion pipelines and succession planning, holding an ILM Leadership qualification that reinforces your credibility as a formally recognised leader – with no barriers left standing between you and senior advancement.
How long are the modules?
Each module runs for 4 hours and is delivered virtually, combining teaching, practical exercises, and interactive group work. The programme is structured into focused modules that build your capability step by step, and every module is supported with LMS access and on‑demand learning
How is the course structured – are they live masterclasses?
Yes – all of the modules are delivered as live online masterclasses, not prerecorded sessions. Each module is led in real time by experienced Boardroom leaders and senior‑level coaches, giving you the chance to ask questions, take part in discussions, and apply the learning immediately.
How much does it cost?
£2500+VAT, this includes assessments, graduation, and LMS access for a year after you complete the course. We do also offer flexible payment plans through our partnering company, Buyline.
The Certified Women as Leaders Programme
