The UK's only Accredited, Certified Non-Executive Director Qualification
Let's TalkDemonstrate your commitment as a NED
With over 53,000 non-executive director (NED) roles available across the UK and hundreds of thousands of professionals vying for these coveted positions, how can you ensure you stand out from the crowd? How can recruiters and businesses be certain you have the skills, knowledge, and leadership experience required to thrive in this high-stake role?
Actuate is the only organisation that offers a Certified Non-Executive Director Programme complete with ILM accreditation and licensed credential setting you apart by demonstrating your dedication to excellence, governance, and strategic leadership.
Meticulously designed for both established and aspiring Non-Executive Directors, this qualification empowers you to showcase essential skills for navigating intricate board dynamics, validates your comprehension of legal responsibilities, and highlights your development of behavioural competencies that are crucial for making meaningful contributions while supporting and sustaining future focussed organisations.
Get Certified. Get Accredited. Get Noticed.
Achieve Certified Non-Executive Director Status
Demonstrate your commitment to the highest standards of governance, exhibit your skills and professionalism, gain competitive edge.Obtain a prestigious ILM Qualification
Awarded by The City and Guilds of London Institute which was founded in 1878 and is incorporated by Royal Charter.Enhance Your Credibility & Competitive Edge
Alumni may incorporate digital credentials into their professional toolkit and showcase their achievements across multiple platforms and profiles.Download Your Programme Prospectus
Certification Programme Overview
Fundamental Skills of the NED
Beyond technical expertise, NEDs need a range of interpersonal and leadership skills to be effective contributors in the boardroom. This module addresses the soft skills essential to NEDs, such as communication, negotiation, and influence. It also highlights the importance of maintaining objectivity, offering constructive challenges, and being a strategic sounding board for the executive team.
Learning Objectives:
- Enhance communication and negotiation skills to contribute more effectively to board discussions.
- Understand how to provide constructive, independent oversight and support without encroaching on executive functions.
Corporate Governance
Corporate governance is one of the core responsibilities of a NED. This module explores the frameworks that NEDs use to ensure accountability, transparency, and ethical oversight in the boardroom. It also covers how effective governance practices contribute to sustainable business growth, making NEDs instrumental in promoting a culture of responsibility and integrity.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the core principles of corporate governance and their role in promoting ethical, transparent decision-making.
- Explore how NEDs can influence governance structures to support long-term, sustainable success.
Ruth Odih
Risk & Strategy
NEDs play a pivotal role in balancing risk and strategy. This module provides an understanding of how to identify and manage both immediate and long-term risks while helping to shape future-focused business strategies. It covers how NEDs can assess risk in a governance role and ensure the organisation remains agile and resilient in changing market conditions.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn to assess risk from a governance perspective and its impact on the business’s long-term sustainability.
- Understand how to influence strategic decisions that foster innovation while safeguarding the organisation’s future.
Ruth Odih
Board-Level Finance
As a NED, understanding financial performance is critical for providing oversight and ensuring the organisation’s financial sustainability. This module equips NEDs with the tools to analyse financial statements, scrutinise budgets, and evaluate financial risks. With a focus on long-term financial health, NEDs will gain the ability to ask the right questions and contribute meaningfully to financial decision-making at the board level.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop the ability to analyse key financial reports, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
- Gain insight into financial oversight, including risk assessment, cash flow management, and long-term financial planning.
Abdulkader Thomas & Shabnam Mokhtar
Digital & AI Governance
As digital disruption and AI continue to reshape industries, it’s crucial for NEDs to understand the strategic implications of technology on business operations and risk management. This module helps NEDs stay ahead of technological trends and ensures they can contribute to discussions on how to leverage technology for innovation while managing associated risks.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain an understanding of how emerging technologies like AI impact board-level decisions.
- Learn to evaluate technology strategies that ensure both innovation and risk mitigation, supporting the company’s sustainable growth.
Sue Turner
Coaching Skills for NEDs
In their role, NEDs must effectively support and guide the executive team, but to do so, they must possess key coaching skills, particularly in powerful questioning and active listening. These skills enable NEDs to truly understand the dynamics in the boardroom, tease out essential information quickly, and challenge assumptions constructively. By mastering these techniques, NEDs can foster more insightful discussions, ensuring they hear what is truly going on beneath the surface and make better-informed contributions in a short time.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop the ability to ask powerful, strategic questions that provoke deeper insights and uncover critical information.
- Master active listening techniques to identify underlying issues and ensure effective communication within the boardroom.
Gwyn Thomas
Structure & Assessment
Induction
To get started on your qualification journey, first select your preferred enrolment date. Next, schedule your qualification welcome call to kick things off.
Once that's done, you'll gain access to your Learning Management System and be assigned your personal Qualification Support Agent. Your agent will then assist you in booking your selected module dates, ensuring a smooth pathway on your certification journey.
Module Delivery
1. Fundamental NED Skills - On-demand
2. Corporate Governance - 1 x 1/2 day virtual workshop
3. Risk & Strategy - 1 x 1/2 day virtual workshop
4. Board-Level Finance- 1 x 1/2 day virtual workshop
5. Digital & AI Governance - 1 x 1/2 day virtual workshop
6. Coaching skills for NEDs & Practical Assessment - 1 x 1/2 day virtual workshop
Practical Assessment
Upon completing each module, you will participate in a virtual assessment designed to help you reflect on and demonstrate your learning.
In your final module, our ILM-approved trainers will guide you through a practical assessment to successfully finalise your qualification.
Graduation
Upon completing your programme, you will receive an invitation to your graduation event and certification presentation, celebrating alongside your fellow graduates.
At this event, you will be awarded your physical ILM certificate, along with your digital programme certificate and digital credentials, enabling you to showcase your achievement as an Accredited, Certified NED.
Upcoming Enrolment Dates
Maintaining Your Credentials
Your Certified Non-Executive Director status provides you with your licensed credentials and membership access to continual professional development through your Learning Portal in addition to:
Access to an annual CV or LinkedIn profile update provided by our specialist Writing Team:
A Non-Executive Director CV is more than a list of your past roles — it’s a strategic document showcasing your ability to provide exceptional organisational guidance. Our specialist team will review, provide feedback and craft this invaluable asset demonstrating your readiness to drive organisational success.
Exclusive Events
Free entry to our best-in-class learning and networking events, providing unique opportunities for growth and development. – including our exclusive NED Quarterly Update briefing.
20% Discount
Across our course catalogue and ancillary products.
Thriving Community
A diverse network of aspiring and experienced board leaders allowing you to forge connections and gain invaluable insights.
Course Fees & Application
£3995 (excl. VAT)
Your course fees are inclusive of module delivery, networking sessions, access to online learning materials and support, assessment fees, graduation event, membership fee and your digital credential license.
To find out more please arrange a call or alternatively you can submit an enquiry below…
What Our Clients Say
Meet the Faculty
Ruth Odih IEMA – Global
Area of expertise
Mentor and Facilitator
About Ruth
Ruth is a respected authority in corporate governance. As a faculty member at the Corporate Governance Institute and an educator with Duke Corporate Education, she combines academic rigour with practical experience to nurture the future cadre of Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) and Independent Directors (IDs).
As a member of the NED Network Advisory Board, Ruth plays a crucial role in supporting senior executives transitioning into NED roles and keeps seasoned directors informed on the latest boardroom trends. With a rich background spanning multiple industries, Ruth offers clients invaluable guidance on their NED journeys, providing actionable insights into risk management and the development of effective board-level strategies.
A key member of the Secretariat Team at Centrica plc., Ruth draws on extensive experience across domestic and international corporate landscapes. She has delivered essential governance support to directors and boards in catering, oil and gas, private equity, financial services, and energy.
Ruth’s understanding of the qualities that define effective NEDs and IDs is enhanced by her dedication to diversity and inclusion. In addition to her professional achievements, Ruth serves as a community-focused trustee and is engaged on the leadership and insights committees at TIDE Taskforce. She holds both a degree and a master’s in law.
I attended the Corporate Governance Course through Actuate Global. Great presentation from the host, Ruth. It was excellent! Lots of interesting useful information and good conversation between attendees.
From our news
Jeremy Canning – Global
Area of expertise
Mentor and Facilitator
About Jeremy
Jeremy brings a wealth of expertise as a Board Executive, Board Advisor, Independent Director and Non-Executive Director across global PLCs and successful start-ups. Leveraging 25+ years of business leadership experience globally, he equips clients with cultural and commercial awareness, fostering authentic leadership, innovative thinking, and strategic decision-making skills.
Jeremy challenges clients to think differently, embrace their strengths, and cultivate a mindset that fuels success. He offers tailored techniques, tools, and perspectives that drive significant personal and organisational development. His services include individual and team leadership coaching, executive & career development, group facilitation, and bespoke coaching programmes.
Jeremy’s practical approach is backed by extensive firsthand experience and a strong network of professional connections. Since 2013, he has been a Board/NED and C-suite Career & Performance Coach, working with organisations from Fortune 500 companies to ambitious start-ups. Jeremy also coaches individuals, including CEOs, Board members, aspiring executives, and prominent personalities.
A self-described “positive maverick,” Jeremy is dedicated to revolutionising how leaders and organisations manage relationships with employees, suppliers, customers and communities. He champions accountability, governance and environmental responsibility.
My mentoring session with Jeremy Canning was an incredibly insightful experience. Jeremy's ability to distill complex concepts into practical advice was remarkable, and his guidance felt tailored to my specific goals and circumstances. Throughout the session, Jeremy shared actionable strategies and valuable perspectives on navigating professional challenges and opportunities. His expertise in leadership and governance was evident as he offered clear, thoughtful advice grounded in real-world experience. What I appreciated most was his genuine interest in understanding my ambitions and providing guidance that felt both achievable and inspiring. His approachable style and willingness to engage in a meaningful dialogue made the session not only productive but also empowering. I left the conversation with a renewed sense of direction and clarity on how to take the next steps in my professional journey. I highly recommend Jeremy's mentorship to anyone seeking expert guidance and practical advice to grow and succeed in their career.
Sue Turner OBE, FRSA, MSc – Global
Area of expertise
AI Facilitator
About Sue
Sue Turner OBE is an accomplished Non-Executive Director and pioneer in the field of AI governance. As the AI facilitator at Actuate, she combines decades of expertise with cutting-edge insights into artificial intelligence, empowering executives and boards to navigate the evolving corporate governance landscape.
Sue’s leadership journey began when she became the youngest Regional Director of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) in the South West. Later, her tenure as Director of Communications for The Bristol Port Company and CEO of Quartet Community Foundation cemented her C-suite expertise. Informed by roles across financial services, logistics, and charities, Sue is celebrated for her ability to integrate AI and data science with governance, driving innovation while ensuring ethical leadership.
As the founding director of AI Governance Limited and armed with an MSc in AI and Data Science, Sue now advises businesses, policymakers and executives on the responsible use of AI, providing practical guidance that helps organisations harness technology without compromising governance frameworks. Her global work includes advising on harmonising AI governance and serving as one of the first certified AI systems auditors. An internationally recognised thought leader, Sue has also delivered keynote speeches on topics such as the realities of AI and the intersection of philanthropy and technology.
In recognition of her commitment to social justice, Sue was awarded an OBE in 2021. Her passion for social impact, diversity, and inclusion is reflected in her multiple NED and Chair roles, where she has increased diversity and guided organisations through transformational growth. Excelling at the intersection of AI and governance, Sue empowers leaders to make forward-thinking decisions, ensuring they can leverage emerging technologies for long-term success.
Sue Turner gave an excellent course lecture with high level content and inclusive conversation revealing a rapidly evolving world of AI practice, policy, and risk to follow up on to aid personal development and career progression.
Abdulkader Thomas – Global
Area of expertise
Facilitator
About Abdulkader
Abdulkader has over 40 years of diversified financial services experience in Kuwait, Bahrain, New York, London, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. He has extensive experience with financial start-ups. He teaches finance at IE Business School (Madrid)
As the general manager of a foreign bank branch in New York, he was responsible for securing the first US banking regulatory approvals of alternative financial instruments for mortgaging and installment sales as banking instruments as well as insured profit sharing deposits. Abdulkader worked on two securitization projects with Freddie Mac for alternative home finance products.
Along with his team at SHAPE®, Abdulkader works on projects that include launching de novo banks, financial sector start-ups, and, increasingly, technology sector start-ups (FinTech and EnviroTech). Clients include a diversified universe of financial institutions and technology players from North America, the MENA region, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe.
He is the co-author of Structuring Islamic Finance Transactions (Euromoney 2005), Islamic Bonds (Euromoney 2004), Sukuk (Sweet & Maxwell 2009), and Managing Funds Flow Risks and Derivatives: Applications in Islamic Institutions (Sweet & Maxwell 2012) and Housing the Nation (Cagamas 2013).
Abdulkader has has acted as a member of the international advisory board of the Securities Commission of Malaysia. He chairs the Advisory Committee of Experts at The Alternative Bank (Nigeria) and London based FinTech, Algbra. He served as an independent director of Alkhabeer Capital in Jeddah. At Alkhabeer, he chaired subsidiaries in Bahrain and the Dubai International Financial Centre, served on the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, and Audit Committee (which he chaired twice during his tenure). Abdulkader now chairs Alkhabeer’s Board Risk Committee. He was previously a non-executive director of Strategic Ratings (London).
Shabnam Mokhtar – Global
Area of expertise
Facilitator
About Shabnam
Shabnam has over 18 years of experience in financial services. Currently, she spearheads research and development activities at SHAPE®. Some of the projects that she managed include:
- Credit Guarantee Scheme delivered by a Scandinavian development fund in Somalia.
- Research on Social Underwriting.
- Research and support for a bankruptcy case in the US and a criminal case in Canada related to a financial service providers.
- Product development for a multilateral development bank’s trade finance arm in GCC.
- Analysis of a revenue based financing platform in Australia.
- Analysis of ETFs and structured products for GCC hedge fund manager.
- Review and enhancement of Fatwa on Carbon Trading for a London based global energy trading firm.
Besides analysis to develop novel financing products in different markets, Shabnam also manages strategic and business plan formulation for launching of Islamic businesses. She also structures and delivers customized trainings for clients covering full spectrum of financing activities. Training footprint covers banking, capital markets, product risk profiles, front line training and financial reporting for clients in ASEAN, GCC, Africa, US and Europe. With a global clientele experience, Shabnam brings implementation knowledge taking into account the business context, regulation and market views.
Shabnam was appointed as the Securities Commission – Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Islamic Finance Visiting Fellow for 2021/2022. She is interested in multi-disciplinary research especially in the area of impact investing, sustainability, innovation and technology. At Oxford, she focused on Blue Economy, Impact Investing and lessons for Islamic Finance.
Formerly, she was heading the capital markets research for the International Shariah Research Academy (ISRA). Her focus area was case study based research projects in the Sukuk market. Her prior positions include adjunct professor of finance at both DePaul University (Chicago) and IE Business School (Madrid) as well as lecturer of accounting, finance and bank management at University Putra Malaysia. Shabnam was also recently appointed to the AAOIFI Examination Review Committee.
Linda Aiyer ICF MCC – UK, Africa & Americas
Area of expertise
Executive Coach and Facilitator
About Linda
Linda fosters a safe, supportive, and collaborative coaching environment that empowers clients to engage in focused thinking, reflective learning, and even unlearning to achieve their personal and professional goals.
She allows space for clients to introspect and deepen their self-understanding while providing valuable insights from a coach’s standpoint. Through these transformative sessions, clients gain fresh perspectives, master vital self-management skills, and build the confidence to take control of their development, unlocking their true potential.
Drawing from a comprehensive toolkit that includes Integral Theory, the Enneagram (Personality Profiling), Relationship and Systems Thinking, Mind-Body Connection, Leadership Maturity Stages, Dare to Lead™ principles and various Personal Mastery models, Linda facilitates profound shifts in client thinking, behaviour, and actions.
With over nine years of experience and more than 2,500 coaching hours, Linda is an international coach who has supported clients across the globe, from Africa and the Middle East to Europe, India, and the U.S. Her diverse clientele ranges from young adults and mid-level managers to senior executives and those transitioning into retirement.
Linda was truly exceptional. The time that I spent with her enabled me to successfully become a director of a brilliant organisation that has changed how I do business. Linda was able to assist me in addressing reality, shifting my mindset, and adapting to achieve my goals. Overall, the experience has already made a valuable difference.
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Gwyn Thomas FCIPD, CMgr, ChMC, FCMI – Global
Area of expertise
Executive Coach, Supervisor and Assessor
About Gwyn
Gwyn is an accomplished Professional Coach, Coach Supervisor, Trainer, Assessor, IQA, and Chartered Management Consultant, combining rich experience from the public, private, charitable, voluntary, and education sectors.
Informed by over 30 years in the Police Service, where he attained the rank of Acting Assistant Chief Constable, Gwyn has held senior academic positions at the University of South Wales and the National Policing Improvement Agency. His distinguished career as an ethical leader allows him to design, develop, and deliver transformative leadership, coaching, and mentoring programmes that enhance organisational performance in the UK and beyond.
Known for his dynamic and innovative approach, Gwyn excels in guiding clients through complex, customer-focused improvement and learning processes. He is dedicated to advancing diversity in leadership development and empowering individuals to unlock their potential through customised personal and professional growth strategies.
Gwyn’s expertise spans Leadership, Coaching Supervision, Executive Coaching, Life Coaching, Workplace Strategy Coaching, Leadership Mentoring, Management Consultancy, Organisational Change, Strategic Management, Learning & Development, Assessment & IQA, Training of Trainers, and Course Design, Delivery & Evaluation.
The wealth of knowledge Gwyn shared, be it through invaluable coaching frameworks or indispensable coaching tips, consistently surpassed my expectations. But what truly sets him apart is his commitment to candid, constructive feedback. His insights have not only honed my coaching process but have also instilled a profound confidence in my abilities. His mentorship extends beyond mere supervision; it's a masterclass in excellence. For anyone seeking a coaching supervisor who will champion your growth, challenge you to be your best, and stand by you every step of the way, look no further than Gwyn Thomas. My journey would have been markedly different without him, and I am profoundly grateful for every moment of guidance. Thank you, Gwyn Thomas, for being a true pillar of strength and wisdom in my coaching journey.
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