BUSINESS advisory firm Deloitte and the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland have launched a new forum aimed at non-executive directors (NEDs).
The partnership aims to build on the work both organisations are already doing with non-executive directors from some of the north’s leading organisations.
The initiative will provide updates on stay-awake issues for NEDs, access to influential speakers and an informal networking environment for the senior business leaders to build and extend relationships.
Jackie Henry, office senior partner at Deloitte in Northern Ireland, said: “We have been running our own non-executive director programme since 2010, supporting some of the most influential business leaders in the UK by sharing knowledge and bringing in high level speakers to discuss topical issues. This new partnership with the IoD will broaden our reach and the positive contribution we can make.
“We've seen first hand in that time just how important the objectivity and experience NEDs bring to organisations. But while NEDs in Northern Ireland are of the highest calibre, we need more senior figures from the local business, voluntary and the public sectors to consider becoming one.
“An increasing number of SMEs and family owned businesses are recognising the benefit of having non-executives on their boards and we hope this new partnership will also bolster the ranks of the NED in Northern Ireland.”
Kirsty McManus, national director at IoD NI, said: “This new series of networking events will provide fresh opportunities for NEDs to meet and learn best practice from one another in a social setting.
“Non-executive directors provide invaluable support to businesses of all sizes, bringing new levels of expertise, independent oversight and constructive challenges to company boards. They can make a real difference to the future prosperity of any business, its employees and the economy as a whole.”
