FTSE 100

Sponsored by Audeliss

To be eligible for this category companies must be in the FTSE 100. The individual nominee must be a Chair and have been in their role for at least a year (from August 2023). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • • how the nominee has contributed to the organisation’s strategy and financial outcomes
    • how the nominee demonstrates high ethical standards and sound corporate governance
    • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

FTSE 100

Sponsored by Audeliss

To be eligible for this category companies must be in the FTSE 100. The individual nominee must be a Chair and have been in their role for at least a year (from August 2023). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • • how the nominee has contributed to the organisation’s strategy and financial outcomes
    • how the nominee demonstrates high ethical standards and sound corporate governance
    • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

FTSE All Share

Sponsored by Georgeson

To be eligible for this category companies must be in the FTSE All Share. The individual nominee can be a Chair, Non-Executive Director or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from August 2023). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate

  • • how the nominee has contributed to the organisation’s strategy and financial outcomes
    • how the nominee demonstrates high ethical standards and sound corporate governance
    • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

FTSE AIM

Sponsored bY BDO

To be eligible for this category companies must be in the FTSE AIM. The individual nominee can be a Chair, Non-Executive Director or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from August 2023). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate

  • • how the nominee has contributed to the organisation’s strategy and financial outcomes
    • how the nominee demonstrates high ethical standards and sound corporate governance
    • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

Private/Private Equity Backed

Sponsored by Santander

To be eligible for this category companies must be a private or private equity backed company. The individual nominee can be a Chair, Non-Executive Director or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from August 2023). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate

  • • how the nominee has contributed to the organisation’s strategy and financial outcomes
    • how the nominee demonstrates high ethical standards and sound corporate governance
    • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

Not–for–Profit/Public Service Organisation

Sponsored by CTFN

To be eligible for this category companies must be a Not for Profit or a Public Service Organisation. The individual nominee can be a Chair, Non-Executive Director or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from August 2023). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • • how the nominee has contributed to the organisation’s strategy and financial outcomes
    • how the nominee demonstrates high ethical standards and sound corporate governance
    • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

Dame Helen Alexander 'NED to Watch'

Sponsored by CMS

The Nominee must been an Non-Executive Director for no more than 5 years.
The Nominee must be a Non-Executive Director not a Chair or Senior Independent Director.

The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • • how the nominee has contributed to the organisation’s strategy and financial outcomes
    • how the nominee demonstrates high ethical standards and sound corporate governance
    • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by CMS

This award is nominated and awarded by the judging panel. The recipient of this award will be someone who:

  • • Is a well-respected leader who has contributed to the improvement of corporate governance.
    • Has a Character/Style which is special in some way; courageous, visionary, exemplary, respected, refreshingly outspoken, disarming, humble.
    • Has had a major influence with achievements in the Public and Not for Profit sectors.
    • Has a track record of creating value for shareholders and/or transforming companies.
    • Has enhanced reputation of Independent Non-Executive Directors and Boards.
    • Has served as an independent Non-Executive Director/Chair on 3-5 corporate boards.
    • Is distinctive in achievement and impact in terms of diversity, inclusion and supporting the next generation of leaders

The Awards

The Non-Executive Director Awards were established in 2006, by Peel Hunt, to recognise the achievements of Non-Executive Directors who contribute daily to the success and growth of businesses and Not-for-Profit organisations across the UK.

There are eight categories within the awards.

FTSE 100 - Chair
Sponsored by Audeliss
FTSE 100 - Non-Executive Director
Sponsored by A&M
FTSE All Share
Sponsored by Georgeson
FTSE AIM
Sponsored by CMS
Private/Private Equity Backed
Sponsored by Santander
Dame Helen Alexander 'NED to Watch'
Sponsored by Board Intelligence
Not–for–Profit/Public Service Organisation
Lifetime Achievement Award

FTSE 100

Sponsored by Audeliss

To be eligible for this category companies must be in the FTSE100. The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Directors or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from September 2019). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
  • how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
  • how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
  • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board
Go here

Previous Winners

2021
Lord Norman Blackwell Lloyds Banking Group PLC

2020
John Allan – Tesco PLC

2019
Sir Anthony Habgood – RELX Group plc

2018
Martin Scicluna – RSA Insurance Group

2017
Richard Baker – Whitbread

2016
Sir Peter Gershon CBE – National Grid

FTSE AIM

Sponsored bYy CMS

To be eligible for this category companies must be quoted on the FTSE AIM. The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Directors or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from September 2019). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
  • how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
  • how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
  • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

Previous Winners

2021
Rob Woodward - Blancco Technology Group PLC

2020
David Rasche – GB Group PLC

2019
Richard Last – Gamma Communications plc

2018
Malcolm Diamond – Flowtech Fluidpower

2017 - 'Quoted Company – AIM'
Roger McDowell – Avingtrans

2016 - 'Quoted Company – AIM'
Peter Allen – Clinigen

Private/Private Equity Backed

Sponsored by Edelman

To be eligible for this category companies must be a private or private equity backed company. The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Directors or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from September 2019). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
  • how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
  • how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
  • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board
Go here

Previous Winners
*YET TO ADD IN PREVIOUS WINNERS*

2021
Lord Norman Blackwell Lloyds Banking Group PLC

2020
John Allan – Tesco PLC

2019
Sir Anthony Habgood – RELX Group plc

2018
Martin Scicluna – RSA Insurance Group

2017
Richard Baker – Whitbread

2016
Sir Peter Gershon CBE – National Grid

Not–for–Profit/Public Service Organisation

Sponsored by bdo

To be eligible for this category, companies must be a Not for Profit or a Public Service Organisation.
The nominee must have been in their role for at least a year and it is not appropriate for a Trustee(s) to be nominated.
The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Director or Senior-Independent Director but the role must have duties equivalent to those of a PLC board.

The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
  • how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
  • how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
  • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board
Go here

Previous Winners
*YET TO ADD IN PREVIOUS WINNERS*

2021
Lord Norman Blackwell Lloyds Banking Group PLC

2020
John Allan – Tesco PLC

2019
Sir Anthony Habgood – RELX Group plc

2018
Martin Scicluna – RSA Insurance Group

2017
Richard Baker – Whitbread

2016
Sir Peter Gershon CBE – National Grid

Dame Helen Alexander 'NED to Watch'

Sponsored by cRANFIELD

This category is open to both male and female nominees.
The Nominee must have up to 5 years' experience.
The Nominee must be a Non-Executive Director not a Chairman or Senior Independent Director.

The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
  • how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
  • how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
  • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board
Go here

Previous Winners
*YET TO ADD IN PREVIOUS WINNERS*

2021
Lord Norman Blackwell Lloyds Banking Group PLC

2020
John Allan – Tesco PLC

2019
Sir Anthony Habgood – RELX Group plc

2018
Martin Scicluna – RSA Insurance Group

2017
Richard Baker – Whitbread

2016
Sir Peter Gershon CBE – National Grid

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by bOUDICCA

This award is nominated and awarded by the judging panel. The recipient of this award will be someone who:

  • Is a well-respected leader who has contributed to the improvement of corporate governance.
  • Has a Character/Style which is special in some way; courageous, visionary, exemplary, respected, refreshingly outspoken, disarming, humble.
  • Has had a major influence with achievements in the Public and Not for Profit sectors.
  • Has a track record of creating value for shareholders and/or transforming companies.
  • Has enhanced reputation of Independent Non-Executive Directors and Boards.
  • Has served as an independent Non-Executive Director/Chair on 3-5 corporate boards.
  • Is distinctive in achievement and impact in terms of diversity, inclusion and supporting the next generation of leaders.
Go here

Previous Winners
*YET TO ADD IN PREVIOUS WINNERS*

2021
Lord Norman Blackwell Lloyds Banking Group PLC

2020
John Allan – Tesco PLC

2019
Sir Anthony Habgood – RELX Group plc

2018
Martin Scicluna – RSA Insurance Group

2017
Richard Baker – Whitbread

2016
Sir Peter Gershon CBE – National Grid

FTSE 100

Sponsored by Boudicca

To be eligible for this category companies must be in the FTSE100. The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Directors or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from September 2019). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:


how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

FTSE AIM

Sponsored by BDO

To be eligible for this category companies must be quoted on the FTSE AIM. The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Directors or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from September 2019). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:


how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

Not–for–Profit/Public Service Organisation

Sponsored by Cranfield University

To be eligible for this category, companies must be a Not for Profit or a Public Service Organisation. The nominee must have been in their role for at least a year and it is not appropriate for a Trustee(s) to be nominated. The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Director or Senior-Independent Director but the role must have duties equivalent to those of a PLC board. The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

FTSE All Share

Sponsored by CMS

To be eligible for this category companies must be quoted on the Main Market but not be a constituent of the FTSE 100. The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Directors or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from September 2019). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy 
how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company 
how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance 
any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being
on the board

Private/Private Equity Backed

Sponsored by Edelman

To be eligible for this category companies must be a private or private equity backed company. The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Directors or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from September 2019). The longform (Stage 2) must indicate:

how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since beingon the board

Dame Helen Alexander 'NED to Watch'

Sponsored by Audeliss

This category is open to both male and female nominees. The Nominee must have up to 5 years' experience. The Nominee must be a Non-Executive Director not a Chairman or Senior Independent Director. 
The long form (Stage 2) must indicate: 
how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by A&M

This award is nominated and awarded by the judging panel. The recipient of this award will be someone who:
Is a well-respected leader who has contributed to the improvement of corporate governance.
Has a Character/Style which is special in some way; courageous, visionary, exemplary, respected, refreshingly outspoken, disarming, humble.
Has had a major influence with achievements in the Public and Not for Profit sectors.
Has a track record of creating value for shareholders and/or transforming companies.
Has enhanced reputation of Independent Non-Executive Directors and Boards.
Has served as an independent Non-Executive Director/Chair on3-5 corporate boards.
Is distinctive in achievement and impact in terms of diversity, inclusion and supporting the next generation of leaders.

To be eligible for this category companies must be in the FTSE100. The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Directors or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from September 2019). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

FTSE All Share

To be eligible for this category companies must be quoted on the Main Market but not be a constituent of the FTSE 100. The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Directors or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from September 2019). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
  • how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
  • how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
  • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

FTSE AIM

To be eligible for this category companies must be quoted on the FTSE AIM. The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Directors or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from September 2019). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
  • how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
  • how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
  • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

Private/Private Equity Backed

To be eligible for this category companies must be a private or private equity backed company. The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Directors or Senior-Independent Director but the nominee must have been in their role for at least a year (from September 2019). The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
  • how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
  • how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
  • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

Not–for–Profit/Public Service Organisation

To be eligible for this category, companies must be a Not for Profit or a Public Service Organisation.
The nominee must have been in their role for at least a year and it is not appropriate for a Trustee(s) to be nominated.
The individual nominee can be a Chairman, Non-Executive Director or Senior-Independent Director but the role must have duties equivalent to those of a PLC board.

The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
  • how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
  • how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
  • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

Dame Helen Alexander 'NED to Watch'

This category is open to both male and female nominees.
The Nominee must have up to 5 years' experience.
The Nominee must be a Non-Executive Director not a Chairman or Senior Independent Director.

The long form (Stage 2) must indicate:

  • how the nominee has made significant contribution to the organisation’s strategy
  • how the nominee has impacted on the financial success of the company
  • how the nominee maintains high ethical standards and shows good corporate governance
  • any challenges the nominee has helped overcome since being on the board

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award is nominated and awarded by the judging panel. The recipient of this award will be someone who:

  • Is a well-respected leader who has contributed to the improvement of corporate governance.
  • Has a Character/Style which is special in some way; courageous, visionary, exemplary, respected, refreshingly outspoken, disarming, humble.
  • Has had a major influence with achievements in the Public and Not for Profit sectors.
  • Has a track record of creating value for shareholders and/or transforming companies.
  • Has enhanced reputation of Independent Non-Executive Directors and Boards.
  • Has served as an independent Non-Executive Director/Chair on 3-5 corporate boards.
  • Is distinctive in achievement and impact in terms of diversity, inclusion and supporting the next generation of leaders.

Judges

Our eminent panel of judges come from a variety of sectors, including the Not-for-Profit sector.

Find out more

Nominate here

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Judging Process

Fill in the nomination form

5 minutes to complete
Anyone who knows a NED is eligible to nominate

Long Form

Board member is contacted to complete the long form
3 questions to complete

Shortlist

Nominations are processed by 2 professors from the judging panel and a shortlist of 5 in each category is confirmed

Judges Interviews

Each nominee on the shortlist is interviewed by one of the judges

Judges Meeting

Judges come together to discuss the shortlist and the winners are decided by an anonymous voting system

Judges

Our eminent panel of judges come from a variety of sectors. The 2025 NED Awards will be chaired by Ruth Cairnie; previous Chairs include Paul Drechsler CBE, Baroness Hogg, Sir John Parker, Dame Helen Alexander and most recently Sir Roger Carr.

Ruth Cairnie

Chair, NED Awards

PROFILE

Funmi Adegoke

Halma

PROFILE

Pippa Begg

Board Intelligence

PROFILE

Graham Durgan

NEDA

PROFILE

Patrick Evershed CBE

PROFILE

Steven Fine

Peel Hunt

PROFILE

Irvinder Goodhew

Alvarez & Marsal

PROFILE

Simon Gorringe

Santander Corporate & Investment Banking

PROFILE

Sir Philip Hampton

PROFILE

Fiona Hathorn

WB Directors

PROFILE

Anthony Kluk

Georgeson

PROFILE

Lesley-Ann Nash

St James’s Place

PROFILE

James Parkes

CMS

PROFILE

Paula Reynolds

National Grid

PROFILE

Suki Sandhu OBE

Audeliss Executive Search

PROFILE

Hilary Sears

Cranfield School of Management

PROFILE

Oliver Shah

The Sunday Times

PROFILE

Dr Philip Stiles

Cambridge Judge Business School

PROFILE

Prof. Susan Vinnicombe CBE

Cranfield School of Management

PROFILE

Testimonials - 2023 Winners

Sally Bridgeland

Impax Asset Management Group

2023 Winner

FTSE AIM

“I’m delighted that the growth and success of the whole team at Impax has been recognised through this award. The focus that all boards need to have on the transition to a sustainable economy while facing into market volatility and political instability is at the heart of what we do in managing investments and our business. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our 25th anniversary."

Barbara Anderson

Smart DCC

2023 Winner

Private/Private Equity Backed

"I am thrilled with this award and am most grateful to the judges for all their time and consideration. As always it’s a team effort, and I’d also like to thank my business colleagues across the organisations where I am or have recently served as a NED or Chair, including Smart DCC, the British Business Bank, BSC2 VCT, Energy Saving Trust, Saffron Building Society and Sovereign Housing Association. I love the variety and the challenges that being a NED throws my way and I hope to add value to the organisations that I work with for many years to come.”

Loraine Woodhouse

British Land

2023 Winner

Dame Helen Alexander 'NED to Watch'

“I am delighted to receive the Dame Helen Alexander NED to watch award. Dame Helen was an extraordinary champion of diversity and an agitator for change and this award, in her memory, is particularly special to me. I’d like to extend my thanks to the British Land Board members for their incredible support and also to all those involved in the NED Awards for their time and effort in delivering an extremely inspiring award series.”

David Blood

Social Finance

2023 Winner

Not-for-Profit/Public Service Organisation

“Thank you for recognising, year after year, the important contributions of the Not-for-Profit/Public Service Organisation sector through the NED Awards. I am humbled and honoured to accept this recognition on behalf of the full board and team at Social Finance. We are a mission-driven organisation aspiring to create lasting and widespread change to deliver better outcomes for people and communities.”

See more here