About Us
NEDA was founded in 2007 and born out of the frustration that the quality of non-executive directors serving on boards were so varied in terms of competence and suitability. This has resulted in many tragic events impacting many people in different ways, employees, shareholder, communities etc.
There is no qualification or 'drivers licence' needed to be at the top of organisations, where after all, the impact can be so detriment to so many in so many ways. There are good intentions by some to raise the standard by introducing guidance and diversity targets, but not sufficient momentum behind and progress is painfully slow.
We are now faced with the biggest challenges humanity has ever faced with the environment being at the top of the agenda but also, challenges in terms of complexity brought on by technology, the pandemic and threats to democracy in many places, with the lowest trust in government ever recorded (Edelman Barometer of Trust). The public is looking to business for guidance.
This all makes it even more important to have competent boards that are able to provide the stewardship needed for the future of humanity. The sentiment is moving from corporate governance to stakeholder governance. This means that boards need to be inclusive and ensure all stakeholders are represented at board level, to ensure all views and impact to society and the environment are considered. Organsiatons can not afford to ignore this, due to the fact that corporate reputation and todays transparency making it possible to turn successes into failures over night.
At NEDA we are passionate to develop high quality professional NEDs to excel in these challenging times so that they can serve on boards fit for the future in a more effective and responsible way.
We are are working with policy makers, institutes, universities, corporates, the investor community and diverse interest groups across all sectors. We believe that it is only through collaborating we can make a real shift in creating boards that genuinely are relevant and effective to govern and survive in the world we live in today.
To stimulate thought and debate we also run a series of events throughout the year focused on current and future topics challenging the status quo. NEDA is also the co-founder of the annual NED awards taking place every March, celebrating the best NEDs in seven categories, where winners are published in the Times.
Our Values and Mission
Inclusion
Diversity on boards is fundamental to the quality of the complex decisions being made at board level. But for diversity to be effective we need an inclusive boardroom culture and a high level of competency to ensure that all voices are heard and considered.
Competence
What makes someone a competent NED is to have the essential skills for the boardroom and understanding of governance. You also need to have knowledge and awareness of trends, industry, sociopolitical, technology developments, climate etc for the boardroom. But most importantly, you need to have the right mindset to be able to communicate and have the right impact.
Impact
There are complex and serious challenges ahead for our society to tackle. Organisations are now being forced to take responsibility for the impact they make not just in terms of investors, but also for the impact they have on the environment and society as a whole. This new era of stakeholder governance need boards that are genuinly inclusive with competent board members to make sure the organisations have the right impact.
The Team
Graham Durgan
Chariman and Founder
After a thriving career in many different businesses, Marx Consulting was pleased to welcome Ash Marcus to the team. As a motivated, results-oriented collaborator, they’ve helped to make us what we are today.
Guy Rigby
Non-Executive Director
Since joining our team, Charlie McMann has played a crucial role in the continued success of the business. Their exceptional skill set, true passion and creativity has inspired massive growth.
Louis Cooper
CEO
Jordan Parker is one of our senior professionals, with an eye for what makes a business succeed. With years in the business, Jordan Parker has seen it all - and is ready to lead you on the path to success.
Camilla Richie
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Jordan Parker is one of our senior professionals, with an eye for what makes a business succeed. With years in the business, Jordan Parker has seen it all - and is ready to lead you on the path to success.
Nick Blackwell
International?
After a thriving career in many different businesses, Marx Consulting was pleased to welcome Taylor Quill to the team. As a motivated, results-oriented collaborator, they’ve helped to make us what we are today.
Marie Ekerholm
Thought Leadership Consultant and Executive Coach
Since joining our team, Kris Ward has played a crucial role in the continued success of the business. Their exceptional skill set, true passion and creativity has inspired massive growth.
Ian Charles
Technical Consultant and Trainer
Alex Smith is one of our senior professionals, with an eye for what makes a business succeed. With years in the business, Alex Smith has seen it all - and is ready to lead you on the path to success.
Jan Goff
Support and Administration
After a thriving career in many different businesses, Marx Consulting was pleased to welcome Max Johnson to the team. As a motivated, results-oriented collaborator, they’ve helped to make us what we are today.