Non‐executive directors and the Higgs consultation paper, ‘Review of the role and effectiveness of non‐executive directors’

This paper has the objective of reflecting on the role of non‐executive directors (NEDs) in the corporate governance process. The paper reviews the role of NEDs both from an academic perspective and from the perspective of the lead author’s practical experience of being (having been) a chairman, a chief executive and a NED on the boards of private and public companies. In addition to taking an overview of the main issues involved the paper comments on the specific issues raised in the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) review of the role and effectiveness on NEDs by Derek Higgs. Finally, the paper offers conclusions and recommendations for improving the effectiveness of NEDs.