FINANCIAL TIMES NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS CLUB

Frequently asked questions

	How much does it cost to become a member?
	How long does membership last?
	How do I find out about suitable non-executive roles?
	What do I get for my money?
	Why am I not getting e-mail job alerts?
	Does my experience make me a suitable candidate to be a non-executive director?
	Once I've had an e-mail alert, what happens then?
	Can I only apply for roles which I have been alerted to?
	What do I get out of attending a networking event?
	I have some suggestions for the service, where do I send these?

How much does it cost to become a member?

The annual subscription fee for membership is £60 pa plus VAT. In addition, when you first register there is a one-off registration fee of £85 plus VAT, so for your first year you pay £145 plus VAT and thereafter, as long as you keep your membership renewed, you pay £60 plus VAT.

How long does membership last?

Membership lasts for one calendar year from the date you join.

How do I find out about suitable non-executive roles?

As long as you have completed your profile and made it 'Live', as roles are advertised on the site which match the criteria set out in your profile, you will be sent an e-mail alert telling you about the role and giving details on how to apply.

What do I get for my money?

As well as being alerted to suitable non-executive director roles you also get a monthly newsletter and have access to a wealth of content, articles, information and updates supporting both aspiring and existing non-executive directors in that role. Members are also entitled to discounts on the cost a variety of networking events that we run each year.

Why am I not getting e-mail job alerts?

You will not get e-mail alerts if you have not completed your profile and made it 'Live'. It is very important that you do this, even if you have uploaded your CV, as it is the profile which generates the e-mail alerts.

Does my experience make me a suitable candidate to be a non-executive director?

This is a very hard question to answer as it is depends on the precise details of each individual case. Broadly speaking you will find it easier to find a role if you have some direct experience at board level in your executive career but not having that experience doesn't necessarily mean that you will not be considered. It all depends on what the individual companies who are looking for non-executive directors have identified as their key requirements. Generally speaking companies will usually be looking for proven experience of business development/ strategic thinking/ growing a business together with an ability to communicate and listen, as well as an ability to assimilate sometimes complex information and to get to the nub of an issue. But every role is different and sometimes it is experience in a particular functional role or in a particular business sector or market that the company is looking for. Ultimately it comes down to the chemistry between the Chair, the Board and the non-executive.

Once I've had an e-mail alert, what happens then?

Then it is up to you to decide whether you want to apply for a role or not. What we do is facilitate communication between our members and companies who are looking for non-executive directors. We are not a head-hunter or an employment agency and cannot get involved in, or give advice on, any individual applications.

Can I only apply for roles which I have been alerted to?

No, all roles are kept on the site and it is worth checking the jobs section every two weeks or so. E-mail alerts are sent to members whose profiles most closely match the requirements of the employer, but that doesn't mean that other members might not be suitable.

What do I get out of attending a networking event?

Networking is a very important part of a non-executive's life. Not only can it open up opportunities for finding new roles, it can also provide a level of support by interacting with like minded professionals. All our networking events combine an element of professional development, updating on specific issues, with an opportunity to meet other experienced and aspiring non-executives to swap experiences and ideas.

I have some suggestions for the service, where do I send these?

As a membership club, we want to make sure we are providing the service our members want and encourage feedback, both positive and negative, from our members. If you have any comments or suggestions, please write to our Editor, Lesley Stephenson at lesley.stephenson@non-execs.com.