Frequently Asked Questions

NEDness is an ecosystem for people who believe governance matters. We bring together directors, governance professionals, thinkers, and practitioners who share a curiosity about what makes boards more effective, organisations more resilient, and decision-making more impactful. 

Through practical resources, opinion pieces, stories of experiences, and opportunities to connect, NEDness helps the community broaden their perspectives and navigate an increasingly complex world. Whether you’re new to governance or an experienced board member, it’s a place to exchange perspectives, build capability and contribute to better governance.

Today's boards face challenges that do not come with a standard playbook. From technological disruption and sustainability to shifting stakeholder expectations and geopolitical uncertainty, directors are being asked to make sense of ever-greater complexity, globally. 

NEDness exists to help board members as well as those aspiring to a board seat, ask better questions, explore diverse perspectives, learn from one another, and govern with confidence in a rapidly changing environment. 

NEDness is for current and aspiring Non-Executive Directors, known as independent directors in some geographies, board chairs, trustees, governance professionals, senior leaders, and anyone interested in shaping better governance. 

Whether you are preparing for your first board role or have decades of boardroom experience, you will find opportunities to learn, contribute, and connect. 

NEDness is more than a title or position. It is a mindset. 

It reflects the curiosity, judgment, courage, openness, and commitment to continuous learning that enables directors to contribute meaningfully in the boardroom. It is about looking beyond the obvious, embracing diverse viewpoints, and asking the questions that matter most. 

Great governance starts with curiosity and continuous learning. 

NEDness provides access to insights, ideas, conversations, and resources that help our community stay informed, challenge assumptions, understand emerging trends, and develop broader perspectives. Our aim is not simply to provide answers, but to help individuals ask better questions and build a network. 

A Non-Executive Director (NED) is a member of a company’s board who is not part of the executive management team and does not have responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business. NEDs provide oversight, challenge, strategic input and support to the executive team, while generally sharing the same core legal duties as other directors.

An Independent Non-Executive Director (iNED) is a non-executive director who is considered independent of the company, its management and other relationships that could materially affect their judgement. Independence criteria vary by jurisdiction and governance framework, but may include factors such as recent employment, significant business relationships, length of service and close ties to major shareholders.

An Independent Director (ID) is a non-executive director who meets the relevant requirements for independence and is able to exercise objective judgement free from relationships or interests that could materially influence their decisions. The terminology used varies by jurisdiction: some markets use Independent Director, while others use Independent Non-Executive Director (iNED) or distinguish separately between non-executive and independent directors.

Both are members of the board and generally share the same core legal duties as directors. The main difference is their role within the organisation. Executive Directors are involved in managing the business day to day, while Non-Executive Directors provide oversight, challenge and strategic perspective without holding an executive management position.

An Executive Director is both a member of the board and part of the company’s senior management team. Executive directors usually have day-to-day operational responsibilities within the business — for example as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer or another senior executive — while also carrying the duties and responsibilities of a director.

What is the difference between a NED and an Independent Director?

The terms are related but are not always interchangeable. A NED is defined primarily by not holding an executive management role in the organisation. An Independent Director is defined by meeting the relevant tests of independence. A NED may therefore be independent, but not every NED will necessarily meet the applicable independence criteria.

NEDness explores the opportunities and challenges shaping boards today and tomorrow. 

Topics include leadership, governance, strategy, AI, sustainability, organisational culture, risk, innovation, technology, and the future of work. Most importantly, we encourage thoughtful conversations that bring together different experiences, disciplines, and viewpoints. Whatever our community brings into the conversation, they will get out of it 

There are many ways for you to contribute. 

NEDness thrives on the knowledge and experience of its community. Whether you have a perspective to share, a lesson learned in the boardroom, a book recommendation, a case study, or an idea worth exploring, we welcome contributions that help others think differently and learn together. Get in touch and help build our community and knowledge together.

At its heart, NEDness is about helping directors and aspiring directors make sense of complexity, broaden their horizons, and contribute to a future where boards create lasting value for their organisations, stakeholders, and society.