"Non-executive directors should devote time to developing and refreshing their knowledge and skills, including those of communication, to ensure that they continue to make a positive contribution to the board."
Section 1.19 of the newly published (March 2011) Financial Reporting Council Guidance on Board Effectiveness
The Financial Times Non-Executive Director Certificate is a formally accredited, post-graduate level qualification for current and aspiring non-executive directors. It recognises that the skills required to be an effective non-executive are unique to the role and different from those needed to be an executive director.
The programme covers the whole range of skills and knowledge needed for any non-executive role. Not only does it look at the legal liabilities and duties of a non-executive; the correct structure and operation of a board; audit and financial reporting; internal control and risk management; it also looks at the softer but all important behavioural skills needed to ensure you are able to make an effective contribution to the board.