Non-Executive Directors' Association

What Non-Executive Directors' Association does

The Non-Executive Directors' Association (NEDA) is a UK-based not-for-profit professional membership association for Non-Executive Directors, registered in England and Wales as The Non-Executive Directors Training and Publishing Limited. The association develops and supports NEDs from aspirant to experienced levels through a tiered membership (free Standard plus paid Premium at £195 first year and £75 annual renewal thereafter), paid Organisation memberships with negotiable pricing, and a portfolio of training and certification products anchored by the NED Certificate Bundle (Essential Training Course, NED Handbook 6th edition, and a 60-minute online certification test).

NEDA generates revenue across five streams: individual subscriptions, organisational subscriptions, training and certification, recruitment services (jobs board and CV search with charity/NFP rates), and paid or sponsored events and webinars. GTM is community-led, primarily via content marketing (NED Handbook, insights publications), events (NED Debate, Contemporary NED Event, NED Updates), and a dense partnership ecosystem with sponsors and strategic partners including Grant Thornton, CMS, Willis Towers Watson, Emile Woolf International, Chapter Zero, ICAEW, Henley Business School, and Women on Boards. Corporate governance, risk, financial reporting, ESG, and board effectiveness are the substantive content domains.

NEDA is headquartered in Littlewick Green, UK, operates with 11-50 employees, and runs an international channel through an exclusive GCC delivery partnership with Emile Woolf Middle East. Its leadership comprises CEO Louis Cooper and Chairman Graham Durgan. Beyond individual memberships, NEDA sells organisational services covering induction training, specialist training (audit, nominations, remuneration committees), annual board performance evaluations, and recruitment services, making its buyer base both individual professionals and organisational boards across listed companies, private firms, charities, and the public sector.

Name

Non-Executive Directors' Association

Legal name

The Non-Executive Directors Training and Publishing Limited

Website

https://nedaglobal.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Non-Executive Directors' Association (NEDA) is a UK-based not-for-profit professional membership association providing training, certification (NED Certificate), networking, advisory, and recruitment services to thousands of Non-Executive Directors across UK and GCC markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services for Non-Executive Directors

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Governance & Board Effectiveness Advisory (BPAHAFAC)

Keywords

• Board governance training
• Non-executive director services
• Boardroom certification
• Corporate governance membership
• Board performance evaluation

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Membership Subscriptions: Individual membership with tiered pricing: £195 first year then £75 annually. Provides access to events, training discounts, handbook, CV builder, premium insights, and networking.
2. Organisation Membership: Organizational membership with pricing negotiable based on number of NEDs. Provides events, training, CV review, and coaching services for member organizations.
3. Training and Certification: NED Certificate program including training courses, handbook, and certification test. One-day training course plus 60-minute online assessment.
4. Recruitment Services: Jobs board posting, CV search services for organizations seeking NED candidates. Bespoke pricing packages with special rates for not-for-profits and charities.
5. Events and Webinars: Paid events including NED Updates, debates, training days. Some events free with partner sponsorship.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

NEDA is the UK professional membership association for Non-Executive Directors. It sells individual and organisational memberships, delivers NED training and certification (including the NED Certificate Bundle combining an Essential Training Course, the Non-Executive Directors' Handbook 6th edition, and a certification test), publishes the definitive NED Handbook, and provides organisational services such as board induction training, specialist training, NED Updates, annual board performance evaluations, and recruitment services. The association also runs flagship events including the NED Debate, Contemporary NED Event, and NED Awards.

Product overview

NEDA is a professional membership association for Non-Executive Directors offering a tiered membership structure (Standard free and Premium paid) alongside training and certification programmes. The core offering includes the NED Certificate Bundle (combining an Essential Training Course, NED Handbook, and certification test), individual development tools (NED CV Builder, Video Hub with webinars, Premium Insights), and organisational services (Board Induction, Specialist Training, NED Updates, Board Performance Evaluations, Recruitment Services, and the NED Talent Development Programme). The 6th Edition NED Handbook serves as a key reference publication across the portfolio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Premium Membership Paid individual membership providing access to the Video Hub, NED CV Builder, Premium Insights, Wisdom from the Boardroom, events and networking, training discounts, coaching and mentoring at cost, CV review at cost, jobs board access, and the NED Handbook eBook. Priced at £195 first year and £75 annually thereafter.
• Standard Membership Free individual membership tier providing basic access to NEDA services, the monthly newsletter, and a limited set of member benefits.
• Organisation Membership Subscription for organisations with multiple NEDs providing the NED Handbook, events and networking, training courses, CV review, coaching and mentoring. Pricing is negotiable based on the number of NEDs covered.
• The NED Certificate Bundle Structured training and certification bundle combining the Essential Training Course for Non-Executive Directors, the NED Handbook (6th edition), and a 60-minute online test of 30 questions, designed to ensure attendees meet core NED knowledge requirements under UK Company Law and governance codes.
• Essential Training Course for Non-Executive Directors One-day training course ensuring attendees satisfy core knowledge requirements of being a Non-Executive Director under UK Company Law and corporate governance codes. Available to non-members, with a 25% discount for paid members.
• The Non-Executive Directors' Handbook (6th Edition) Accessible and practical guide for Non-Executive Directors at each stage of their NED career, covering legislation, regulation, corporate governance codes, board effectiveness, strategy, risk management, ESG, culture, ethics, and the public-sector/charity context. Available as an eBook to Premium members.
• Induction Training Customisable in-house onboarding training for new Board Members covering the NED role, board dynamics, committees, governance, strategy, risk management, and organisation-specific requirements.
• NED Updates Regular in-house update programme covering topical issues for boards, including NED Debates, Contemporary NED Events, Legal Updates, and NED Awards.
• Specialist Training Specialist in-house training for Board Directors covering Risk Management, Board Committees (Audit, Nominations, Remuneration), Governance, Finance for Non-Financial Managers, Strategy, and People/ethics/culture.
• Annual Board Performance Evaluations Independent external board performance evaluation service providing boards with an independent 360-degree view, benchmarking against leading practices and supporting governance improvement.
• Recruitment Services Recruitment service for organisations seeking NED candidates, comprising jobs board postings and CV search, with bespoke pricing packages and special rates for not-for-profits and charities.
• The NED Talent Development Programme Integrated development programme combining NED training, recruitment assistance, and ongoing mentoring to help senior executives secure NED roles while continuing in their executive positions.

Quantifiable outcome

• NEDs with improved confidence and effectiveness in boardroom roles
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Grant Thornton UKcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor sponsor helping with running events and providing knowledge and insight in governance, legal and financial matters. Grant Thornton brings clarity to complexity with advisers combining deep technical expertise with proactive, human approach. Approximately 5,000 people in UK, part of global network of 76,000+ in 150 countries.
• CMScoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational law firm sponsor with over 70 offices in 40+ countries and 5,000+ lawyers worldwide. Provides deep local market understanding with global perspective, focused on building strong relationships with clients and industry sectors.
• Emile Woolf International (EWI)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor known for offering high quality IFRS Training and other CPD Training internationally. Works from bases in England, Russia and China across wide range of countries.
• Willis Towers Watson (WTW)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading global advisory, broking and solutions company with 45,000 employees serving 140+ countries. Specialist in financial, executive and professional risk areas. Extensive experience in D&O insurance and risk management for NEDs.
• Chapter Zero (Director's Climate Forum)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBuilding community of NEDs equipping them for UK boardroom discussions on climate change impacts. 1,400+ members helping ensure companies are fit for future. Established 2019. NEDA partner organization.
• Chartered Governance Institute UK and IrelandsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerChartered membership and qualifying body for governance, risk and compliance professionals including company secretaries. Over 120 years experience developing skills and knowledge of governance professionals.
• Henley Business SchoolsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded 1945, first UK business school and one of oldest/most respected in Europe. Consistently ranked among world's top 50 business schools and top 1% globally.
• Quoted Companies Alliance (QCA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent membership organisation championing interests of small to mid-size quoted companies. Identifies issues and keeps members informed through campaigns and connections.
• ICAEWsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales - world leading professional membership organisation supporting 147,000+ chartered accountants worldwide. Provides qualifications, professional development, and technical expertise.
• BoardExsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRelationship mapping and people intelligence organisation with dataset of 1.5 million leaders across 2 million organisations. 350+ analysts managing data with 2,500 new profiles and 27,000 updates weekly.
• Board IntelligencesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers 'The Intelligent Board' programme with case studies on boardroom failures and best practices. Provides research on boardroom trends and board effectiveness.
• Emile Woolf Middle EastcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive NEDA GCC delivery partner based in Abu Dhabi, trusted by sovereign wealth funds, global energy groups, government entities. Delivers NED Certificate Programme and Boardroom Challenge immersive simulation across Gulf region.
• SeismicsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational sustainability experts helping businesses become a force for good. Embed environmental and social expertise within businesses balancing sustainable impact with commercial success.
• KrollsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading global investigative consultancy recognised for complex cross-border and internal investigations. Over 45 years trusted partner for corporates, legal advisors, financial institutions, government agencies, and board-level directors.
• Women on Boards (WOB)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelps women make right connections and career choices to reach top within companies or take board roles. Breaking down barriers to entry to boardroom and building pipeline of board-ready women.
• Boardroom ReadysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMatches senior executives from top-ranking organisations with boards for 'Board Observer' 12-month program. Provides real commercial boardroom experience for aspiring NEDs.
• Institute of Business Ethics (IBE)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerChampions highest standards of ethical behaviour in business since 1986. Advises organisations on strengthening ethical culture through knowledge sharing and good practice.
• The CQI (Chartered Quality Institute)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerChartered body for quality professionals improving organisational performance through quality management capability. Only organisation able to award chartered status to quality professionals.
• The Risk CoalitionsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of not-for-profit professional bodies committed to raising standards of risk management in UK. Launched Risk Guidance Initiative in 2018 with 'Raising The Bar' publication.
• PilotlightsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable body amplifying impact of charities, business and individuals. Business experts (often NEDs) share expertise with charities through programs. Helped 1,000+ charities since 1996.
• PurposecraftsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPioneering consultancy dedicated to strategic company purpose development. Unique practical experience in purpose development in public and private companies.
• The Engagement Appeal (TEA)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK-based social venture helping companies and individuals achieve more inclusive investor engagement through constructivism rather than activism.
• ACT (Association of Corporate Treasurers)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSets global benchmark for treasury excellence as chartered professional body for treasury. Leads profession through internationally-recognised suite of treasury qualifications.
• The Sport and Recreation AlliancesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUmbrella organisation for governing and representative bodies of sport and recreation in UK. Represents 320 members including major sports bodies. Established Alliance Directors Club for board directors.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Institute of Directors (UK): Largest UK membership association for company directors, offering individual and corporate memberships, training, and policy advocacy. Directly comparable to NEDA in serving UK board directors with a community-led membership model, though IoD serves the full director population versus NEDA's NED specialist focus.
• Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD): Peak professional body for directors in Australia offering Company Director Course, boardroom advisory, and member-only events - the closest international analogue to NEDA's specialist NED professional-association model. Same governance-and-board-effectiveness mission, distinct geography.
• Chapter Zero (Director's Climate Forum): 1,400+ member community equipping NEDs for climate-governance discussions, listed as a Core partner of NEDA. Mission and target persona closely overlap with NEDA's NED professional-development thesis; functions in part as a competitor community for climate-focused NED CPD.

Broad incumbents

• Spencer Stuart: Global executive search firm with a deep Board & CEO Practice that recruits NEDs and operates board advisory services. Comparable to NEDA's Recruitment Services and Board Performance Evaluation offerings but at far larger scale and broader executive scope.
• Heidrick & Struggles: Global leadership advisory and executive search firm with a dedicated Board of Directors practice, providing NED recruitment and board effectiveness consulting. Directly overlaps NEDA's recruitment and board evaluation services as part of a broader advisory portfolio.
• Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland: Chartered body awarding chartered secretary / governance designations, listed as a Supporting partner of NEDA. Overlaps with NEDA on governance training and board-effectiveness content but serves the broader company-secretary / governance profession rather than specialising in NEDs.
• ICAEW: Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales with 147,000+ members, many of whom serve as NEDs; ICAEW publishes governance content and runs boardroom programmes. A founding NEDA partner but far larger, with governance training as one of many verticals - a structural threat if ICAEW deepens its NED-focused content.

Emerging players

• Women on Boards UK: Charity focused on building the pipeline of board-ready women and matching them to NED roles - a Supporting partner of NEDA. Operates a more specialised mission (gender diversity in the boardroom) but addresses an overlapping customer set of aspirant NEDs.
• Boardroom Ready: Provider of 'Board Observer' 12-month placements matching senior executives with boards, listed as a Supporting partner of NEDA. Directly overlaps with NEDA's NED Talent Development Programme and Recruitment Services for the same aspirant-NED customer.
• Institute of Business Ethics (IBE): Long-established UK charity championing ethical business culture and advising boards on ethics programmes, listed as a Supporting partner of NEDA. Overlaps with NEDA's culture-and-ethics training content for boards but from an ethics-specialist perspective.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/nedaglobal
• Facebookfacebook.com/nedaglobal
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/non-executive-directors'-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Non-Executive Directors' Association