A non-executive director is a member of a company’s board of directors who is not involved in the day-to-day management of the organisation, but is typically involved in planning, strategy and policymaking in relation to the company and its objectives. The appointment and conduct of all company directors, including non-executive directors, is regulated by the Companies Act 2006.

This factsheet outlines the potential advantages of inviting a non-executive director to join the board of a small company. It looks at the duties involved in the role, the legal responsibilities, the time commitment expected of non-executive directors, and how much they should be paid. It also considers how a business can go about finding and hiring a non-executive director.