A
new national register has been launched to provide employers with independent,
expert advice on appointing non-executive directors.
The
register was launched at an Institute of Directors conference on the changing
role of non-executives following the Higgs Review.
The
review of non-executive directors by former investment banker Derek Higgs
recommended significant changes to recruitment and training to improve the
diversity and accountability of these individuals.
Betty
Thayer, chief executive of exec-appointments.com, told delegates the aim of the
register was to provide up-to-date information about non-executive vacancies,
guidance on how to find the right non-executive as well as information on
training courses available.
She
told the conference that fulfilling Higgs’ recommendations would mean three
times the existing number of non-executives would be needed.
The
Higgs Review found that almost half of non-exec posts were recruited through
personal contacts, only four per cent had a formal interview and just one per
cent obtained their job through answering an advertisement.
Thayer
urged employers to cast as wide a net as possible to identify more female
candidates and applicants from ethnic backgrounds so that company boards
reflect the diversity of their workforces.
“Diversity
is a big topic at the moment. Finding qualified, diverse candidates can take a
long time because there are just notÂ
many out there. But it is worthwhile, particularly if you look at the
composition of your company," she said.
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The
register will be available through www.exec-appointments.com from 15 April.
