A REGISTER for independent non-executive directors [NEDs] is proving a valuable resource for Guernsey businesses. The initiative was established a year ago by the Institute of Directors and OSA Recruitment.
There are now about 90 individuals registered and available for potential NED assignments.
OSA managing director Nick Graham said the register had created a comprehensive resource of diverse skills and experience.
‘We have been successful in completing several assignments, as hirers recognise the benefit of good corporate governance and strategic direction through the knowledge and experience of professional NEDs.
‘What we need to develop over the next 12 months is greater commitment from those hirers who are looking to recruit an NED. The fact that this is a completely free service, both to the hirers and the applicants, means there should be no obstacles in achieving this commitment.’
To date, more than half-a-dozen successful placements have been made, with candidates from the register across captive insurance, funds, banking and a family business.
However, to gain more momentum, Mr Graham said the depth of the register needed to increase.
‘We are looking to register more members with a diversity of skills, thereby providing greater choice to the hirer to find and employ the best talent.
‘Furthermore, we need greater acceptance from businesses that appropriate corporate governance should promote diversity on a board.’
IoD committee member Carol Goodwin said building better boards meant companies spreading their net and trawling for new recruits wherever people with the skills, knowledge and experience or background they needed might be available.
‘Boards that include directors with diverse skills and experience have the scope to consider a wide range of perspectives and generate richer, more-informed discussion of the issues facing the company and are more likely to anticipate problems and produce high-quality solutions when they arise.’
She said feedback from recruitment experts and companies suggested there was no shortage of people with the necessary talents but that there were barriers, real and perceived, to more diverse recruitment.
‘The composition of boards is changing.
‘The UK, as a nation, is not making enough use of the available talent. Neither is Guernsey - we need to do better.’
* For more information about the register, contact either Nick Graham on 712891 or Anne Ewing 734343.
Article posted on 5th November, 2007 - 12.00am
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