7 steps to take you from trustee to a paid NED role

One of the questions I get asked the most is, “How can I make the transition from a board trustee to securing a paid board role?’. It is a significant step that most aspire to, whether for prestige, challenge, or income. Whilst there are many types of paid board roles, including those in Government and Charities, whether they be Advisory Board, Committee roles or Non-Executive appointments, when most people ask me this question, they are usually referring to securing a paid commercial board role.

In the following sections, I will explain the possible pathways and provide advice to help you obtain a paid board or Non-Executive Director (NED) role.

What are the pathways to a paid NED role?

There are four pathways to a paid NED appointment in the UK.

1. Via a personal connection,
2. The direct approach to the board or organisation,
3. By responding to an advertisement or
4. Through a search firm or recruiter.

Each of these pathways requires a different approach and tactics: two are reactive (responding to advertisements & through a search firm or recruiter), and the other two are proactive (via personal connections or a direct approach). It is important to note that while compensation varies by sector and industry, typical remuneration for non-executive directors usually ranges from £5,000 to £30,000 plus expenses annually, depending on the board’s scope.

Reactive (and less successful) pathways

The two reactive pathways to a board role (responding to advertisements & through a search firm or recruiter) may sound more appealing because they will not initially require a considerable time commitment. But they are highly competitive. However, for paid board roles, an overwhelming number of commercial organisations now engage a search firm to assist in recruiting a new non-executive director. Many organisations must formally advertise the role, even if they don’t outsource recruitment.

These pathways require you to always be prepared by keeping your Board CV up to date. Your LinkedIn profile must also be board-ready and up to date, since LinkedIn is a board recruiter’s #1 tool. They use the platform to advertise board roles they are recruiting for, but even more so, as a database to search for suitable candidates. 

However, not all paid roles are advertised on LinkedIn. Some may be advertised on the various general job vacancy websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor and Reed UK. Others may only be advertised on the recruiter’s website. So, you will need to invest time to regularly monitor and search various websites or consider signing up for one of our membership packages, which we will do for you

You should also consider following and building relationships with recruiting firms and consultants. You need to know how to work with and impress them. Remember, if they are talking to you about a paid board role, they are also talking with many more candidates who are just as qualified.

Proactive (and more successful) pathways

The two proactive pathways to a paid board appointment (via personal connection or the direct approach) are far less competitive but require more time and planning. But the statistics show they are usually far more successful. It is often the case that you have very little or no competition at all for the role.

Essentially, these two pathways can help you find the hidden paid board roles. Even if a role is advertised or handled by a recruiter, the relationships you have already established will make you stand out from the competition when it counts.

With around 50% of organisations in the UK recruiting new board members each year and fewer than 10% of these roles being advertised, you can see why I recommend these two pathways as the most successful ways to secure a paid board appointment. I have, in fact, developed an entire framework for these strategies and dedicated a substantial portion of my Board Appointment Training Series to teaching how to implement the Direct Approach to gaining a board appointment.

In an ideal world, you would have time and tools to actively pursue all four pathways to ensure you secure a paid board role. However, most of you will also be balancing an executive career, a board trustee role and family commitments. You will need to manage your time wisely, focusing on the pathways most likely to yield the best outcomes.

How can a trustee secure a paid board role?

#1 Focus on your transferable skills

Securing a paid board role can be achieved by leveraging your trustee experience. You must identify and emphasise transferable skills. The board appointment process for a paid board role is highly competitive, and to succeed, you must stand out. Your board trustee role(s) can do just that.

Don’t downplay what you have achieved and learned in your trustee role because it was voluntary. Don’t underestimate the value and significance of the transferable skills that you have gained. Charity and not-for-profit boards experience many of the same or similar issues as commercial boards. That means you have gained plenty of skills in your trustee role that you can take across to a commercial board role.

Consider which skills and experience you did not have before taking on the trustee role, and which would be valuable to the commercial board you wish to serve on. These could include experience with board meetings, governance processes, and successful board dynamics. Plus, overseeing financial management, risk, and regulatory requirements.

Once you have identified transferable skills and experience, be assertive in articulating their value to a commercial board. Ensure that you highlight them in your NED profile.

#2 Choose the right trustee roles

Choose the right trustee roles to develop the skills and experience for the board roles you aspire to. You don’t want to waste your precious time in trustee roles that offer no board or governance development opportunities. Be aware that a trustee’s role is not to run the organisation’s day-to-day operations; you don’t want to fall into the trap of doing so due to a lack of resources. Research the charity or nonprofit organisation and its board of trustees to ensure a strong track record and results.

Where possible, look for trustee opportunities within the sectors or industries where you hope to pursue paid board roles. Also, focus on organisations that may face challenges similar to those of the commercial organisations on your board target list. Look for common ground where the roles align in terms of duties, responsibilities and challenges. The size and scale of the charity or not-for-profit (NFP) organisation are also factors. 

In other words, serving in any trustee role with the intention of gaining board experience will not help you land a paid board role. If a paid board role is your end goal, you must be strategic when selecting your trustee roles. Seek trustee roles that can bridge the gap between your executive skills and experience and the more strategic requirements of a paid NED role.

#3 Give 100% to your trustee role

You are not there to make up numbers. To gain a paid role, you must be able to evidence what you and the board of trustees have achieved. Please don’t treat it as a board career stepping stone. Make the most of the opportunity to learn new skills, gain confidence, challenge yourself and gain board experience.

Bear in mind that you may need to call on your fellow trustees or the chair as referees for future paid board applications. You must show them the best version of you and what you are capable of. Earlier, I mentioned that one of the four pathways to a board role is via a personal connection. Your fellow trustees may turn out to be one of these connections. They need to have faith in your character and capabilities before they will consider putting their reputation on the line by recommending you to others.

#4 Keep in contact with everyone you served with

With the average trustee tenure being 3 years, trustee board members will come and go. It is essential that you maintain contact with everyone you work with. Keep them updated with what you are doing.

Ask them for advice about your board career and use them as a sounding board. Many of them may have successfully transitioned from trustee to paid board role. By keeping in close contact, they are more likely to reach out if they come across a paid board opportunity suitable for you.

#5 Revise your NED CV

Update your NED CV to highlight transferable trustee skills, experience, and achievements that align with the requirements of paid board positions. Please note that your NED CV should highlight the leadership and strategic aspects of your career and experience, rather than day-to-day responsibilities. Showcase successful outcomes, such as how your contributions as a trustee board member led to positive outcomes for the organisation.

Then, ensure that your online presence, particularly your LinkedIn profile, accurately reflects your NED CV. Finally, tailor your CV for every NED application. Focus on the selection criteria outline, but also conduct extensive research to determine additional ways you can add value to the board and its goals.

#6 Be patient and prepared to pivot

Everyone’s pathway from board trustee to a paid NED role will be different. Your path may also change along the way as you make new connections or other opportunities arise. It will take time; it requires patience and perseverance. You must be prepared for the rigours of the interview and selection process, which often involves navigating specific selection criteria and demonstrating how your trustee experience drives value in a paid commercial environment.

At times, people succeed only because others lack perseverance. More often, however, success comes from acknowledging when something is not working and considering a different approach. Your pathway may require numerous detours along the way, so continually assess, reflect and pivot when necessary.

#7 Develop personal connections

This is by far the most crucial aspect to consider. Personal connections facilitate 65% of all board appointments and a vastly higher share of paid NED appointments. So, it is critical that you develop relationships with the board members (present and past) of those organisations you wish to get appointed to. Exactly how you do that is explained in detail in my Board Search Training Series.

Conclusion

Transitioning from a trustee role to securing a paid NED position requires careful planning, networking, and strategic positioning. Following the steps outlined above can increase your chances of successfully making this transition. Remember, building a strong reputation as a trustee, gaining relevant governance experience, and expanding your network within the industry are essential.

When searching for paid board positions, proactive contact and engagement with organisations that align with your interests and values can open doors. Leverage your existing network and connect with key decision-makers who may have insights into available board opportunities. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and networking events to expand your reach and visibility.

Finally, be patient and persistent in your pursuit of a paid Non-Executive Director role. These positions are often highly competitive, and it may take time to find the right fit. Stay focused on your goals, continue to develop your strategic skills and knowledge, and seize any opportunities that come your way.

Related Articles

The Four Ways UK Board Appointments are Made

Why and how to impress board recruiters and headhunters

Use the Direct Approach to get on a Board in the UK

How to write a powerful Board Profile