Delivered by experienced board members and industry practitioners, the programme explores the unique dynamics of PE-backed boards, the responsibilities of NEDs, and how they can add strategic value. Delegates will gain practical insights into governance, stakeholder management, and boardroom effectiveness, whilst sharing experiences with fellow senior professionals.
Audience
GP Firms: This course is designed for professionals focused on mid-market, growth equity and large buyout investments. Please see the NED VC programme for a venture capital lens.
Individuals: Ideal for professionals working in PE who are moving into a NED role, more experienced NEDs may benefit from a refresh in compliance. Please see the NED VC programme for a venture capital lens.
Key topics include
- Legal responsibilities of directors
- Corporate governance
- Healthy and safety for directors
- Characteristics of effective boards
- Characteristics of effective NEDs
- Q&A with experienced NEDs
- Board dynamics
- Personal behaviour in the boardroom
- Removing directors
- Case Studies
What will delegates take away?
- Understand the NED Role in PE-Backed Businesses
Gain clarity on the expectations, responsibilities, and influence of Non-Executive Directors. - Boardroom Effectiveness
Learn how to contribute strategically, challenge constructively, and support management teams in driving value creation. - Governance & Legal Duties
Refresh your understanding of corporate governance frameworks, fiduciary responsibilities, and legal obligations. - Practical Insight & Peer Learning
Benefit from real-world case studies, practitioner-led sessions, and shared experiences with fellow senior professionals.
Benefits to employers
- Stronger Board Performance
Equip NEDs with the skills and confidence to provide effective oversight and strategic input across portfolio companies. - Enhanced Governance Standards
Ensure board members are up to date with legal and regulatory requirements, reducing risk and improving compliance. - Value Creation Support
Strengthen the board’s ability to challenge, guide and support management teams in achieving growth and operational excellence. - Professional Development for Senior Professionals
Invest in the development of experienced executives transitioning into or currently serving in NED roles.
FAQs about this course
What should I expect on the day?
Please arrive with plenty of time to register. Breakfast will be provided along with lunch and refreshments, with a drinks reception at the end of day 1. The course will kick-off with introductions followed by content from multiple speakers as per the agenda.
What’s the dress code?
Smart casual.
What should I bring with me?
You may wish to bring something to work on/ to take notes such as a laptop or iPad (we will provide note pads and pens).
Will materials be shared with delegates?
Yes, all materials, including slides and case studies, will be shared with delegates.
Format
In-person, London
Course Director
The course is led by Murray Steele. Learn more about him below.
Murray Steele
Murray holds Bachelor's and Master’s Degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Glasgow; an MBA from Cranfield School of Management and an accounting qualification from the Institute of Certified Accountants. He currently delivers NED development programmes for the Financial Times, UK Private Capital and EBRD. Over 10,000 people have attended his NED Programmes both in the UK and internationally.
His practical experience ranges from being a NED of the Airline Division of British Aerospace which had revenues in excess of £1 billion to a nominee director of 3i. He was Chair of Orchard Hotels, a start-up hotel company which he created with a colleague in 1985 and sold successfully to a listed company in 2002. Currently, he is Chair of Octopus Apollo VCT, one of the largest in the UK; Surface Generation, an advanced manufacturing company; spotlite, a social media platform which is a safe space for children and a NED of AUGA Group, Europe’s largest organic food producer, which is listed on the Vilnius Stock Exchange. In total, he has held over 20 Chair and NED positions and led three successful exits.
Guest speakers
The course features guest speakers with a wealth of expertise and experience from across the private capital industry. Click a speaker below to learn more about them. Please note, guest speakers may vary depending on the course schedule.
Alex Dixon
Alex is a Partner in the Private Equity and Financial Sponsors Group of Travers Smith. Alex is a corporate lawyer with 15+ years' experience, specialising in pan-European and international private equity and M&A transactions. His clients include corporates, institutional investors, alternative asset managers, senior management teams, sports leagues, founders and investee companies.
Alex has deep experience advising on a full range of transactions including leveraged buyouts, bolt-on acquisitions, carve-outs, co-investments, private equity exits, distressed M&A, private equity investment into sports, reorganisations and restructurings together with advising on general corporate matters.
Calum Paterson
Calum Paterson co-founded SEP in 2000, leading its launch, development and growth as Managing Partner before becoming Chairman & Senior Partner in 2025. He chairs SEP’s Partnership Board and Investment Committee and is responsible for the strategic leadership and oversight of the firm. SEP is a leading growth equity investor in enterprise software and technology companies across the UK and Europe.
Calum has been investing in growth companies for more than three decades and has worked closely with the boards and leadership teams of many SEP portfolio companies, including the global travel company Skyscanner, where he was a member of the board of directors. He trained as a CA with EY and is a former Chair of UK Private Capital.
Kizzy Augustin
Kizzy is a Partner in the White Collar Crime & Investigations Group. A Solicitor Advocate with Higher Rights of Audience, she has significant experience in defending companies, senior directors and employees in corporate manslaughter and serious fire / health and safety prosecutions. Kizzy provides preventative consultancy advice to high-profile corporate and commercial clients concerning corporate policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with health and safety legislation, as well contentious, strategic advice in response to an actual incident.
She also regularly represents clients at court, Enforcement Notice appeals and Coroners' inquests. Kizzy has a particular interest in managing reputational risk for businesses and providing training on the law relating to health and safety issues within the construction, care homes, environmental, manufacturing, fire, rail and retail industries.
Patrick Dunne
Experienced Chair and board member. Patrick Dunne is an experienced Chair with extensive experience of working with boards in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. Currently Chair of board consultancy Boardelta and the charities the Royal Voluntary Service and ESSA- Education Sub Saharan Africa. Executive experience with Air Products and FTSE100 3i Group plc where he was Communications Director, a member of its Operating Committee and Chairman of its Operational Risk forum.
Author of the award-winning “Boards” and co-author of "Five Generations at Work", a member of the Higgs Review and Visiting Professor at Cranfield University. He also has extensive experience of developing social enterprises, most notably with Leap Confronting Conflict, the EY Foundation and Warwick in Africa. Patrick was awarded an OBE in the Kings Honours list in 2023 for services to charity and philanthropy in Africa and the UK.
CPD accreditation
This course is CPD accredited by the CPD Certification Service for 13 hours. By attending this course, you will receive a digital certificate from Diplomasafe. This certificate allows you to share and save your new CPD accredited qualification on LinkedIn, adding instantly verifiable credentials and strengthening your professional profile.
