Individuals becoming non-executive directors (also known as NEDs) to support and work with UK companies has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. It is becoming increasingly acknowledged that NEDs can offer valuable insights and contributions to a board. Thus, the benefits of becoming a NED have also grown in conjunction with the level of recognition.

Whilst most non-executive directors may be appointed to a board for their specific skillset/experience, which could include strategy, risk, governance, finance etc., this is not to say you will not learn new skills in the role. Other benefits of an appointment include expanding your network, possible other opportunities, and enhancing your professional career. The flexibility of a NED role is also a huge benefit, as the nature of the position means it is a part-time obligation and therefore allows you to undertake other commitments alongside it.

In our opinion, those seeking to become a non-executive director with a military service background already put the individual at an advantage, as their expertise in areas such as management, organisation and collaboration are critical to any board role from the offset.  Then there is the challenge of having the emotional intelligence and mental strength to deal with other board members and challenges which may arise in the boardroom. It is, therefore, no surprise that many organisations, especially those on the Armed Forces Covenant, also recognise this and how an organisation’s (or charity) board performance would benefit astronomically by recruiting ex-military individuals.

For individuals with previous military experience looking to exit service, the journey of transitioning to a commercial boardroom may seem daunting or even nonsensical, as superficially, it appears to be starkly different to their previous career. However, that is not the case. The trick is understanding the translation guide from military to civvy – as in most cases, you will have come across how to act in accordance with your role and responsibilities; you will have most likely held people accountable and asked the challenging questions. You may have experience managing budgets or projects and therefore have experience with finances, maybe just not a formal set of accounts. All you need is the correct translation guide and an understanding of how your previous experience transfers into a commercial setting.

OnBoarding Officers was built on the awareness of the potential of military personnel, and thus the non-executive director programme was created to support and jump-start ex-military personnel as they transition into a commercial or ‘civvy’ role. The programme offers first-rate guidance on how to transfer your existing skillset across to the new environment through intensive and proactive sessions and has been regarded by leading military individuals as a compelling and informative course.

If you’re a Service Leaver or currently planning your resettlement and wish to learn more about our non-executive training programmes, please click here. In addition to the programme, we provide ongoing support via our Community please click here to learn more.

Alternatively, if you are an organisation currently looking to tap into this exemplary talent pool, please get in touch so we can share your opportunity within our network.