An epoch-making presidential election looming; wars in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan; artificial intelligence and cyber risk; tackling climate change and sluggish economies—the landscape for boards has rarely been as challenging as it is now.

Against this backdrop, a boardroom containing non-executives with the richest experience, deepest expertise and razor sharp analysis has never been at a greater premium.

This week, The Sunday Times launches its annual search for the best UK non-executives helping lead their companies and organisations through the uncertainty and rapidly changing nature of today’s business environment.

The Non-Executive Director Awards 2025, with backing from Peel Hunt, will search out the highest-performing NEDs across eight categories covering companies from the FTSE 100 to FTSE AIM and the not-for-profit sector.

Ruth Cairnie, chair of the judging panel, told The Sunday Times: “Having really high-quality NEDs who can bring lots of different skills and experience to bear, and ask the right questions to test and probe the decisions a board is taking, is absolutely essential.”

In the current age, non-executives have to cope with geopolitical uncertainty, technological advances taking place an unprecedented pace, adapting to climate change and integrating ESG factors into strategic decision making.

Increasing regulation

Regulators, too, have increased their activity: the corporate governance code has been updated and disclosure requirements have been expanded. Non-execs can look forward to more reforms on audit regulation, rules governing development and use of artificial intelligence, as well as a stuttering economy that is only now beginning to shake off the constraints of higher interest rates.

Winners of the 2024 awards included Paul Walker (pictured) who took the FTSE 100 award for his work on the board data company RELX.

Other laurel winners included Salma Shah, who took the Dame Helen Alexander Award for NED to watch for her turn as a non-exec at Mitie Group. Stephen Hill OBE, chair of the Alzheimer’s Society, took the prize for non-executive director at a not-for-profit or public sector body.

This will be the 18th NED Awards run by The Sunday Times, with backing from Peel Hunt. This year’s categories are: FTSE 100 Chair; FTSE 100 Non-Executive Director; FTSE All Share; FTSE AIM; Private/Private Equity Backed; Not-for-Profit/Public Service Organisation; Dame Helen Alexander ‘NED to Watch’, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nominations close on 17 November, with a shortlist expected on 9 February 2025. You can read more about the awards and make a nomination on the Non-Executive Director Awards 2025 website.