The search for the UK’s top non-executive directors is under way, in a quest that will mark 20 years since the event was first launched.

The 2026 Non-Executive Director Awards, in association with Peel Hunt and backed by The Sunday Times and Board Agenda, offers prizes to the highest performing non-executives across a range of categories from FTSE 100 all the way to an award for the most impressive novice: the Dame Helen Alexander ‘NED to Watch’.

The awards come at a time when boards are dealing with major disruption caused by tariff wars, geopolitical conflict, continuing disruption caused by fast-evolving technology and adapting to climate change. There is also mounting pressure to enhance cybersecurity in the wake of a recent attacks.

Last year, judging panel chair Dame Ruth Cairnie, said: “Boards are having to address numerous questions that are potentially material and disruptive arising from geopolitical shifts, tariffs and regulatory questions over DEI and ESG.”

Dame Ruth, chair of FTSE 100 constituent Babcock, will chair the judges again this year, supper by a panel that includes Steven Fine, chief executive of Peel Hunt.

Last year, the Lifetime Achievement award went to Richard Meddings CBE, a former finance director at Standard Chartered Bank, while the prize for a NED at a not-for-profit went to Dame Linda Pollard for chairing the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Clear winner

The Dame Helen Alexander award went to Hounaïda Lasry for her work at Britvic, where fellow board members highlighted her ability to add a “clarity of thinking and pithiness to the discussions”.

The awards offer prizes across seven categories: FTSE 100 Chair, FTSE 100 NED, FTSE All Share, FTSE AIM, Private/Private Equity Backed, Not-for-Profit/Public Service Organisation and the Dame Helen Alexander ‘NED to Watch’ Award.

Entries are now open, with judging going through a five-stage process that includes a detailed nomination process, shortlist interviews and a final judging panel in February next year.

Nomination are open at nedawards.co.uk/nominate.