CFA UK NED Pathway: Finding your voice in the boardroom: The first 90 days as a non-executive director (3 of 3)

Tuesday 16 June 2026 | 18:00 - 20:30 | Evening Event

The early months of a non-executive director appointment are critical. How a new NED listens, questions, challenges and contributes in the boardroom has a direct impact on their effectiveness and credibility. 

 
This in-person session, delivered for CFA UK members in partnership with NEDonBoard, will focus on the first 90 days in a NED role and what it really takes to establish authority and influence at board level. 

Why attend? 
Join this session to gain: 

• Practical strategies for contributing confidently in the boardroom 
• Insights into the behaviours that build influence early on  
• A clear understanding of the dynamics of a new board  
• Guidance on how to listen, observe and add value in your first meetings 
• An insider view of what boards expect  

By the end of the event you’ll feel informed, prepared, confident and ready to navigate your first boardroom experiences and contribute with impact from day one. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect and network with likeminded investment professionals who are on a similar NED journey. 

Registration: 18:00 - 18:30
Event: 18:30 - 19:30
Drinks reception: 19:30 - 20:30

Speakers:

Moderator: Elise Perraud, CFA, Chief Operations Officer, NEDonBoard, Institute of Board Members
Elise Perraud is the Chief Operations Officer at NEDonBoard, Institute of Board Members. Elise is a risk manager and governance practitioner by background with 15 years of financial services and board experience as Secretary and Chief Credit Officer. She became a CFA Charterholder in 2008. She is an executive board member, a non-executive director, a board trustee and a committee chair.

Nicky Heathcote, Chair,  The Conveyancing Association and The PCCB Compliance Committee
With a career spanning nearly 40 years in the property sector, Nicky Heathcote currently holds the position of chair at both the Conveyancing Association and the PCCB Compliance Committee. She stepped down from chairing the Board of Propertymark in 2023 and has now joined PEXA as an Ambassador and Advisor to their UK Board. Nicky is also an Ambassador at NEDonBoard and assists their Board training and NED coaching services.

Ellen Watson-Hicks
Ellen Watson-Hicks is a qualified accountant with 25 years of experience in financial services, most recently as a Chief Risk & Compliance Officer. She has accepted 2 non-executive roles (board member of a wildlife charity and member of the Investment Panel of Westminster Abbey).

George Spentzos, Fellow, CFA UK
George’s financial career has spanned leading hedge funds (Brevan Howard, Cheyne Capital) and global investment banks (Société Générale, Nomura). He earned an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and an MBA in Finance (Beta Gamma Sigma honours) from the University of Denver.

He was Chairman of the CFA Society of the UK and a member of the Board of Governors of CFA Institute. George now sits as a NED on various boards including arKap (corporate finance advisory) and SDM International (derivatives brokerage). One of his passions is to help not-for-profit organisations  such as Stroke Association (Trustee and Chair of the Investment Committee) and The Tapscott Learning Trust (Trustee and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee).  

In recognition of his many contributions to the investment profession, he was awarded a Fellowship of the Society of Investment Professionals (FSIP) by the CFA Society of the UK.

About NEDonBoard, Institute of Board Members
NEDonBoard, Institute of Board Members is the professional membership and development body for non-executive directors and board members.

Made by board members for board members, we provide independent, curated, practical and actionable insights for directors to secure non-executive roles and excel in the boardroom. We promote the role of non-executive directors and board best practices for the common good.

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You can also book on to the other two events in the series:

CFA UK NED Pathway: The Realities of the UK NED Market (1 of 3): 30 April 2026 CFA UK NED Pathway: Is now the right time: What to consider before transitioning into a non-executive director role (2 of 3): 21 May 2026

Click here to view our event terms and conditions.