A new organisation has been formed representing Non Executive Directors (NEDs) in the Isle of Man. It is managed through a website at www.neds.im formed by John Sheath and Steve Burrows and has been live for only a few weeks. Already 59 members have signed up as registered users.
The vision of this organisation is to provide one place where local NEDs and Boards (and their agents) can go to find suitable NEDs and appointments.
John Sheath told isleofman.com "The clear need for an easily accessible and reliable database of Isle of Man NEDs has been obvious for some time and NEDS IOM fills that gap by being the central repository of NEDS on the Island. After a strong and encouraging launch, the site has been improved with new resources and links added, NEDS IOM is poised to fulfill its potential, and become a cornerstone of Isle of Man business as Boards, agents and professionals alike use it to tap into the wealth of knowledge, experience and skills that make up the NED population on the Isle of Man."
An essential element of its structure is an Advisory Board, providing both rigour and accountability to ensure a strong field of expertise, and the Board are especially pleased to be joined by a colleague from Isle of Man Finance. The organisation has also extended a standing open invitation to the Financial Supervision Commission for a representative to attend Advisory Board meetings as an observer.
In support of the venture the Minister for Trade and Industry Hon David Cretney MHK stated: “This is a very positive initiative. The Isle of Man is a highly diverse international business centre with many companies requiring experienced, qualified directors to lead them in their growth plans in markets around the world. My Department supports this, providing financial assistance to aid typically 15 individuals each year to secure the Institute of Directors’ qualifications. This register will further aid companies seeking suitable individuals and also aid individuals seeking suitable non executive director positions. I hope companies and individuals from a wide range of sectors and backgrounds make use of this register, for the good of the Island’s economy.”
Becoming a member is straight forward, an online guide directs you to the appropriate area and your registration process will be reviewed and progressed. Once registered, members create their individual profiles in the format and layout they prefer, allowing each NED to ensure that their profile includes the information most important to them. Each NED's profile can be amended by them at any time in the future, and a photograph can also be inserted. From the Board's perspective, the Register can be searched to identify NEDs meeting their criteria. As NEDS IOM moves forward, the site, resources and other features will continually improve, including a new Boards section, which will incorporate features pertinent to recruiting NEDS from the Boards stand point. Ultimately, NEDS IOM hopes to be the meeting point where Boards can find suitable NEDs and NEDs can review suitable appointments: an essential tool for all NED appointments in the Isle of Man.
For any further information please look up www.neds.im or contact John Sheath (pictured) on john [@] neds.im.
