Firms failing in non-executive training, says survey

Directors of public companies are failing to vet non-executive directors. That's the conclusion of the latest Directorbank study.

The research, carried out among board directors of public companies, found that four in ten felt it was not important to offer non-executives training in corporate governance issues.

Less than a third believed their non-executives should be given a contract outlining their responsibilities.

The survey also found one in five believes it is not important to take up references for non-executive roles.

Directorbank chief executive Jonathan Hick said: "It seems that while most organisations follow best practice with executive board members, they are only too willing to cut corners with their non-executives.

"The way many go about hiring and supporting this latter group brings back memories of Dad's Army on exercise.

"If we are to avoid high profile corporate collapses and restore confidence in the future of British business we must make radical changes to the procedures that companies adopt for the recruitment, remuneration and training of non-executive directors."