In this compelling episode of Notes from a NED, host Samuel Kasumu has an enlightening conversation with Alice Maynard, one of the most respected voices in governance and board leadership. Alice brings a wealth of experience from her current and past roles, including her position as a non-executive director at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), where she chairs the People Committee, and her tenure at HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Her work also extends to sitting on the board of the Government Commercial Function, where she oversees vital decisions regarding pay and benefits for key government departments. Additionally, Alice has served as the Chair of several prominent charities, where she has led critical improvements in governance, strategic planning, and operational effectiveness. These charities include Scope, the UK's leading disability charity.

In this episode, Alice reflects on her rich career journey and shares key insights into what makes governance effective and impactful. The discussion ranges from the barriers to progression that underrepresented groups face when aspiring to board membership, to the importance of transparency in governance, and the unique dynamics between board members and their chairs. Alice emphasises the need for trust and strong relationships to achieve strategic goals. She doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of her roles, such as navigating public appointments and implementing governance reforms.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Crucial Role of Diversity: Alice underscores how diverse representation on boards drives better decision-making, enhances governance outcomes, and contributes to a more holistic understanding of organisational challenges.
2. Building Trust is Essential: The relationship between non-executive directors and executives, especially the board chair, is built on trust. Alice explains how this trust influences effective governance and strategic alignment.
3. Transparency in Governance: Effective boards require transparency in information sharing and decision-making. Alice discusses how openness builds trust and drives organisational success.
4. Understanding Board Dynamics: Alice offers insights into the subtle dynamics of board membership, emphasising the importance of mutual respect, understanding motivations, and the power of strong stakeholder management.
5. Due Diligence and Accountability: Before joining a board, non-executive directors must conduct thorough due diligence to understand the organisation's governance and challenges. Accountability isn’t optional—it's central to responsible board leadership.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.