Ernst & Young UK - Independent Director Programme - Ernst & Young - United Kingdom

Today's independent directors (IDs) must navigate a maze of regulatory and technical challenges, from IFRS to fraud. We understand that the task of keeping up to date with these issues can often be difficult; this is where our Independent Director programme comes into play. Led by Richard Wilson, Senior Partner, we provide a comprehensive programme throughout the UK that includes:

• technical workshops
• thought leadership
• tips and tools on how to handle the latest issues
• speaking events, roundtables and other networking opportunities

To find out more information about our independent director programme, email:  IDP

 Current thought leadership 

Independent Intelligence – insights for the independent director

Independent Intelligence – insights for the independent director aims to help inform the independent director community, with thought-provoking articles on current issues. Read the latest issue.

Opportunities in adversity
At Ernst & Young, we are interested in understanding how companies are reacting to the current crisis and learning from their experience and best practice. Uncertainty cannot be allowed to become inaction, performance is relative, a risk is an opportunity that has not yet been exploited.

Whatever a company's position in the current economic climate – from cash-rich to deeply distressed – there is now a great need for decisive management action. There is opportunity in the adversity of the worst of markets. Find that opportunity right now. Read more

Assessing the performance of the audit committee – a checklist (March 2009)
This checklist can be used by audit committees to perform a self evaluation or by boards as part of their assessment of the performance of the audit committee (as required by the Combined Code). Find out more

Risk management – What do independent directors do? 
Each year we research topics of interest for today's independent directors. This year we examined risk, and what policies independent directors have in place to monitor it – policies that go beyond a 'tick in the box'. Over 96 companies responded to our survey, with over 60 of them in the FTSE350. To find out more,download a copy of the report  743K 20 pages.

 Independent director programmes 

Ernst & Young national workshop programme for independent directors 
Ernst & Young are now in the fifth year of running a successful series of workshops for FTSE350 Independent directors. We bring together subject matter experts and like-minded directors to discuss key boardroom issues.

For further information about our 2009 workshop programme e-mail:  IDs.

Ernst & Young financial services independent director workshop programme 
Ernst & Young hold a series of financial services specific breakfast workshops for Independent directors. These are designed to address key issues that challenge the Board and the Independent director in today’s environment.

For further information please e-mail:  IDP or call Claire Pickford on +44 [0]20 7951 132.

Ernst & Young regional independent director workshop programme 
Throughout 2009 we are running a tailored programme of breakfast workshops at various locations across the UK. These workshops will address the unique issues and challenges independent directors and will expand on the success of our national FTSE350 programme.

For further information about our 2009 regional programme, please e-mail :  Regional IDs or call Vicky Sherwood on +44 [0]113 298 2509.

Ernst & Young independent director workshop programme for fast growth companies 
Expanding on the success of our FTSE350 programme, Ernst & Young brings you a tailored programme of breakfast workshops which address the unique issues and challenges facing Independent Directors of fast growth companies. With boards remaining in the spotlight and a continually expanding regulatory landscape, our workshops provide the wherewithal to help you manage the risks and improve your effectiveness. For further information about our 2009 programme, e-mail  IDs.

Audit Committee Chair Forum 

The Audit Committee Chair Forum (ACCF) is convened by the CBI and Ernst & Young working in association with Cranfield University. Each meeting provides audit committee chairs, from the UK’s leading companies, with an opportunity to debate best practice and influence direction for audit committees.

For further information about our 2009 programme, please e-mail :  Sam Salimi.

Boardroom tools

We produce Boardroom Tools as part of our Independent Director workshop programme. We publish this précis of the workshop to give a useful, quick reference guide to non executives around specific issues that boards need to address. The documents include a list of useful questions both for independent directors and for taking to the board. Visit our library for a complete list and to order copies.

Independent director podcasts