Boost your boardroom skills and explore the world of non-executive leadership through this interactive, hands-on programme.

The FWB & University of Edinburgh Business School NXD Academy is delighted to introduce its flagship NXD Development Programme for the 8th year. The programme was run online during the Covid19 pandemic and, as delegates have expressed a preference for this format, we will again run it online for 2026. The final session will be an in-person meeting with a guest speaker for discussion, group activities and networking over drinks and canapés.

As with our previous programmes, the 2026 run has been designed to be highly practical. Led by experienced Chairs and NXDs, it is aimed at those interested in all types and sizes of organisation: listed, private, entrepreneurial, SMEs, public sector and not-for-profit. Each session is interactive with small group activities and real-life case studies, together with plenary discussions and Q&As. These sessions have been designed to allow plenty of time for interaction and active learning in all areas. Whilst each session has a main topic, the discussions and questions will be wide-ranging.

There are 6 live sessions, covering a range of key NXD issues, delivered online, followed by an in-person Wrap-up session, delivered at the University of Edinburgh Business School:

Session 1 (Thursday, 10 September 2026, 6-8 pm) - Rethinking Organisational Design for AI-Driven Success: What NXDs Need to Know

Session 2 (Thursday, 24 September 2026, 6-8 pm) - The Role of Boards in Understanding ESG Compliance

Session 3 (Thursday, 8 October 2026, 6-8 pm) - The Impact of AI on Organisations and the Role of NXDs

Session 4 (Thursday, 22 October 2026, 6-8 pm) - Cybersecurity: A Rapidly Growing and High-Priority Risk for All Boards

Session 5 (Thursday, 5 November 2026, 6-8 pm) - What Are the Main Criteria of an Effective Board?

Session 6 (Thursday, 19 November 2026, 6-8 pm) - Geopolitik or Realpolitik? Geopolitical Literacy as a Core Boardroom Skill

Session 7 - In-Person Only (Thursday, 3 December 2026, 6 - 9 pm) - Surviving the Vacuum: The Art of Makng Lasting Improvements to Your Organisation

DISCOUNT: You will be able to register for each session individually. If you'd like to attend the full online programme, you will receive a 20% discount.

If you have purchased all online sessions to receive the 20% discount, you can also attend the in-person Wrap-up event at a 20% discount (£40). For this, please select the All online sessions + In-Person session ticket.

If you purchase all online sessions early, and decide to join the In-Person session later on, please contact us at executive@business-school.ed.ac.uk, quoting your order number for the All-online sessions ticket purchase.

Places for the In-Person Wrap-up event are limited, so we recommend deciding early to help secure your place.

Tickets are available via the 'Get Tickets' tab in the top right corner.

For more information about the programme, please download the brochure via the link below:

NXD Development Programme - FWB

PLEASE NOTE: In the registration form, you will be asked a number of diversity and equality questons. Please note that providing this information is not mandatory. Should you prefer not to divulge any personal details, you may select the option to decline to answer.

The University welcomes programme registrations from disabled participants. In order to enable us to provide the best available support, it is important that you let us know if you require any specific adjustments in relation to your work/study arrangements. The information you supply will not affect judgements about your learning suitability, and will be treated in strict confidence. If you have any concerns about stating your disability on the form, you may contact the Disability and Learning Support Service (DLSS) in confidence at Health & Wellbeing Centre, 7 Bristo Square, Edinburgh EH8 9AL 0131 650 6828 or email disability.service@ed.ac.uk

The University is committed to increasing the diversity of its participant population, recognising the educational and social benefits it brings. We aim to attract participants from various social, cultural, and educational backgrounds, and we encourage registrations from groups currently under-represented in our Executive Education programmes.

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