Non-executive director jobs for internal auditors: start your journey to the boardroom today

As a Chartered Internal Auditor, you play a critical governance and assurance role within organisations. Your expertise makes you ideally suited for the next step in your professional journey: becoming a non‑executive director (NED).

This article, written by Elise Perraud, Chief Operations Officer at NEDonBoard, Institute of Board Members outlines:

• What a non-executive director is
• Why NEDs are crucial to organisational success
• How non-executive directorship differs from executive roles
• The benefits of pursuing a NED career
• Why internal auditors are well positioned to thrive in boardrooms
• How to start your own board journey
  
  

What is a non‑executive director?

A non-executive director sits on a company’s board without being involved in the day-to-day management of the business. While they share the same legal duties as executive directors under the Companies Act 2006, their role is distinct.

Non-executive directors bring independence, oversight, and strategic insight to the board. They hold executive leaders accountable, provide constructive challenge, and guide decision-making with objectivity and integrity. Acting as mentors, collaborators, and critical thinkers, NEDs support the CEO and senior management while safeguarding the long-term interests of the organisation and its stakeholders - Elise Perraud, NEDonBoard COO and non-executive director

The UK Corporate Governance Code (2024) states that NEDs should “provide constructive challenge, strategic guidance, offer specialist advice and hold management to account.” (Principe H). NEDs play a crucial role in organisational success and sustainability. They:

• Provide an objective sounding board to executive leadership.
• Bring diverse experience and external insight that enrich board discussions and strengthens decision-making.
• Monitor performance and strategy execution to ensure sustainable success.
  
  

What are the key differences between an executive and a non-executive director?

Under the Companies Act 2006, all directors, both executive and non-executive, are regarded as “officers” of the company. Company law recognises no distinction between executive and non-executive directors. While all board members have the same duties and responsibilities, executive directors are concerned with the day-to-day management of the company’s business. Non-executive directors are not employees; they are appointed through a letter of appointment.

Why become a NED?

More professionals are turning to non-executive directorships as part of a portfolio career or a strategy for personal and professional growth. Benefits include:

• Personal and professional development
• Contributing to an organisation’s sustainable success
• Applying your expertise in a broader strategic context
• Intellectual challenge and learning new skills
• Broadening your professional network
• Becoming a thought leader in your field
• Gaining flexibility and independence
• Generating additional income

Why internal auditors make respected non-executive directors

Internal auditors bring a blend of independence, understanding of risk and internal controls, and governance expertise, qualities that are in high demand among boards.

Key strengths include:

• Strategic risk lens: you already think in terms of long-term resilience and risk mitigation.
• Governance fluency: you are experienced in frameworks, compliance, and best practices.
• Independence of thought: objectivity is a professional habit.
• Analytical rigour: your recommendations and decisions are evidence-based.
• Cross-functional insight: your role involves engaging with multiple departments and external stakeholders.
  
  

Who can be a NED today?

Gone are the days when non-executive directorships were reserved solely for retired CEOs, CFOs, big 4 partners or senior leaders of large corporates. Today, boards operate in complex environments and are under greater pressure to be agile, diverse, and strategically future-focused.

For many professionals, becoming a NED is a natural next chapter after their executive career. It allows them to stay engaged in the business world while leveraging decades of experience in leadership, governance, finance, or risk.

More professionals are choosing to take on NED roles alongside their executive responsibilities. This trend is relevant for internal audit professionals, whether they are Heads of Internal Audit, or working towards that role, in the short or medium-term. Holding a non-executive role in another organisation offers valuable lateral development and likely to accelerate an executive career.

5 questions to ask yourself before becoming a non-executive director

1. What unique strengths do I bring to the table?
2. Am I recognised and respected as board-ready? Consider if your qualifications and reputation in the field demonstrate that you are fully prepared to step into a NED role.
3. How will I identify the right board opportunity? Finding the ideal fit can take time and patience; be prepared for a thorough search process.
4. Do I have the time and commitment needed? Examine the role’s requirements to ensure you can dedicate the necessary hours.
5. Have I completed any relevant board training? Being well-prepared through professional training or courses strengthens your knowledge and confidence and ability to stand out.
   
   

Your next steps

1. Clarify your value proposition.
2. Plan your transition early. Begin preparing 6 to 12 months before your target start date.
3. Talk to those who have made the transition from audit to board.
4. Invest in formal training. NEDonBoard’s structured courses and qualification programmes equip you with governance frameworks, decision-making tools, and credibility.
5. Visit NEDonBoard resources and join our next webinar

We invite you to review the resources dedicated to first-time NEDs and register your attendance to the next acclaimed webinar How to secure your first NED role for guidance, examples, and actionable next steps. 

Final thoughts

As a Chartered Internal Auditor, you bring in-demand skills to the boardroom. The complexity of business environments means that boards are looking for professionals like you, i.e. those who combine independence, strategic thinking, and governance expertise. Your board journey can begin now!

About NEDonBoard, Institute of Board Members

NEDonBoard is the UK’s professional membership and development body for non-executive directors and board members. Recognised by government, regulators, and leading professional bodies, we set the standard for board excellence and professional status.
We support professionals at every stage of their board career: from aspiring to secure their first role to established directors shaping organisations. Through our professional development programmes, recognised qualifications, and trusted community, NEDonBoard enables individuals to secure and excel in board positions while raising the standard of governance across the UK.

About the author, Elise Perraud

Elise Perraud is the Chief Operations Officer at NEDonBoard, Institute of Board Members. In her role, Elise is involved in the learning & development activities of the institute. She has also supported hundreds of professionals in their successful transition to non-executive directorship. 

Elise is a risk manager and governance practitioner by background with 15 years of financial services and board experience as Secretary and Chief Credit Officer. She became a CFA Charterholder in 2008.

She is an executive board member, a non-executive director, a board trustee and a committee chair.