Anchura Launches the 'Board Academy' to Help UK Boardrooms With Future Diversity and Independent Director Bandwidth

LONDON, October 25, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Anchura has today announced the launch of the Board Academy, an innovative structural solution to help improve the future diversity of UK Boards and increase the bandwidth and effectiveness of Non-Executive Directors.

The programme enables FTSE Chairs to provide support for their non-executive directors and invite a more diverse perspective into the Boardroom in a non-disruptive way, whilst making a demonstrable commitment to helping increase the diversity of the pipeline of future candidates for both executive and non-executive roles.

Through the Board Academy non-executive directors are allocated a 'chief of staff' resource, drawn from a diverse selection of candidates provided by corporate talent pools. This in turn helps a more diverse pool of talented individuals gain Board insight and experience, to be applied initially in their executive careers, with the intention of making Board roles more accessible and appealing in the future. The NEDs and chiefs of staff are also given access to a resource centre to increase their knowledge and facilitate independent research.

The launch is in response to growing demands from the government and investors to see greater diversity in UK boardrooms and executive management teams, and to take action to improve the pipeline of candidates. It also addresses calls for companies to do more to support their non-executive directors in terms of bandwidth and independence.

Paul Ford, CEO of Anchura, said:   
"The Board Academy is an innovative structural solution to the twin challenges of Board Diversity and the increased burden on non-executive directors. It exemplifies what we are passionate about at Anchura, innovative yet practical solutions that help companies to address both immediate business problems and plan for a more successful future."

Lisa Worley, Managing Director of The Board Academy said: 
"Through the Board Academy UK companies can make a demonstrable commitment to help improve the diversity of future Board candidates. The programme can help businesses to develop their talent pipelines and support their non-executive directors in terms of greater bandwidth and independence, however it's real enduring value is in making Board roles more accessible and appealing to a more diverse pool of future talent."

There are two ways for companies to get involved

 1. As Board participants - Chairs can agree to provide independent support to their non-executive directors

 2. Corporate memberships - Companies can agree to provide candidates from their own talent pools to support FTSE NEDs

Find out more at https://www.boardacademy.co.uk

About Anchura
Anchura is a unique consultancy with a proven track record of solving business challenges and driving all aspects of change. Established in 2010, Anchura was built to operate in complex environments and to deliver results. It works with companies to overcome their immediate issues and future-proof their business models, arming them with the concepts and solutions they need to flourish.  With clients ranging from some of the world's most established investment houses and FTSE 100 companies through to emerging international banks and UK start-ups, Anchura prides itself on its reputation as a trusted partner to all those with whom they do business.