Do non-executive directors get paid? What compensation can I expect as a non-executive director? These are questions we often get asked or hear at our NED-focused events. For those of you who would like to know more about non-executive director pay grades, we hope this short post will provide you with all the insights you are looking for.

Non-executive director salary

The range in non-executive director pay varies widely depending on the role, size of the organisation, sector and industry. The time required to perform the role is also an important consideration as well as responsibilities, such as membership of a sub-committees of the board.

To give you an idea of the typical non-executive director salary, here is what you can expect to be paid across various different NED roles.

Trustee roles

Professionals taking on trustee roles are typically unpaid. As a trustee, you volunteer your services, though certain expenses may be covered. Generally speaking, charities cannot pay trustees simply for being a trustee. That said, some charities do pay their trustees. However, this is only in exceptional circumstances if allowed by their governing document, by the Charity Commission or by the courts.

Housing associations and NHS Trusts

If you are on the board of a housing association or an NHS trust, your non-executive director pay will likely start at around £3,000. Some roles, notably the role of the chair, may attract a non-executive director salary of up to £30,000 per annum. NHS trustees are paid £13,000. 

For more information and to benchmark remuneration, the  is a great resource as housing associations and NHS trusts are users of our platform.

Start-up and high-growth businesses

Start-ups and scale-ups are more likely to offer shares as part of their non-executive director pay structure, because of their constraints on financial resources. This type of remuneration needs to be balanced against the requirement for NEDs to be independent, notably as starts-ups/scale-ups grow and potentially attract external funding. Investors may be more willing to invest in a company upon which board independent non-executive directors serve.

SMEs and privately-owned businesses

This segment covers a wide range of situations and includes well-funded businesses, as well as companies with tight financial resources. In the SME sector, a non-executive director salary starts at around £5,000 and some roles may be paid £50,000 per annum. Some well-funded, large privately-held businesses may compensate their non-executives at the same level as listed companies.

AIM listed businesses

The annual BDO report on AIM director compensation is an excellent source of information. The January 2020 report indicates that: “the median salary in the latest year is £42,300, an increase of 6% when compared to the prior year. The third quartile is £60,000, whereas the first quartile is £33,700. The percentage increase of the median salary since 2014 has been 21% from a median salary of £35,000”.

FTSE listed businesses

Each of the “Big 4” and some executive search firms publish data points on non-executive director salaries in FTSE companies.

Additional considerations

Non-executive directors are appointed and are not employees of the company. NEDs do not receive other employee benefits, pension payments, or bonuses. To ensure their independence, non-executive director pay is not linked to performance. Compensation is therefore fixed and set in the letter of appointment. The company will pay the taxes for its non-executives (e.g. P.A.Y.E.) but you may also receive a gross amount and have to file your self-assessment tax return.

Written by Elise Perraud, NEDonBoard COO

Want to know more?

• New to the NED role? Watch our acclaimed webinar, How to secure your first non-executive director role.
• Already committed to becoming a non-exec and want a roadmap to achieve this objective? Sign up to the NED Accelerator Programme by NEDonBoard. We applied years of accumulated knowledge and worked with experienced NEDs and chairs to deliver practical and actionable content to support you in transitioning with confidence and success. The course includes a detailed module about tax matters as a NED!
• Already on a board? Join NEDonBoard, the Institute of Board Members as a member or contact [email protected] for training opportunities aligned with your objectives and aspirations.
• You may also sign-up to the weekly newsletter (non-member) to receive relevant updates and read about NED roles on offer.
• For salary benchmarking consultancy, please contact [email protected].