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Background and Membership 

On the initiative of David Tebbs, the ITNEA was originally established in 1998 as a networking and discussion forum for non-executive chairmen and directors of quoted IT companies. The founding committee, chaired by David Tebbs, all held a variety of executive, chairman and non-executive directorships in the TMT (ICT) sector and felt that many such directors faced common sector issues and would value the opportunity to meet others in the same field. In the summer of 2000, the Association broadened the criteria for membership and activity as set out under Criteria for Membership below

The Association has been very successful, with over half of the potential members taking part either through attending meetings (mainly in London), joining in by responding to questionnaires and giving feedback on draft papers or responding to chairman and non executive director vacancy advertisements sent via the ITNEA. Association membership has progressively increased and now exceeds 500.  The Association has published a number of original papers by individual authors, and members contributed extensively to the Higgs Review of the role of the non-executive director.  Many appointments to non executive director and chairman roles have been made through the ITNEA advertising services offering opportunties for members, see: Appointments

Criteria for membership

Chairmen and Non-executives of all quoted companies in the TMT sector: The convergence of companies within this sector means they share many of the same issues, and it has long been difficult to simply differentiate "IT" companies (where ITNEA started) from some of the media and telecommunications companies.

Chairman and Non-executives from unlisted TMT companies who are firmly * on the path to flotation: This is a stage of a company’s development where membership of the Association could be particularly useful for the non-executives, giving them access to others with experience of the particular issues of corporate governance and remuneration for quoted technology companies. We therefore decided to invite such individuals to join, on a case by case basis, where it is felt that both the non-executives and the Association would benefit from the invitation.  * a general intent to list is not sufficient, rather preparation for flotation is underway and the timing has been set.

Chairman and Non-executives from unlisted TMT companies who have moved from public to unlisted in the last 4 years.  This covers prior qualifiers who remain interested in listed NED matters post the change in their business.

CEOs and Executive Directors of quoted companies in the TMT sector:  CEOs and CFOs who are interested in learning more of the NEDs perspective and meeting with NEDs, plus such executive directors who hold or are actively seeking non executive roles in quoted TMT companies, may also be accepted to join. 

The above all combine an interest in chairman and non executive director perspectives and technology listed companies.

If you are interested in joining the ITNEA, and meet one or more of these criteria, see  further information on this site and application details at Joining.  Members ceasing to qualify may remain members for a year.

If you have colleagues who could be interested in joining the ITNEA, and meet one or more of these criteria, please email them with this web site address:  www.itnea.net .  

If you are interested in Sponsoring the ITNEA or hosting events: to see further information please click Sponsor

If you are seeking to appoint a chairman and/or non executive directors  click NED Search and Chairman Appointments

The ITNEA has three objectives:

To act as a supporting forum for non-executive directors and chairmen in the TMT sector, giving them the opportunity to meet and discuss the particular issues faced in these roles with others in similar positions - networking.

To act as a bridge between organisations seeking to recruit NEDs & Chairman (and similar roles and the ITNEA members interested in further appointments).

To draw to members' attention important lobbying opportunities, where issues that will effect them or their companies are under review.  With 460 + members (a count of a recent large sample indicated an average of 3 companies each) the ITNEA, thorough its members represents a large part of the technology listed community, as well as many other listed and un listed businesses.

Privacy

ITNEA is not registered under the Data Protection Act, as it is a not-for-profit organisation which does not use data for any of the proscribed purposes.  ITNEA maintains data which is either provided directly by its members or is in the public domain.  ITNEA undertakes not to pass on any of this personal information (except to its sponsors who are registered under the Data Protection Act) without express permission beforehand.

Opportunity Matching and NED / Chairman Appointment Advertising Service

Meetings

The Association conducts its business through a variety of means:

Meetings for networking, discussion and to agree topics for the Association to work on. These typically include  2- 3 dinners a year and a number of other events such as early evening briefings, lunches etc.  Most events are in London. Chatham House rules apply.

Guest speakers on key topics at most of these meetings.  Members are encouraged to suggest speakers for future meetings

Working party meetings on defined action topics as needed.

Circulation by email of papers or other information of interest. A number of earlier papers can be seen on this web site.  See papers

Membership Networking and ITNEA LinkedIn Group

The core of ITNEA networking is through its meetings, many of which are structured to facilitate members meeting other members.  ITNEA has also set up a Group within LinkedIn.  Members can join this group from their LinkedIn personal home page or can sign up for LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com.

Members having any difficulty in joining this group can email david@itnea.co.uk to request assistance.  If already a LinkedIn member, include in your email the email address you use for LinkedIn.

Issues

The following framework guides the choice of topics for ITNEA meetings.

Strategy

Effective non-executive participation in the setting of strategic objectives.

Effective non-executive participation in strategy execution.

CEO/executive director mentoring and support.

Remuneration Committee

Share schemes (ABI guidelines, tax, NI and accounting issues).

Executive Director and top management remuneration.

Audit Committee

Revenue recognition, capitalisation of development costs, and cost provisions.

Regulatory and Legal

Corporate Governance and other developments in the role of the non-executive director.

Members are encouraged to suggest enhancements and other topics

Processes

A committee was set up to coordinate ITNEA operations which are managed on a day to day basis by the two executive members.  The Committee defined the initial framework for the association which have since been modified through experience and consultation with the members.   Administrative support is kindly provided by our sponsors.  

Funding

The founding sponsors to the Association,  provided the following resources for the operations:

Administrative support.

The cost of certain meetings and dinners held at outside locations.

Sponsorship of this web site.

Other sponsors support / host specific activities and/or events.

No membership fees are envisaged at present thanks to the support of sponsors, though fees may be charged at a later date or for particular events or services.

Ceasing to Qualify for Membership