The Association for Non Executive Directors and Chairmen

ITNEA

The Association

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 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 follows:

The Association has been very successful, with over half of the potential members taking part either through attending meetings (mainly in London) or joining in by responding to questionnaires and giving feedback on draft papers. Association membership has progressively increased and now exceeds 370. The Association has published a number of original papers by individual authors, and members contributed extensively to the recent Higgs Review of the role of the non-executive director. Many appointments to non executive director/chairman roles have been made through the ITNEA advertising service.

Criteria for membership

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 is increasingly difficult to isolate "IT" companies from some of the media and telecommunications companies.
Non-executives from private 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.

Executive Directors of quoted companies in the TMT sector: Those executive directors who are actively seeking non executive roles in quoted TMT companies may also be invited to join.

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.

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: to see further information please click Sponsor

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

Objectives

Itnea - an opportuntiy to network with like minded directors

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 draw to members' attention important lobbying opportunities, where issues that will effect them or their companies are under review. With 400 + 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 IT listed community, as well as many other listed and un listed businesses.
To act as a bridge between organisations seeking to recruit NEDs & Chairman and the ITNEA members interested in further appointments.

Ceasing to Qualify for Membership

Members are requested to notify ITNEA if they cease to qualify. At the committee's discretion their membership may be extended for a period, particularly where they are still actively seeking further relevant directorships.

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

The ITNEA can assist companies (or their agents) to look for new non-executives directors and chairmen. The joining form allows members to say whether or not they wish to hear of such opportunities. Members can switch this flag on/off at any time. Companies provide brief details on the business and the non-executive opportunities available which are then emailed to all members who have registered for the service. Members can then follow up with such companies directly, if they are interested. This is not a head-hunting service, but advertising opportunities to members who have positively expressed an interest in new appointments. Companies seeking such candidates see NED Search, a small fee applies to the company/agent. Members seeking further roles see Appointments. Wider opportunities can be advertised if seen as relevant to members.

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 include 2- 3 dinners a year and a number of other events such as early evening briefings, lunches etc. Most events are in London.
Guest speakers on key topics at some 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

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 of four 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

As founding sponsors to the Association, Lansbanki Securities (UK) (www.landsbanki.co.uk) provide the following resources for the operations to date:

Administrative support.
The cost of certain meetings and dinners held at outside locations.
Sponsorship of this web site.

Other sponsors support specific activities and/or events.

No membership fees are envisaged at present thanks to the support of sponsors, though it may of course be necessary to charge in later years or for particular events or services.

If you are interested in sponsorship of the ITNEA, please click Sponsor

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