5 March 2007

A 2006 study by Ernst and Young warned blue-chip companies of a looming crisis in finding high-quality FTSE non-executive directors (NEDs). Despite the pronouncements of Sarbanes-Oxley in the US and Derek Higgs in the UK on the need for NEDs to provide greater scrutiny of performance, fewer younger NEDs are stepping forward to replace the current generation as they retire.

The Ernst and Young study recommends that innovative management development programmes (alongside creative search techniques) are required to address this potentially damaging shortfall. The Saïd Business School now offers a programme designed to meet this need directly, entitled "What Next?"

What Next? is an innovative, high-quality management development programme. "Cherishing the leadership wisdom of our experienced workforce has to be a priority if we hope to improve the governance and performance of the UK’s public, private and not-for-profit sectors," says Elizabeth Paris, the director of the programme. "We detected a real need for a programme that inspires and equips senior managers to take on new roles in society, rather than retire from professional life."

What Next? is an intensive five-day programme for those experienced in leadership positions who are within a few years of leaving or have recently left their senior roles, and who are keen to use their experience and insight to enhance the quality of governance and performance of organisations  – whether on boards, as trustees, or in launching new initiatives.

It offers inspiration, practical first steps and a chance to rethink individual values, exploring the risks and challenges of non-executive roles through the insight of our experienced advisors - all in the company of a high-achieving peer group who share similar goals. 

Sir Richard Greenhalgh, former Chairman of Unilever is an advisor to the programme: "When I left Unilever, I had lots of advice and theory on what to do next, but I still needed practical help making the transition and thinking through where I could make a real difference. I wish What Next? had been around for me."

What Next? is a joint initiative combining Saïd Business School’s reputation for academic rigour, with Common Purpose, the international leadership organisation that runs programmes for leaders of all ages, sectors and backgrounds, utilising their special approach to diversity and challenging insight.