Serving as a Non-Executive Director (NED) in Cyprus requires more than strong credentials—it demands the ability to navigate a complex and evolving governance environment. From managing close-knit family business dynamics to staying ahead of EU-aligned regulatory developments, today’s NEDs must bring both insight and independence to the boardroom.
This programme is designed to equip current and aspiring NEDs with the tools, frameworks, and confidence to add strategic value while upholding high standards of oversight and ethical governance. Participants will explore real-world case studies, learn from leading experts, and develop practical skills tailored to Cyprus’s unique corporate ecosystem.
Whether you’re stepping into your first board role or enhancing your existing NED capabilities, this high-impact training is your opportunity to elevate your contribution, sharpen your judgement, and lead governance into the future.
This is more than a course—it’s a platform for transformation, leadership, and meaningful impact.
Training Objectives
By the end of the programme, participants will have explored:
- Why NEDs are central to resilient governance—and how to champion that role.
- How to bring constructive challenge to the boardroom.
- Strategies to navigate Cyprus’s unique regulatory and business landscape.
- How to manage conflicts of interest in high-stakes, closely held, or family-run companies.
- Ways to make strategic, informed decisions—when the data or insight is ambiguous, and the pressure is high.
Training Outline
Role and Responsibilities of Non-Executive Directors in Cyprus
- Legal and regulatory framework (Cyprus Companies Law, relevant EU directives)
- Expectations from shareholders, stakeholders, regulators, etc.
- Evolving role of NEDs in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape
Constructive Challenge
- What is constructive challenge? Understanding its significance in board discussions
- Techniques for challenging management effectively without undermining relationships
- Creating a culture of open dialogue and dissent (without conflict)
Managing Conflicts of Interest
- Legal vs. ethical conflicts
- Best practices for disclosure and management
- Importance of transparency and independence, especially in companies with dominant shareholders or family control
- Tailored guidance for family-owned or closely held businesses, where informal arrangements may complicate governance
Effective Decision-Making for NEDs
- Key decision-making frameworks and tools for NEDs
- How to assess information critically and ask strategic questions which reveal the bigger picture
- Learn how to assess incomplete or biased information, a challenge in smaller markets, and how to ask strategic questions that reveal the bigger picture.
- Understand where the NED line lies (oversight versus involvement) and how to hold management accountable without encroaching on operations
- Decision-making in times of crisis or uncertainty
Case Study and Group Discussion
- A deep dive into a governance-related case study from a Cyprus company or similar jurisdiction (could involve a public/private company or a family business structure)
- Group discussion on governance challenges, solutions, and NED roles in the case study
- Drawing lessons and applying the training to real-world scenarios
Closing Remarks and Networking
- Summarising key takeaways
- Final Q&A session
- Further networking and informal discussions
Who Should Attend
- Existing Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) looking to enhance their strategic and governance capabilities
- Newly appointed or aspiring NEDs preparing to take on board responsibilities
- Board members of listed companies, private firms, family businesses, and regulated entities in Cyprus
- Senior executives transitioning into advisory or governance roles
- Legal, compliance, or audit professionals seeking a deeper understanding of NED functions
- Shareholders or investors seeking to strengthen board-level oversight and decision-making
Training Style
This course blends expert-led presentations with interactive discussions, real-life case studies, and collaborative group work. It strikes a balance between structured knowledge delivery and active learner participation, encouraging attendees to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and contribute their own perspectives. Through a mix of practical tools and strategic insights, participants will gain the confidence and clarity needed to lead effectively. By the end of the session, they will be equipped with actionable techniques to enhance their boardroom presence, support robust governance in Cyprus, and contribute to high-impact decision-making.
CPD Recognition
A Certificate of Attendance will be issued to all participants by The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI). Members of CGIUKI may use this certificate to support the completion of their annual CPD requirements. Eligibility criteria and CPD Units are verified directly by your association, regulator or other bodies which you hold membership. The course has been approved and verified by the Cyprus Bar Association (CyBAR). The Summary of CyBAR’s Updated CPD Guidelines Based on the Operational Framework of the Cyprus Bar Association (CBA) Academy can be found here.
Training Outline
Role and Responsibilities of Non-Executive Directors in Cyprus
- Legal and regulatory framework (Cyprus Companies Law, relevant EU directives)
- Expectations from shareholders, stakeholders, regulators, etc.
- Evolving role of NEDs in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape
Constructive Challenge
- What is constructive challenge? Understanding its significance in board discussions
- Techniques for challenging management effectively without undermining relationships
- Creating a culture of open dialogue and dissent (without conflict)
Managing Conflicts of Interest
- Legal vs. ethical conflicts
- Best practices for disclosure and management
- Importance of transparency and independence, especially in companies with dominant shareholders or family control
- Tailored guidance for family-owned or closely held businesses, where informal arrangements may complicate governance
Effective Decision-Making for NEDs
- Key decision-making frameworks and tools for NEDs
- How to assess information critically and ask strategic questions which reveal the bigger picture
- Learn how to assess incomplete or biased information, a challenge in smaller markets, and how to ask strategic questions that reveal the bigger picture.
- Understand where the NED line lies (oversight versus involvement) and how to hold management accountable without encroaching on operations
- Decision-making in times of crisis or uncertainty
Case Study and Group Discussion
- A deep dive into a governance-related case study from a Cyprus company or similar jurisdiction (could involve a public/private company or a family business structure)
- Group discussion on governance challenges, solutions, and NED roles in the case study
- Drawing lessons and applying the training to real-world scenarios
Closing Remarks and Networking
- Summarising key takeaways
- Final Q&A session
- Further networking and informal discussions
Who Should Attend
- Existing Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) looking to enhance their strategic and governance capabilities
- Newly appointed or aspiring NEDs preparing to take on board responsibilities
- Board members of listed companies, private firms, family businesses, and regulated entities in Cyprus
- Senior executives transitioning into advisory or governance roles
- Legal, compliance, or audit professionals seeking a deeper understanding of NED functions
- Shareholders or investors seeking to strengthen board-level oversight and decision-making
Training Style
This course blends expert-led presentations with interactive discussions, real-life case studies, and collaborative group work. It strikes a balance between structured knowledge delivery and active learner participation, encouraging attendees to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and contribute their own perspectives. Through a mix of practical tools and strategic insights, participants will gain the confidence and clarity needed to lead effectively. By the end of the session, they will be equipped with actionable techniques to enhance their boardroom presence, support robust governance in Cyprus, and contribute to high-impact decision-making.
CPD Recognition
This programme may be approved for up to 5 CPD units in CPD in Financial Regulation.
A Certificate of Attendance will be issued to all participants by The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland (CGIUKI). Members of CGIUKI may use this certificate to support the completion of their annual CPD requirements. Eligibility criteria and CPD Units are verified directly by your association, regulator or other bodies which you hold membership. The course has been approved and verified by the Cyprus Bar Association (CyBAR). The Summary of CyBAR’s Updated CPD Guidelines Based on the Operational Framework of the Cyprus Bar Association (CBA) Academy can be found here.
