The Evolving Role of Non-Executive Directors in UK Development Corporations

Imagine being part of something bigger than your career - helping to shape the future of entire communities, before the first brick is even laid. That’s the opportunity facing today’s non-executive directors (NEDs) in the UK’s new wave of Development Corporations (DevCos).

At a recent event we hosted for members of InfraNED (a network of 150 women NEDs and senior professionals in the real assets sectors) Liam Young and I, along with other colleagues at Tile Hill, shared what these roles now demand and why they’re more rewarding than ever.

To support NEDs (and those looking to stepping into Non-Executive Director work) with navigating these opportunities, Liam and I distilled our insights into a short video which covers:

• The strategic importance of NEDs in shaping place-based development
• What skills and experience are in demand for Devco board roles
• How NEDs can influence infrastructure, housing, regeneration, and community engagement
• Why these roles are career-defining and purpose-driven

🎥 Watch the full video below

Or, if you’d rather read, I’ve summarised the key insights and takeaways below:

The Strategic Importance of NEDs in Shaping Place-Based Development

With Angela Rayner’s housebuilding revolution and the New Towns Task Force setting a bold direction, DevCos are being reimagined, and NEDs are at the heart of that change. These roles are strategic, hands-on, and often formed before the organisation itself is fully operational. NEDs are helping to build the foundations of governance, culture, delivery focus. Often before the first project even launches.

The Skills and Experience That Are In Demand for Devco Board Roles

We’re seeing a clear shift in what’s needed. Boards are looking for people who bring:

• Strategic oversight and commercial acumen
• Experience in infrastructure, housing, or regeneration
• Political and community fluency
• Delivery-focused mindset
• International perspective and systems thinking

Bearing in mind that NEDs are stepping into fast-moving, often ambiguous environments where boards are formed before organisations are fully operational, they must be able to:

• Establish governance structures
• Support early-stage executive teams
• Navigate political dynamics
• Act as stabilisers in areas with limited local capacity

There’s also a growing appetite for international thinking and people who can challenge the status quo and bring in lessons from elsewhere. 

Photo from The InfraNED summer networking event hosted by Tile Hill

How NEDs Can Influence Infrastructure, Housing, Regeneration and Community Engagement

Community engagement is central to the role. NEDs are expected to help shape the narrative, build trust, and bring stakeholders with them.

In places like Tees Valley, we’ve seen how visionary, pragmatic NEDs can unite local authorities, businesses, and communities around a shared goal. 

Why These Roles Are Career-Defining and Purpose-Driven

For those coming from the private sector, these roles offer something different: a chance to lead with purpose. To leave a legacy. To shape places that people will live in, work in, and belong to.

It’s not always easy. The environments are fast-moving, the politics are live, and the expectations are high. But for the right person, it’s a once-in-a-career opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact.

DevCo NED roles offer a unique challenge:

• Embrace public value and long-term outcomes
• Navigate uncertainty and complexity
• Contribute to legacy-defining projects

Final Thoughts

My colleagues and I at Tile Hill are actively partnering with local authorities to build diverse, high-impact boards with real grip and vision. We are always looking to connect with people who want to lead with purpose and are interesting in exploring NED roles in DevCos. If that's you, you can easily see my real-time availability and scheduled a time to speak with me here, or with my colleague Liam Young.