258 non-executive directors share their views on Life in the Boardroom

Less than half of non-executive directors say they receive timely and adequate management information; yet 79% feel that their Boards are fully effective. These are just two of the key findings from the 2020 Life in the Boardroom survey report, published by MM&K.

Life in the Boardroom is unique insofar as data is collected direct from individual directors, not from company staff or published media, such as annual reports and accounts. Data for the 2020 report was collected and analysed towards the end of 2019. The survey is published biennially and we will start the process of inviting participants and collecting data for the 2022 report next year.

The survey is extensive. 258 individual directors representing 517 appointments (of which 210 are Board Chairs) contributed data for the 2020 report. The range of companies represented is correspondingly extensive:

Directors from 15 industry groupings participated. Financial services; IT, media and telecoms; support services; aerospace, manufacturing and construction are the most widely represented sectors.

In addition to information about fees and fee movements, the 2020 Life in the Boardroom report includes data on share ownership, time commitments and the activities on which time is spent. It also contains insights into individual directors’ views about Board appointment practices, Board effectiveness, development and evaluation and governance (including engagement with shareholders and proxy agents, executive remuneration and the consideration of ESG factors). Life in the Boardroom is able to include these insights because we collect data direct from individual directors.

The 2020 Life in the Boardroom survey report is now available. In return for providing their data, each participating director receives a complimentary copy. Non-participants and companies can purchase a printed copy of the report.

To purchase a copy of the 2020 Life in the Boardroom survey report, please click here

For further information about Life in the Boardroom, please contact Margarita Skripina or Paul Norris.

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