New director induction

The checklist below highlights the key information new directors need to help them understand their obligations and fulfil their responsibilities.

You can use this checklist to help you prepare a structured induction program, deciding when and how to provide all the required information. For example, you might want to ensure that key legal information is provided immediately on appointment. While some information can be provided in writing, an effective induction program is also likely to include discussions with the company secretary and/or the company's legal advisors.

The role of the director

• An introduction to the role and legal responsibilities of a director.
• What board committees, if any, the director will sit on (eg audit committee, nominations committee, remuneration committee, if the company is listed).
• Any special role or responsibilities the director will have (eg if non-executive directors hold separate meetings).
• Any related roles and responsibilities (eg involvement in relevant trade bodies).
• Any restrictions on outside interests (eg restrictions on taking up other directorships).
• Where and how to get advice if the director has any concerns.

Operation of the board

• The company's memorandum and articles of association, and what they say about the operation of the board.
• The composition of the board.
• Corporate governance issues (eg succession planning, separation of chief executive and chairman).
• Board committees, and what responsibilities have been delegated to them.
• Responsibilities delegated to individual directors and to the company secretary (eg company administrative duties).
• Responsibilities delegated to the chief executive or other company officers.
• Board procedures (eg circulation of documents prior to meetings, where meetings are held).
• Frequency of board meetings; meetings currently scheduled.
• Agenda for next meeting.
• Minutes of previous several meetings (and of any committees on which the director will sit).
• Details (eg brief CV and contact details) of other directors, and which committees they are on.
• Details of company secretary.

Business background

• Introduction to the company's history.
• The company's structure; any subsidiaries or joint ventures.
• Major events over the last few years.
• Company mission or vision and current business plan.
• Major elements of the company's business: key customers and markets, contracts, suppliers etc.
• Current performance of the business: financial position, budgets and management accounts, key performance indicators.
• Any significant litigation the company is involved in or may become involved in.
• Previous annual report and accounts (and any interim reports).
• Any other significant reports (eg if the company has conducted an environmental audit or a review of corporate social responsibility).
• Any supporting material (eg marketing brochures).

Running the business

• Key individuals (other than the board): senior executives, their roles and contact details; any other key individuals.
• Professional advisers and how they work with the board.
• Key policies and procedures: eg health and safety; environmental management; disaster recovery; dividend policy.
• Insurances in place, including any directors' and officers' liability insurance.

Shares and shareholders

• Documents relating to any general meetings over past three years (eg minutes).
• If the company is listed, an introduction to the Combined Code.
• Investor relations policy and responsibilities.
• Policy on directors' share ownership and share dealings; disclosure of price sensitive information.

Practical issues

• Premises layout and facilities (eg toilets, parking).
• Useful people and contact details.
• Any support services (eg secretarial).
• Issue of any company phone number, e-mail address.
• What expenses can be reclaimed and the procedure.

Executive role

• Any additional information required if the director will also be taking up a new executive role (eg key duties, personnel, etc).