Independent non-executive directors have a vital role to perform on the board and an important contribution to make to the proper running of companies. The growing expectations placed on them have created a need to address several areas of concern in order to maximise their effectiveness. The Independent Director offers advice and guidance to directors of all types and sizes of companies in understanding the role and contribution of the non-executive director. The different perspectives of small and medium-sized companies, PLCs and institutional investors are highlighted and particular attention paid to the definition and maintenance of the independence of non-executive directors. This book marks the beginning of the wider Independent Director initiative by Ernst and Young and the institute of Directors, which focuses on the role, interests and needs of non-executive directors.