Business Details
22 Years
experience
Expert Non-Executive Director Recruitment Specialists
First Flight is a specialist Chair and Non-Executive Director search firm established in 2004. As the only UK search firm solely dedicated to providing Chairs, Non-Executives, Trustees, and Advisory Board Members, we combine 20 years of industry-specific expertise with a tailored approach to board composition. Our clients range from FTSE Small Cap and AIM-listed companies to private equity-backed firms, family businesses, and charitable organizations. We prioritize board independence, diversity, and effectiveness through a rigorous six-step search process that identifies candidates with the exact skills, experience, and time availability required. With a proven track record in placing high-calibre professionals across financial services, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, we leverage our extensive network and partnerships to deliver candidates who have demonstrable success in governance and strategic leadership.Our services extend beyond placement, offering board skills audits, succession planning, and remuneration advice that align with both the UK Corporate Governance Code and the QCA Code. Client testimonials highlight our ability to transform board dynamics through candidates who bring technical expertise, commercial acumen, and cultural alignment. We maintain strict confidentiality and transparency throughout our process, ensuring clients receive candidates who meet 100% of their specified criteria.
Services
Non-Executive Director Search
Chair Search Services
Board Skills Analysis
Succession Planning
Remuneration Advice
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We have 20 years of experience in Non-Executive Director recruitment
- We provide candidates with proven governance expertise across multiple sectors
- Our searches focus on independence, diversity, and board effectiveness
- We offer tailored board skills audits and succession planning
- We guarantee 100% criteria match for candidate specifications
What people say
High calibre appointments
Improved board effectiveness
Excellent candidates
Strong governance skills
Successful placements
Services
Non-Executive Director Search
We specialize in sourcing qualified Non-Executive Directors matched to specific board requirements. Our candidates bring governance expertise and strategic insight to organisations across multiple sectors. The search process focuses on skills alignment, cultural fit, and board effectiveness.
Chair Search Services
Our Chair search service identifies experienced board leaders with proven track records. We prioritise candidates who demonstrate strong governance capabilities and the ability to guide strategic decision-making. Clients benefit from our extensive network of executive leadership professionals.
Board Skills Analysis
We conduct comprehensive evaluations of board competencies to identify skills gaps. This analysis informs targeted recruitment strategies that enhance board effectiveness. The process includes reviewing existing board composition against strategic objectives and governance requirements.
Succession Planning
Our succession planning service ensures continuity in board leadership. We develop tailored strategies that address future skills requirements while maintaining governance standards. This includes identifying potential board candidates and creating development pathways for existing directors.
Remuneration Advice
We provide expert guidance on Non-Executive Director compensation structures. Our advice considers market benchmarks and organisational requirements while ensuring compliance with governance codes. Clients receive tailored remuneration frameworks that attract qualified board candidates.
Questions
What is your Non-Executive Director search process?
Our six-step process includes requirement analysis, candidate identification, skills matching, interview coordination, reference checks, and final shortlisting with detailed evaluation reports.
Which industry sectors do you cover?
We work across financial services, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, private equity, and not-for-profit sectors with specialists in AIM-listed companies and governance requirements.
How do you ensure board diversity?
We actively seek candidates with diverse skills, backgrounds, and perspectives while maintaining strict compliance with clients' selection criteria for governance effectiveness.
What support do you provide after placement?
We offer post-appointment guidance including board integration support and ongoing governance advisory services based on clients' specific requirements.
Can you help with board skills audits?
Yes, we conduct comprehensive skills analyses to identify governance gaps and develop targeted recruitment strategies aligned with organisational objectives.
