Our Approach
A board that renews itself well has a significant advantage. Getting succession right — in terms of both timing and the profile of the person brought in — is one of the most consequential decisions a board makes, and one where an independent perspective adds real value.
We work alongside the Chair and Senior Independent Director from the outset, beginning with an honest assessment of the current board’s skills, experience, diversity and tenure set against the organisation’s strategy. This tells us where the board needs to strengthen — in specific expertise, in perspective, or in both. We then work with the Chair and Company Secretary to define the role in terms of what the board actually needs rather than what it has always had. We provide an independent view on candidates throughout the assessment process, and support the incoming director through the early months of their tenure to help them contribute effectively from the outset.
Succession is often treated as a reactive process, triggered by a departure. We help boards take a more considered approach — one that anticipates future needs, reduces the risk of a poor appointment, and ensures that each new director strengthens the board as a whole.
Done well, succession is not just about filling a vacancy. It is about building the board the organisation needs for the future.
Our Other Services
Board Reviews
Combining practical experience with deep knowledge of governance codes to help boards understand how they are working and where
they can improve.
- Independent and non-attributable review process
- Tailored for FTSE, regulated and growth organisations
- Practical recommendations with measurable impact
- Focused on governance, culture and board dynamics
- Supporting stronger leadership and strategic decision-making
Board Coaching
Working with individual Chairs, Directors and Committee Chairs to develop their effectiveness and work through the challenges of board life.
- Tailored coaching for chairs, executives and non-executive directors
- Strengthening leadership confidence and boardroom presence
- Improving communication, collaboration and strategic thinking
- Supporting leadership transitions and new board appointments
- Enhancing board dynamics and decision-making effectiveness
Our Insights
Browse our latest articles, perspectives and commentary designed to support stronger decision-making and long-term organisational success.
Sean O’Hare of Boardroom Dialogue undertook the last external board effectiveness review of St James’s Place. He spent considerable time with us, conducting face to face interviews with all board members and with members of the senior management team. The process was well organised and thorough and met our objectives. Sean provided some practical recommendations on the operation of the board which have been helpful. In particular, board members valued the direct 1:1 feedback Sean provided (at their request) which provided additional resource to the benefit of the board as a whole.
– Sarah Bates, Chair (St James’s Place)
I worked closely with Sean O’Hare for the external review and effectiveness of the board of CVC Income & Growth. Sean was able to work very swiftly and efficiently. He provided a detailed and comprehensive report that the board found very useful. The feedback received by each director was very positive as an overall experience, with a deep technical knowledge and a sharp attention to details. I highly recommend Sean to carry out independent board assessments.
– Stephanie Carbonneil, Chair (Nomination and Remuneration Committee of CVC Income & Growth Ltd)
I thought it went well and I look forward to seeing the actions progressed over the course of the next few months. I have done this sort of review twice before and the added value probably is more pronounced with Boards where there is some issue to sort out – I think Octopus is in a healthy place so perhaps the impact is less but nevertheless it has been a good process to go through and will help us be organised for the future.
– Audrey McNair, Senior Independent Director (Octopus Renewables Infrastructure Trust plc)































