Board training and development

National Grid aims to ensure that all its Directors receive up-to-date information about the Group’s operations. Director attendance at meetings is monitored to make sure that Board members do not miss key visits and presentations. Board members are also encouraged to attend external courses where they feel that this will keep them updated on issues or will improve their effectiveness as a Director. Attendance at external courses is one issue raised when the Chairman holds his one-to-one meetings with each Director as part of the Board effectiveness process.

Continued attention is also given to the development programmes put in place for each of the Executive Directors. These programmes were established following in-depth personal appraisals with the assistance of external specialists. The development programmes include external and internal mentoring support, attendance at relevant business schools and experience of other boardrooms through serving as non-executive directors.

Particular attention is given to newly appointed Directors. Following appointment, materials and presentations are provided as an induction to the Company and its businesses and detailed information relating to the operation and management of the Board is supplied. Following his appointment in May 2005, John Allan attended a number of meetings with Executive Directors and senior managers from both Corporate Centre functions and various businesses within the Group. Site visits were also arranged to familiarise him with the Group, aiming to equip him to participate more effectively in Board meetings.