Foundation History

The Foundation for Governance Research and Education was founded in 2002 by Dr John Mellor. Established as a not for profit company limited by guarantee; it was formerly known as the Foundation for Independent Directors.

The Foundation's roots lie in the Non Executive Director's Forum, a development programme for non executive directors devised and directed by Dr John Mellor. The programme, sponsored by NatWest Bank and Exeter University and supported by a group of institutional investors, ran successfully over five years with the help of a faculty or senior figures from business, the City and the professions.

In 2003 the Foundation established its first association with a business school, namely Bristol Business School (part of the University of the West of England).

In 2007 the decision was taken by the board of directors to register the Foundation as a charity and the company was granted charitable status on 14th May 2008.

A company limited by guarantee No. 4396150 and Registered Charity No. 1124053 ( England and Wales )