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Safeguarding The Cooperative: Internal Control And Governance For Sacco Boards Training Course in Australia

Introduction

Effective Internal Control and Governance for SACCO Boards are the twin pillars upon which the sustainability, integrity, and member trust of any Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO) are built. In an increasingly complex financial environment, strong governance provides the strategic direction and oversight necessary to navigate risks, ensure compliance, and align operations with the SACCO's mission. Complementing this, robust internal controls act as the operational safeguards, designed to protect assets, ensure the accuracy of financial reporting, prevent fraud and errors, and promote efficiency across all functional areas. Without a clear understanding and diligent implementation of these principles by the board, SACCOs are vulnerable to financial mismanagement, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and a severe erosion of member confidence. This integrated approach ensures accountability at all levels, fostering transparency and ethical conduct critical for the long-term viability of member-owned institutions. Without prioritizing comprehensive Internal Control and Governance for SACCO Boards, these vital institutions risk undermining their operational integrity, jeopardizing member investments, and failing to achieve their strategic and social objectives, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain. This comprehensive training course focuses on equipping professionals with the expertise to master Internal Control and Governance for SACCO Boards.

This training course is meticulously designed to empower SACCO board members, supervisory committee members, audit committee members, senior management, and internal auditors with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to establish, maintain, and oversee effective Internal Control and Governance frameworks within SACCOs. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance principles, learn about the COSO framework for internal control, explore methodologies for risk assessment and fraud prevention, and acquire hands-on experience in reviewing financial reports, conducting board evaluations, and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability. The course will delve into topics such as the role of the board in oversight, committee structures and responsibilities, ethical leadership, conflicts of interest, financial reporting oversight, operational controls, regulatory compliance, and the crucial aspects of fostering a robust control environment and promoting transparency. By mastering the principles and practical application of Internal Control and Governance for SACCO Boards, participants will be prepared to enhance the SACCO's resilience, safeguard member assets, ensure regulatory adherence, and contribute significantly to the long-term health and growth of their cooperative institution.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

  • SACCO Board Members
  • Supervisory Committee Members
  • Audit Committee Members
  • SACCO Senior Management (CEO, General Manager, Departmental Heads)
  • Internal Auditors
  • Compliance Officers
  • Risk Managers
  • Legal Advisors to SACCOs
  • Aspiring Board Members
  • Financial Regulators and Oversight Bodies

Objectives

  • Understand the principles of good governance and their application in SACCOs.
  • Learn about the roles and responsibilities of the Board in oversight, strategy, and internal control.
  • Acquire skills in establishing an effective internal control environment based on international frameworks.
  • Comprehend techniques for identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational and financial risks.
  • Explore strategies for ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Understand the importance of financial oversight, reporting integrity, and audit processes.
  • Gain insights into ethical conduct, conflicts of interest, and accountability mechanisms.
  • Develop a practical understanding of board self-evaluation and continuous improvement in governance.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of SACCO Governance

  • Definition and principles of good governance (transparency, accountability, responsibility, fairness).
  • The unique governance structure of SACCOs as member-owned entities.
  • Role of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and delegates.
  • Legal and regulatory framework governing SACCOs (overview of relevant acts and regulations).
  • Benefits of strong governance for SACCO sustainability and member trust.

Module 2: The Role and Responsibilities of the SACCO Board

  • Strategic oversight: guiding the SACCO's mission, vision, and long-term goals.
  • Fiduciary duties: safeguarding member assets and ensuring financial soundness.
  • Oversight of management: setting expectations and monitoring performance.
  • Board composition, diversity, and independence.
  • Board committees: Audit, Credit, Finance, Education, Nomination, and their responsibilities.

Module 3: Internal Control Environment and the COSO Framework

  • Definition and purpose of internal controls.
  • The COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission) Internal Control — Integrated Framework.
  • Components of internal control: control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information & communication, monitoring activities.
  • Establishing a strong "tone at the top" and ethical culture.
  • The board's role in fostering a robust control environment.

Module 4: Risk Management and Assessment for the Board

  • Understanding different types of risks faced by SACCOs (credit, operational, liquidity, fraud, compliance, reputational).
  • The board's role in setting risk appetite and risk tolerance.
  • Overview of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) for SACCOs.
  • Risk assessment methodologies and tools for board-level oversight.
  • Developing risk mitigation strategies and monitoring risk exposure.

Module 5: Control Activities and Operational Safeguards

  • Key control activities in SACCO operations: segregation of duties, authorizations, reconciliations.
  • Controls over financial reporting and accounting processes.
  • Operational controls: loan disbursement, deposit collection, member onboarding.
  • IT controls and cybersecurity safeguards.
  • Preventing fraud and errors through effective controls.

Module 6: Information, Communication, and Financial Oversight

  • Importance of timely, accurate, and relevant information for board decision-making.
  • Effective communication channels within the SACCO and with stakeholders.
  • Board's role in overseeing financial reporting integrity.
  • Understanding financial statements and key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Interaction with internal and external auditors.

Module 7: Compliance, Ethics, and Accountability

  • Navigating regulatory compliance requirements for SACCOs.
  • Establishing and enforcing a robust code of ethics for board members and staff.
  • Identifying and managing conflicts of interest.
  • Whistleblower protection policies.
  • Accountability mechanisms for board members and management.

Module 8: Board Performance and Continuous Improvement

  • Board self-evaluation processes and best practices.
  • Director training and continuous professional development.
  • Succession planning for board members and senior management.
  • Leveraging internal audit findings and supervisory committee reports for improvement.
  • Adapting governance practices to evolving industry trends and member needs.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.

Course Schedule
Dates Fees Location Apply
04/08/2025 - 08/08/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
11/08/2025 - 15/08/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
11/08/2025 - 15/08/2025 $1750 Mombasa, Kenya
18/08/2025 - 22/08/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
25/08/2025 - 29/08/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
01/09/2025 - 05/09/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
08/09/2025 - 12/09/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
08/09/2025 - 12/09/2025 $3500 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
15/09/2025 - 19/09/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
22/09/2025 - 26/09/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
06/10/2025 - 10/10/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 $3000 Kigali, Rwanda
20/10/2025 - 24/10/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
03/11/2025 - 07/11/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
10/11/2025 - 14/11/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
10/11/2025 - 14/11/2025 $1750 Mombasa, Kenya
17/11/2025 - 21/11/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
24/11/2025 - 28/11/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
01/12/2025 - 05/12/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
08/12/2025 - 12/12/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
15/12/2025 - 19/12/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
05/01/2026 - 09/01/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
12/01/2026 - 16/01/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
19/01/2026 - 23/01/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
26/01/2026 - 30/01/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
02/02/2026 - 06/02/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
09/02/2026 - 13/02/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
16/02/2026 - 20/02/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
23/02/2026 - 27/02/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
02/03/2026 - 06/03/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
09/03/2026 - 13/03/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
09/03/2026 - 13/03/2026 $3000 Kigali, Rwanda
16/03/2026 - 20/03/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
23/03/2026 - 27/03/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
06/04/2026 - 10/04/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
13/04/2026 - 17/04/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
13/04/2026 - 17/04/2026 $1750 Mombasa, Kenya
20/04/2026 - 24/04/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
04/05/2026 - 08/05/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
11/05/2026 - 15/05/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
11/05/2026 - 15/05/2026 $4500 Dubai, UAE
18/05/2026 - 22/05/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
25/05/2026 - 29/05/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya