Introduction

In today's complex corporate landscape, robust ethical oversight by boards and their audit committees is paramount for safeguarding organizational integrity, ensuring financial transparency, and building unwavering stakeholder trust. As regulatory demands intensify and the spectrum of risks widens, these critical governance bodies are increasingly challenged to navigate intricate ethical dilemmas, detect misconduct, and champion a culture of accountability from the highest levels. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring board members and audit committee members with the essential frameworks and practical strategies to provide exemplary ethical oversight.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of ethical governance principles, master risk assessment methodologies, and refine their ability to lead with diligence and strategic foresight. You will learn to effectively challenge management, oversee internal controls, and ensure transparent communication regarding ethical health and compliance. By mastering these critical competencies, you will amplify your impact in the boardroom and confidently steer your organization towards a future of integrity, resilience, and sustained success.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Audit Committee Members
• Board Members (Executive and Non-Executive)
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• Chief Risk Officers (CROs)
• Heads of Internal Audit
• Compliance Officers
• Legal Counsel advising Boards
• Company Secretaries
• Ethics Officers
• Senior Executives preparing for Audit Committee or Board roles

Objectives

• Understand the core principles of ethical oversight by boards and audit committees.
• Develop a strategic mindset for integrating ethics into governance and risk management.
• Master techniques for identifying, assessing, and mitigating ethical and compliance risks.
• Learn to oversee internal controls and financial reporting with an ethical lens.
• Cultivate effective communication and collaboration with internal and external auditors.
• Enhance understanding of whistleblower protection and internal investigation processes.
• Understand relevant legal and regulatory frameworks for ethical governance.
• Develop strategies for fostering a culture of integrity and accountability.
• Create a personalized action plan for enhancing ethical oversight.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Board's & Audit Committee's Ethical Mandate

• Defining the ethical responsibilities and legal duties of boards and audit committees.
• Understanding the strategic importance of ethical oversight in modern governance.
• Exploring the relationship between ethics, reputation, and financial integrity.
• The role of leadership in setting the ethical tone at the top.
• Case studies of governance failures due to inadequate ethical oversight.

Module 2: Ethical Risk Identification and Assessment

• Techniques for proactively identifying ethical risks across the organization.
• Understanding common ethical blind spots and behavioral influences.
• Developing a systematic approach to assessing the severity and likelihood of ethical risks.
• Integrating ethical risk into the enterprise risk management (ERM) framework.
• The importance of continuous monitoring and horizon scanning for emerging ethical threats.

Module 3: Oversight of Internal Controls and Financial Integrity

• The audit committee's role in overseeing the design and effectiveness of internal controls.
• Ensuring the integrity of financial reporting and disclosures.
• Reviewing critical accounting policies, estimates, and judgments.
• Overseeing anti-fraud programs and controls.
• The board's responsibility for a robust control environment.

Module 4: Compliance Programs and Regulatory Ethics

• Understanding the board's and audit committee's role in overseeing compliance programs.
• Navigating key regulatory frameworks and their ethical implications.
• Ensuring adherence to anti-corruption, anti-bribery, and data privacy laws.
• The importance of a proactive approach to regulatory changes.
• Overseeing the effectiveness of the compliance function.

Module 5: Whistleblower Protection and Ethical Investigations

• The board's and audit committee's role in overseeing whistleblower policies.
• Ensuring robust protection mechanisms for those who report misconduct.
• Overseeing the process for conducting fair, impartial, and timely internal investigations.
• Understanding legal obligations for reporting misconduct to authorities.
• Learning from investigations to strengthen ethical controls and culture.

Module 6: Communication, Transparency, and Stakeholder Trust

• Strategies for transparently communicating ethical commitments and performance.
• The board's role in building and maintaining trust with all stakeholders.
• Effective communication with internal audit, external audit, and management.
• Reporting on ethical risks and compliance status to the full board and shareholders.
• Managing reputational risks arising from ethical issues.

Module 7: Fostering a Culture of Integrity and Accountability

• Strategies for embedding ethical values throughout the organization from the top.
• Promoting psychological safety to encourage speaking up without fear.
• The role of leadership in modeling ethical behavior and accountability.
• Continuous learning and professional development for directors on ethical topics.
• Creating a personalized action plan for championing ethical oversight and governance.

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 7 working days before commencement of the training.