Pension Fund Governance & Board Oversight: Enhance Pension Governance

Introduction:

Pension Fund Governance and Board Oversight equips professionals with the knowledge to strengthen governance practices and ensure effective board oversight. This course focuses on developing robust governance frameworks, understanding fiduciary duties, and implementing best practices for board operations. Participants will learn to analyze governance structures, manage conflicts of interest, and enhance transparency. By mastering pension fund governance, professionals can improve accountability and ensure the long-term sustainability of pension funds.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for professionals involved in pension fund governance, board oversight, and compliance. This includes Pension Fund Trustees, Board Members, Governance Officers, Compliance Officers, Legal Counsel, Risk Managers, Pension Fund Managers, Consultants, Auditors, and Regulatory Officials. These individuals require expertise in pension fund governance to effectively manage and oversee pension funds.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principles of effective pension fund governance.
• Analyze the role and responsibilities of pension fund boards.
• Develop and implement robust governance frameworks and policies.
• Understand and manage conflicts of interest in pension fund governance.
• Implement strategies for enhancing transparency and accountability.
• Understand the fiduciary duties and legal obligations of pension fund trustees.
• Develop strategies for effective board meetings and decision-making.
• Understand the role of risk management and compliance in governance.
• Implement techniques for evaluating board performance and effectiveness.
• Understand the impact of regulatory changes on pension fund governance.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Pension Fund Governance

• Overview of pension fund governance and its importance.
• Understanding the key stakeholders and their roles in governance.
• Introduction to the principles of effective governance and oversight.
• Setting the stage for developing robust governance frameworks.

Module 2: Principles of Effective Pension Fund Governance

• Analyzing the core principles of effective pension fund governance (transparency, accountability, integrity).
• Understanding the role of ethical conduct and best practices.
• Examining the impact of governance on fund performance and stakeholder trust.
• Developing a foundational understanding of governance principles.

Module 3: Role and Responsibilities of Pension Fund Boards

• Understanding the roles and responsibilities of pension fund boards.
• Analyzing the functions of board committees (audit, investment, governance).
• Examining the importance of board composition and diversity.
• Developing strategies for effective board operations.

Module 4: Developing Governance Frameworks and Policies

• Implementing techniques for developing robust governance frameworks and policies.
• Understanding the role of charters, codes of conduct, and conflict of interest policies.
• Analyzing the impact of policy implementation and monitoring.
• Developing strategies for creating and maintaining effective governance policies.

Module 5: Managing Conflicts of Interest

• Understanding the nature and impact of conflicts of interest.
• Analyzing the role of disclosure and recusal policies.
• Examining the importance of independent oversight and decision-making.
• Developing strategies for identifying and managing conflicts of interest.

Module 6: Enhancing Transparency and Accountability

• Implementing strategies for enhancing transparency and accountability.
• Understanding the role of reporting and disclosure requirements.
• Analyzing the impact of stakeholder engagement and communication.
• Developing techniques for improving transparency and accountability.

Module 7: Fiduciary Duties and Legal Obligations

• Understanding the fiduciary duties and legal obligations of pension fund trustees.
• Analyzing the impact of relevant laws and regulations (ERISA, local regulations).
• Examining the role of due diligence and prudent person standards.
• Developing strategies for ensuring compliance with fiduciary duties.

Module 8: Effective Board Meetings and Decision-Making

• Implementing strategies for effective board meetings and decision-making.
• Understanding the role of meeting agendas, minutes, and action items.
• Analyzing the impact of board dynamics and communication.
• Developing techniques for improving board meeting effectiveness.

Module 9: Risk Management and Compliance in Governance

• Understanding the role of risk management and compliance in governance.
• Analyzing the impact of operational, financial, and regulatory risks.
• Examining the role of internal controls and audits.
• Developing strategies for integrating risk management into governance.

Module 10: Evaluating Board Performance and Effectiveness

• Implementing techniques for evaluating board performance and effectiveness.
• Understanding the role of board self-assessments and peer reviews.
• Analyzing the impact of performance metrics and feedback.
• Developing strategies for improving board effectiveness.

Module 11: Impact of Regulatory Changes on Governance

• Understanding the impact of regulatory changes on pension fund governance.
• Analyzing the role of new regulations and reporting requirements.
• Examining the impact of evolving governance standards.
• Developing strategies for adapting to regulatory changes.

Module 12: Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Implementing strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and communication.
• Understanding the role of annual meetings and stakeholder surveys.
• Analyzing the impact of communication on stakeholder trust and confidence.
• Developing techniques for improving stakeholder relations.

Module 13: Technology and Data Governance

• Understanding the role of technology and data governance in pension funds.
• Analyzing the impact of cybersecurity and data privacy regulations.
• Examining the role of data analytics and reporting tools.
• Developing strategies for leveraging technology in governance.

Module 14: Case Studies and Best Practices in Pension Fund Governance

• Analyzing real-world case studies of successful pension fund governance.
• Learning from best practices across different pension funds and regions.
• Identifying key lessons learned and challenges in implementation.
• Discussing the role of innovation and adaptation.

Module 15: Future Trends and Action Planning for Pension Fund Governance

• Exploring emerging trends and opportunities in pension fund governance (ESG integration, AI-driven governance, enhanced transparency).
• Developing action plans for advancing governance practices within pension funds.
• Analyzing the role of individual and collective action.
• Understanding the importance of long-term commitment and continuous improvement.

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 5 working days before commencement of the training.