In an era of increasing stakeholder scrutiny and complex global markets, board diversity and robust corporate governance are no longer optional—they are critical drivers of long-term success. A diverse and well-governed board brings a wider range of perspectives to the table, leading to more informed decision-making, enhanced innovation, and stronger stakeholder trust. This intensive training course is designed for current and aspiring board members, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to build and lead a board that is not only compliant and effective but also forward-thinking and resilient in the face of modern challenges.

This program provides a comprehensive deep dive into the legal, ethical, and strategic dimensions of effective board leadership. Participants will explore how to move beyond traditional governance models to embrace an inclusive and dynamic approach that maximizes a board's impact and shareholder value. We will cover everything from fiduciary duties and risk oversight to the practical steps of building a diverse talent pipeline and fostering a collaborative board culture. By the end of this course, you will be prepared to contribute to a board that is a true source of competitive advantage for its organization.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Current and Aspiring Board Members
• C-Suite Executives and Senior Leaders
• Corporate Secretaries and Governance Professionals
• General Counsel and Legal Officers
• Ethics and Compliance Officers
• Investors and Shareholder Activists
• Human Resources Leaders
• Consultants and Advisors
• Founders and Entrepreneurs
• High-Potential Executives preparing for board roles

Objectives:

• Understand the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of a board director
• Articulate the strategic imperative and business case for board diversity
• Develop a framework for enhancing board effectiveness and performance
• Master best practices for board meeting preparation and participation
• Identify and mitigate key governance and enterprise risks
• Implement a robust and equitable board recruitment process
• Foster a culture of ethical leadership and accountability
• Evaluate and improve the performance of individual directors and the full board
• Create a personal action plan for impactful contributions to a board

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of Corporate Governance

• The roles and responsibilities of a board of directors
• Key governance principles and frameworks (e.g., OECD, King Code)
• The relationship between the board and management
• Understanding shareholder and stakeholder rights and engagement
• Examining the governance structures of different organizational types

Module 2: The Imperative of Board Diversity

• The business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion at the board level
• Exploring different dimensions of diversity (gender, ethnicity, age, professional background)
• Addressing the challenges and benefits of diverse perspectives
• Moving beyond tokenism to meaningful representation
• The impact of diversity on innovation, risk management, and profitability

Module 3: Legal and Fiduciary Responsibilities

• The duty of care and the duty of loyalty
• Understanding liability and director's and officer's insurance
• Key legal requirements and regulatory compliance (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley, Dodd-Frank)
• The role of the board in overseeing compliance and ethics programs
• Navigating conflicts of interest and related-party transactions

Module 4: Board Structure and Committees

• The importance of board independence and composition
• The roles and functions of key committees (audit, compensation, governance)
• Best practices for establishing and running effective committees
• The role of the board chair and lead independent director
• Considerations for public, private, and non-profit board structures

Module 5: Strategic Oversight and Risk Management

• The board's role in shaping and approving corporate strategy
• Understanding and overseeing enterprise risk management (ERM)
• The board's oversight of cybersecurity and data privacy
• Approving and monitoring capital allocation and M&A activities
• Crisis management and business continuity planning

Module 6: Board Recruitment and Succession Planning

• Developing a skills matrix and identifying competency gaps
• Creating a diverse and robust candidate pipeline
• The importance of comprehensive due diligence for new directors
• Effective onboarding programs for new board members
• Planning for CEO and board succession

Module 7: Effective Board Communication and Dynamics

• Best practices for preparing and presenting board materials
• Fostering open, respectful, and constructive debate
• The role of listening and questioning in effective governance
• Managing difficult conversations and dissent
• Enhancing collaboration and trust among board members

Module 8: Ethical Leadership and Corporate Culture

• The board's role in setting the tone from the top
• Overseeing and championing a strong ethical culture
• The importance of transparent disclosure and reporting
• Responding to ethical dilemmas and whistle-blower complaints
• The board's role in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) oversight

Module 9: Measuring and Improving Board Performance

• The process and benefits of board self-assessments
• Evaluating the performance of the full board, committees, and individual directors
• Using feedback to drive continuous improvement
• The role of board retreats and continuing education
• Creating a personal development plan for your board journey

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.