In an era of heightened public scrutiny and stakeholder expectations, a company's success is inextricably linked to the integrity of its governance. This training course is meticulously designed to equip board members, executives, and senior leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational principles of ethical governance and their critical responsibilities in guiding the organization. We will move beyond a superficial understanding of compliance to a deep dive into building a culture of trust and accountability, exploring how robust oversight and ethical leadership can not only mitigate risk but also drive long-term corporate performance and sustainable value creation. This program is an essential resource for professionals committed to upholding the highest standards of probity and institutional excellence.

This intensive five-day program provides a strategic and practical look at the modern board's role. Participants will learn how to navigate complex decision-making processes, manage potential conflicts of interest, and effectively oversee risk in a rapidly changing environment. Through a combination of interactive case studies, expert-led discussions, and practical exercises, attendees will develop the confidence and expertise to lead with authority and purpose. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to act as a catalyst for change, building a dynamic organization that can outmaneuver the competition and shape a more resilient and responsible future.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Members of the board of directors
• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and executive directors
• Corporate secretaries and governance professionals
• Senior vice presidents and general managers
• Heads of legal, compliance, and risk management
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• High-potential future leaders
• Internal auditors and inspectors
• Investors and portfolio managers
• Strategic planners and policy advisors

Objectives:

• Grasp the core principles of ethical governance and the board's fiduciary duties
• Formulate a framework for building a culture of integrity and accountability
• Analyze and interpret a company's legal and regulatory obligations
• Develop a strategy for identifying and managing conflicts of interest
• Apply best practices for board structure, composition, and succession planning
• Assess and mitigate corporate risks, including financial and reputational threats
• Interpret key performance indicators to measure board effectiveness
• Apply lessons from global case studies to inform strategic decisions
• Build a personal action plan for enhancing your leadership in governance

Course Modules: Module 1: Foundations of Corporate Governance

• The distinction between governance, management, and leadership
• The historical evolution of corporate governance frameworks
• The legal and ethical duties of a director
• Understanding the key components of a robust governance model
• The impact of a well-defined framework on trust and performance

Module 2: The Board's Strategic Role

• The role of the board in setting corporate strategy and vision
• The distinction between strategy formulation and operational execution
• The importance of a clear and compelling sustainability roadmap
• The board's role in overseeing mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures
• Engaging with executive management on strategic priorities

Module 3: Ethical Leadership and Culture

• The board's role in establishing and monitoring corporate culture
• The importance of tone from the top and modeling ethical behavior
• Developing and enforcing a company-wide code of conduct
• The role of a leader in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Managing a team through uncertainty and disruption

Module 4: Risk Oversight and Management

• The board's responsibility for enterprise risk management (ERM)
• Identifying and assessing strategic, operational, and financial risks
• The role of a risk committee and its reporting to the full board
• Oversight of cybersecurity and data privacy risks
• Managing a crisis and its impact on the board's reputation

Module 5: Financial Stewardship and Reporting

• The board's oversight of financial reporting and audit functions
• The role of the audit committee and its relationship with external auditors
• Ensuring the integrity and transparency of financial statements
• Understanding key financial metrics and their implications for strategy
• Communicating effectively with investors and regulators

Module 6: Stakeholder Relations and Communication

• The board's role in engaging with key stakeholders, including shareholders and employees
• The principles of transparent and consistent communication
• Navigating activist investors and proxy battles
• The board's role in public relations and crisis communication
• The importance of building and maintaining community trust

Module 7: Board Effectiveness and Evaluation

• The principles of board self-evaluation and peer review
• Best practices for board meeting agendas and processes
• The importance of a well-defined committee structure
• The role of an independent board chairman vs. a lead director
• Succession planning for both the CEO and the board

Module 8: Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• The legal and regulatory landscape of corporate governance
• The role of the board in ensuring compliance with local and international law
• Understanding anti-corruption and anti-bribery regulations
• Oversight of compliance programs and internal controls
• The role of a leader in navigating complex legal challenges

Module 9: The Future of Governance

• The impact of technology and digital transformation on governance
• The board's role in overseeing ESG and sustainability
• The rise of stakeholder capitalism and its implications
• The challenges of board diversity and recruitment
• A strategic roadmap for continuous improvement in 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.