Introduction

In today's dynamic corporate landscape, effective corporate governance and proactive shareholder engagement are paramount for fostering long-term value creation, ensuring accountability, and building unwavering investor trust. As shareholder activism grows and demands for transparency intensify, leaders must navigate complex relationships, communicate strategic decisions with clarity, and respond effectively to investor concerns. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring board members, senior executives, and governance professionals with the essential frameworks and practical strategies to excel in managing these critical relationships.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of shareholder rights, master investor relations best practices, and refine their ability to lead with integrity and strategic foresight in a publicly scrutinized environment. You will learn to prepare for general meetings, engage with institutional investors, and ensure that board decisions reflect a balanced consideration of all stakeholder interests. By mastering these critical competencies, you will enhance your capacity to protect your organization's reputation, attract capital, and drive sustainable success.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Board Members (Executive and Non-Executive)
• Company Secretaries
• Investor Relations Professionals
• Senior Executives (CEOs, CFOs, GCs)
• Governance Professionals
• Legal Counsel
• Compliance Officers
• Public Relations and Communications Managers
• Aspiring Leaders in Publicly Traded Companies
• Consultants specializing in Corporate Governance

Objectives

• Understand the foundational principles of corporate governance and shareholder rights.
• Develop a strategic mindset for effective shareholder engagement.
• Master techniques for preparing for and managing general meetings.
• Learn to communicate corporate strategy and performance transparently to investors.
• Cultivate skills in managing shareholder activism and dissent.
• Enhance understanding of proxy advisory firms and their influence.
• Understand the role of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) in investor relations.
• Develop strategies for building long-term trust and relationships with shareholders.
• Create a personalized action plan for strengthening shareholder engagement.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Corporate Governance & Shareholder Rights

• Defining corporate governance and its core principles.
• Understanding the legal and regulatory framework of shareholder rights.
• Exploring different types of shareholders and their interests.
• The balance of power between the board, management, and shareholders.
• Case studies of shareholder influence on corporate decisions.

Module 2: The Strategic Imperative of Shareholder Engagement

• Understanding why proactive shareholder engagement is crucial for long-term value.
• Exploring the benefits of strong investor relations: capital attraction, reputation, stability.
• Identifying key shareholder segments and their engagement preferences.
• Developing a strategic engagement plan aligned with corporate objectives.
• The impact of shareholder activism on corporate strategy.

Module 3: Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and General Meetings

• Legal and procedural requirements for AGMs and EGMs.
• Best practices for preparing board and management for general meetings.
• Strategies for effective communication during and after meetings.
• Managing shareholder questions, resolutions, and proxy votes.
• Leveraging technology for virtual or hybrid general meetings.

Module 4: Investor Relations and Communication

• Developing a comprehensive investor relations strategy.
• Crafting compelling investor presentations and financial reports.
• Communicating corporate strategy, performance, and outlook transparently.
• Managing analyst and media relations effectively.
• Building a consistent and credible investor narrative.

Module 5: Managing Shareholder Activism and Dissent

• Identifying the drivers and tactics of shareholder activism.
• Strategies for proactive engagement to prevent or mitigate activism.
• Preparing for proxy contests and hostile takeovers.
• Communicating with dissenting shareholders and building consensus.
• The role of legal and financial advisors in activist situations.

Module 6: ESG and Shareholder Stewardship

• Understanding the growing importance of ESG factors for institutional investors.
• How ESG performance influences investment decisions and shareholder engagement.
• Communicating your organization's ESG strategy and impact.
• Responding to shareholder proposals related to ESG.
• The role of proxy advisory firms (e.g., ISS, Glass Lewis) in voting recommendations.

Module 7: Building Long-Term Shareholder Trust and Value

• Strategies for fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
• The importance of consistent governance practices over time.
• Measuring the effectiveness of shareholder engagement initiatives.
• Continuous learning and adaptation to evolving investor expectations.
• Creating a personalized action plan for enhancing corporate governance and shareholder engagement.

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.