Introduction

In today's complex corporate landscape, the Company Secretary plays an increasingly pivotal and strategic role, serving as the guardian of corporate governance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and facilitating effective board operations. Beyond administrative duties, this critical function acts as a trusted advisor to the board and management, navigating intricate legal frameworks and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring Company Secretaries and governance professionals with the essential frameworks and practical skills to excel in this multifaceted and high-impact position.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of governance best practices, master board effectiveness strategies, and refine their ability to lead with integrity and strategic insight. You will learn to manage complex board meetings, advise on ethical dilemmas, and ensure seamless communication between the board, shareholders, and regulators. By mastering these critical competencies, you will enhance your capacity to champion robust governance, mitigate risks, and contribute significantly to your organization's long-term resilience and success.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Company Secretaries
• Assistant Company Secretaries
• Governance Professionals
• Legal Counsel
• Compliance Officers
• Board Administrators
• Senior Executives interacting with the Board
• Aspiring Governance Professionals
• Risk Management Professionals
• Internal Auditors

Objectives

• Understand the evolving strategic role and responsibilities of the Company Secretary.
• Master best practices in corporate governance and compliance.
• Develop advanced skills in board meeting management and facilitation.
• Learn to advise the board on legal, regulatory, and ethical matters.
• Cultivate effective communication and relationship management with stakeholders.
• Enhance skills in risk management and internal controls from a governance perspective.
• Understand the role of the Company Secretary in promoting board effectiveness.
• Develop strategies for managing shareholder relations and general meetings.
• Create a personalized action plan for excellence as a Company Secretary.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Evolving Role of the Company Secretary

• Defining the statutory and strategic duties of the Company Secretary.
• Understanding the Company Secretary as a guardian of good governance.
• Exploring the transition from administrative to advisory and strategic roles.
• The importance of independence and professional ethics.
• Current trends and future challenges for Company Secretaries.

Module 2: Foundations of Corporate Governance

• Key principles of corporate governance and their application.
• Understanding legal and regulatory frameworks governing companies.
• The roles and responsibilities of the board of directors and committees.
• Board composition, diversity, and independence.
• Assessing governance effectiveness within an organization.

Module 3: Board Meeting Management and Effectiveness

• Best practices for planning, preparing, and conducting board meetings.
• Drafting effective agendas, minutes, and board papers.
• Techniques for facilitating productive discussions and decision-making.
• Ensuring compliance with meeting procedures and corporate resolutions.
• Leveraging technology for efficient board management.

Module 4: Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Advisory

• Understanding key corporate laws and regulations relevant to governance.
• Advising the board on compliance with listing rules and statutory obligations.
• The Company Secretary's role in managing legal and regulatory risks.
• Data protection, privacy, and cybersecurity compliance.
• Staying updated with evolving governance standards.

Module 5: Shareholder Relations and General Meetings

• Managing effective communication with shareholders and investors.
• Planning and conducting Annual General Meetings (AGMs) and Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs).
• Understanding shareholder rights and activism.
• Proxy solicitation and voting procedures.
• Resolving shareholder disputes and inquiries.

Module 6: Risk Management and Internal Controls

• The Company Secretary's role in enterprise risk management (ERM).
• Understanding internal control frameworks and their implementation.
• Ensuring compliance with anti-bribery and corruption policies.
• Overseeing whistleblower protection mechanisms.
• Contributing to the organization's overall risk culture.

Module 7: Personal Effectiveness and Strategic Impact

• Developing strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Building effective relationships with the board, management, and external stakeholders.
• Cultivating emotional intelligence and resilience in a demanding role.
• Continuous professional development and ethical conduct.
• Creating a personalized action plan for career advancement and strategic impact as a Company Secretary.

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.