Introduction

In today's dynamic corporate landscape, Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) play a pivotal role in ensuring robust corporate governance, providing strategic oversight, and safeguarding long-term stakeholder value. Their independent perspective, diverse expertise, and objective challenge are critical for effective board functioning and organizational resilience. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring NEDs with the essential frameworks and practical skills to excel in their unique and vital responsibilities.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of governance best practices, master strategic challenge, and enhance their capacity for effective risk oversight and ethical leadership. You will learn to navigate complex boardroom dynamics, contribute meaningfully to strategic decision-making, and uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability. By mastering these critical competencies, you will amplify your impact as a Non-Executive Director and confidently guide organizations towards sustainable success.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Current Non-Executive Directors (NEDs)
• Aspiring Non-Executive Directors
• Senior Executives preparing for board roles
• Company Secretaries
• Governance Professionals
• Legal Counsel advising boards
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• Chief Risk Officers (CROs)
• Investor Relations Professionals
• Consultants specializing in corporate governance

Objectives

• Understand the distinct roles and responsibilities of Non-Executive Directors.
• Master strategic oversight and effective challenge of executive management.
• Develop advanced skills in board-level decision-making and risk governance.
• Enhance financial literacy and the ability to interpret complex corporate performance.
• Cultivate effective boardroom dynamics and communication.
• Learn to navigate ethical dilemmas and ensure corporate integrity from an NED perspective.
• Understand the principles of stakeholder engagement and corporate social responsibility.
• Develop strategies for board effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Create a personalized action plan for impactful Non-Executive Director leadership.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Role and Responsibilities of a Non-Executive Director

• Defining the unique legal and fiduciary duties of NEDs.
• Understanding the distinction between oversight and management.
• Exploring the value proposition of independent directors.
• Navigating the relationship between the board, executive management, and shareholders.
• Case studies of NED impact and accountability.

Module 2: Strategic Oversight and Effective Challenge

• The NED's role in critically evaluating and shaping organizational strategy.
• Techniques for asking insightful questions and providing constructive challenge.
• Monitoring strategic execution and performance from an independent viewpoint.
• Contributing to long-term value creation and sustainable growth.
• Aligning board decisions with stakeholder interests.

Module 3: Financial Acumen and Performance Governance

• Key financial statements and metrics essential for NED oversight.
• Understanding financial reporting standards, audit processes, and internal controls.
• Evaluating corporate financial health, capital allocation, and investment decisions.
• Identifying red flags and ensuring financial transparency.
• The NED's role in executive remuneration oversight.

Module 4: Risk Governance and Crisis Preparedness

• Understanding the board's role in enterprise risk management (ERM).
• Identifying and assessing strategic, operational, financial, and reputational risks.
• Overseeing cybersecurity governance and data privacy.
• The NED's contribution to crisis preparedness and response.
• Ensuring robust internal controls and compliance frameworks.

Module 5: Boardroom Dynamics and Communication

• Fostering a culture of open dialogue, trust, and psychological safety in the boardroom.
• Techniques for effective participation and influence in board meetings.
• Managing conflict and dissenting opinions constructively.
• The importance of independent judgment and collective decision-making.
• Building effective working relationships with fellow directors and the Chair.

Module 6: Ethical Leadership and Integrity from an NED Perspective

• Upholding the highest ethical standards in board conduct and decisions.
• Navigating conflicts of interest and related-party transactions.
• The NED's role in fostering an ethical organizational culture.
• Overseeing compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies.
• Championing whistleblowing policies and protecting ethical conduct.

Module 7: Board Effectiveness and Continuous Development

• Understanding board evaluation processes and continuous improvement.
• Strategies for personal development as an effective NED.
• Building a strong network of fellow directors and governance professionals.
• The importance of ongoing learning about industry trends and governance best practices.
• Creating a personalized action plan for sustained impact as a Non-Executive Director.

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.