Introduction

In today's dynamic corporate landscape, rigorous board evaluations and a relentless focus on governance effectiveness are paramount for ensuring strategic oversight, fostering accountability, and driving sustainable organizational performance. Boards are increasingly challenged to adapt to evolving market demands, navigate complex risks, and demonstrate their value to stakeholders, necessitating continuous improvement in their composition, dynamics, and processes. 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 conduct impactful evaluations and elevate overall board performance.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of board assessment methodologies, master performance improvement strategies, and refine their ability to lead with diligence and strategic insight. You will learn to identify areas for board development, implement effective feedback mechanisms, and foster a culture of continuous learning and accountability within the boardroom. By mastering these critical competencies, you will amplify your impact in governance and confidently steer your organization towards a future of enhanced effectiveness and enduring trust.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Board Members (Executive and Non-Executive)
• Company Directors
• Corporate Secretaries
• Governance Professionals
• Human Resources Professionals involved in board matters
• Senior Executives preparing for Board roles
• Internal Auditors
• Legal Counsel advising Boards
• Consultants specializing in governance
• Aspiring Leaders interested in board roles

Objectives

• Understand the strategic importance and benefits of regular board evaluations.
• Master various methodologies and best practices for conducting board assessments.
• Develop skills in analyzing board performance, composition, and dynamics.
• Learn to provide constructive feedback and facilitate board development initiatives.
• Cultivate strategies for enhancing overall board effectiveness and efficiency.
• Understand the role of board evaluations in promoting accountability and transparency.
• Navigate common challenges and resistance in the evaluation process.
• Develop strategies for continuous improvement of board governance.
• Create a personalized action plan for contributing to board excellence.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Strategic Imperative of Board Evaluations

• Defining board evaluations and their role in good corporate governance.
• Understanding the business case for effective board assessment: performance, reputation, compliance.
• Exploring different types of evaluations (e.g., full board, committee, individual director).
• The evolving landscape of regulatory and investor expectations for board evaluations.
• Case studies of how evaluations have driven board improvement.

Module 2: Methodologies for Board Assessment

• Overview of qualitative and quantitative assessment tools.
• Designing effective questionnaires, interviews, and peer reviews.
• Understanding the role of external facilitators versus internal evaluations.
• Data collection, analysis, and interpretation for board performance.
• Benchmarking board performance against industry best practices.

Module 3: Evaluating Board Composition and Diversity

• Assessing the skills, experience, and competencies required on the board.
• Understanding the importance of board diversity (gender, ethnicity, professional background).
• Identifying gaps in board composition and developing recruitment strategies.
• Succession planning for board members and committee chairs.
• The impact of composition on board effectiveness and decision-making.

Module 4: Assessing Boardroom Dynamics and Culture

• Understanding the impact of boardroom culture on decision-making.
• Evaluating communication effectiveness, trust, and psychological safety.
• Assessing the quality of debate, challenge, and consensus-building.
• Identifying and addressing dysfunctional dynamics or conflicts.
• The role of the Chair in fostering a productive and inclusive environment.

Module 5: Feedback, Development, and Action Planning

• Strategies for delivering constructive feedback to the board and individual directors.
• Developing targeted development plans based on evaluation findings.
• Implementing training and continuous learning initiatives for the board.
• Translating evaluation results into actionable improvements.
• Monitoring progress and ensuring accountability for development goals.

Module 6: Oversight of Key Board Responsibilities

• Evaluating the board's effectiveness in strategic oversight and challenge.
• Assessing risk management oversight and internal control effectiveness.
• Reviewing the board's role in financial reporting and audit oversight.
• Evaluating the board's performance in executive compensation and talent management.
• Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

Module 7: Sustaining Governance Excellence

• Embedding board evaluations as a continuous improvement process.
• Fostering a culture of self-reflection and accountability within the boardroom.
• Communicating evaluation outcomes to stakeholders transparently (where appropriate).
• Adapting evaluation methodologies to evolving governance standards.

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.