Introduction

In today's volatile and complex business environment, effective board risk oversight and robust strategic governance are paramount for safeguarding organizational value, ensuring resilience, and driving sustainable growth. Boards are increasingly challenged to navigate a myriad of risks, from cybersecurity threats to climate change impacts, while simultaneously providing strategic direction and maintaining stakeholder trust. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring board members and senior executives with the essential frameworks and practical skills to excel in these critical oversight functions.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of enterprise risk management (ERM), master strategic decision-making in high-stakes environments, and refine their ability to lead with foresight and accountability. You will learn to identify emerging risks, integrate risk considerations into strategic planning, and foster a culture of proactive risk intelligence across the organization. By mastering these critical competencies, you will amplify your impact in the boardroom and confidently steer your company towards a secure and prosperous future.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Board Members (Executive and Non-Executive)
• Company Directors
• Senior Executives preparing for Board roles
• Chief Risk Officers (CROs)
• Governance Professionals
• Internal and External Auditors
• Legal Counsel advising Boards
• Compliance Officers
• Strategic Planning Leaders
• Consultants specializing in risk governance

Objectives

• Understand the board's evolving role in enterprise risk oversight.
• Master frameworks for identifying, assessing, and mitigating strategic risks.
• Develop advanced skills in integrating risk into strategic decision-making.
• Enhance the board's capacity for effective challenge and informed inquiry on risk matters.
• Cultivate effective communication and reporting of risks to stakeholders.
• Learn to oversee regulatory compliance and ethical risk management.
• Understand the role of technology and data in modern risk governance.
• Develop strategies for fostering a proactive risk culture within the organization.
• Create a personalized action plan for enhancing board risk oversight.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Board's Role in Enterprise Risk Oversight

• Defining enterprise risk management (ERM) and its relevance to the board.
• Understanding the board's fiduciary duties related to risk.
• Exploring the evolving landscape of risks (e.g., cyber, climate, geopolitical).
• Differentiating between management's role in risk and the board's oversight role.
• Case studies of governance failures due to inadequate risk oversight.

Module 2: Strategic Risk Identification and Assessment

• Techniques for identifying strategic, operational, financial, and reputational risks.
• Developing a comprehensive risk appetite statement and risk tolerance levels.
• Utilizing risk assessment methodologies and tools (e.g., risk matrices, scenario analysis).
• Understanding emerging risks and black swan events.
• The importance of continuous risk monitoring and horizon scanning.

Module 3: Integrating Risk into Strategic Decision-Making

• How risk intelligence informs strategic planning and goal setting.
• Techniques for evaluating strategic options through a risk lens.
• The board's role in challenging management's risk assumptions.
• Balancing risk-taking with value creation.
• Case studies of strategic decisions where risk integration was key.

Module 4: Risk Governance Frameworks and Internal Controls

• Overview of leading risk governance frameworks (e.g., COSO ERM, ISO 31000).
• Designing and overseeing effective internal control systems.
• The role of internal audit, external audit, and compliance functions in risk assurance.
• Ensuring robust risk reporting from management to the board.
• Leveraging technology for risk management information systems.

Module 5: Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and Digital Risk Oversight

• Understanding the board's responsibilities for cybersecurity governance.
• Key risks associated with digital transformation and emerging technologies.
• Overseeing data privacy compliance (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
• Developing a cyber-resilience strategy and incident response plan.
• Communicating digital risks effectively to stakeholders.

Module 6: Ethical Risk Management and Compliance Oversight

• The board's role in fostering an ethical culture and preventing misconduct.
• Overseeing anti-corruption programs and compliance with relevant laws.
• Managing reputational risks and stakeholder trust.
• The importance of whistleblowing policies and protection mechanisms.
• Ensuring compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations.

Module 7: Board Effectiveness in Risk Oversight

• Strategies for effective board discussions and debates on risk.
• Cultivating a culture of open communication and constructive challenge.
• The role of board committees (e.g., Audit, Risk) in specialized oversight.
• Continuous learning and professional development for directors on risk topics.
• Creating a personalized action plan for enhancing board risk oversight in your organization.

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.