In an era demanding heightened transparency and accountability, corporate ethics for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are more crucial than ever. SOEs operate at the intersection of public service and commercial objectives, making their ethical conduct a cornerstone of public trust and national development. Upholding robust ethical standards helps prevent corruption, mismanagement, and conflicts of interest, ensuring that public resources are utilized efficiently and equitably. This specialized training course is designed to empower leaders and employees within SOEs to navigate their unique ethical landscape with integrity and responsibility.

This intensive five-day program will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the distinct ethical challenges faced by SOEs, including issues of governance, public accountability, and stakeholder management. You will learn to identify and mitigate risks associated with fraud, undue influence, and non-compliance, while developing practical strategies for fostering a culture of integrity and transparency. By mastering the principles of corporate ethics for SOEs, participants will contribute to stronger, more reputable, and ultimately more effective public enterprises that serve the best interests of the citizenry.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Senior Management and Executives of SOEs
• Board Members and Directors of SOEs
• Compliance and Ethics Officers in SOEs
• Internal Audit Professionals in SOEs
• Legal Counsel for State-Owned Enterprises
• Public Sector Regulators and Oversight Bodies
• Human Resources Professionals in SOEs
• Procurement and Contracting Staff in SOEs
• Project Managers in large public projects
• Any employee involved in decision-making or resource management within an SOE

Objectives:

• Understand the unique ethical landscape of State-Owned Enterprises.
• Recognize the importance of public trust and accountability in SOE operations.
• Identify common ethical dilemmas and corruption risks specific to SOEs.
• Learn to apply robust ethical governance frameworks within SOEs.
• Understand international best practices for SOE ethics and integrity.
• Develop strategies for preventing fraud, bribery, and conflicts of interest.
• Grasp the role of transparency and disclosure in SOE ethical conduct.
• Learn about effective whistleblowing mechanisms and protection.
• Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership within SOEs.

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Ethical Foundation of State-Owned Enterprises

• Defining the unique mandate and public service role of SOEs
• The intersection of commercial objectives and public accountability
• Core ethical principles for SOEs: transparency, fairness, integrity, responsibility
• Understanding the impact of SOE ethics on national development and public trust
• International standards and guidelines for SOE governance and ethics

Module 2: Ethical Governance and Oversight in SOEs

• Roles and responsibilities of SOE boards and management in fostering ethics
• Developing and implementing effective codes of conduct and ethics policies
• Establishing robust internal controls and risk management frameworks
• The importance of independent oversight and audit functions
• Balancing commercial interests with public good

Module 3: Preventing Corruption and Malpractice

• Identifying common forms of corruption in SOEs: bribery, embezzlement, nepotism
• Strategies for preventing and detecting fraud and financial irregularities
• Managing conflicts of interest: personal, professional, and political
• Adherence to anti-corruption laws and regulations
• Due diligence in partnerships and third-party engagements

Module 4: Transparency, Accountability, and Public Disclosure

• The imperative of open and transparent operations in SOEs
• Best practices for financial reporting and non-financial disclosures
• Engaging with stakeholders and managing public expectations
• Responding to public scrutiny and media inquiries ethically
• Leveraging technology for enhanced transparency

Module 5: Ethical Leadership and Culture Building

• The role of leadership in setting the ethical tone for an SOE
• Fostering a speak-up culture and protecting whistleblowers
• Integrating ethics into performance management and reward systems
• Promoting ethical decision-making at all levels of the organization
• Training and capacity building for ethical conduct

Module 6: Managing Ethical Dilemmas and Risks

• Practical frameworks for resolving complex ethical dilemmas in an SOE context
• Navigating political influence and external pressures ethically
• Ethical considerations in procurement, contracting, and resource allocation
• Managing ethical risks associated with large-scale public projects
• Case studies and interactive scenarios for ethical problem-solving

Module 7: Compliance, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

• Understanding regulatory compliance requirements for SOEs
• Establishing effective internal reporting mechanisms for ethical concerns
• The process of investigating and addressing ethical breaches
• Learning from ethical failures and implementing corrective actions
• Strategies for continuous improvement in SOE ethical performance

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.