In an era of unprecedented change, strategic workforce planning has emerged as a core responsibility for boards of directors, not just a function of human resources. A forward-looking board recognizes that a company's ability to compete and innovate is directly tied to its talent strategy and the capacity of its people. This comprehensive training course provides board members and senior executives with the strategic framework and insights needed to effectively oversee and guide the organization’s talent agenda, ensuring it is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

This program goes beyond traditional HR topics to focus on the governance and oversight role of the board in human capital management. You will learn how to ask the right questions, interpret talent-related data, and challenge management to build a resilient and adaptable workforce. We will explore how to link talent strategy directly to business outcomes, manage key talent risks, and ensure the organization has the leadership and capabilities required for sustainable long-term growth. By the end of this course, you will be equipped to provide effective stewardship over your organization's most valuable asset: its people.

Duration: 5 days

Target Audience:

• Board of Directors
• Board Committee Chairs (e.g., Compensation, Governance)
• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
• Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs)
• Chief Operating Officers (COOs)
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)
• VPs of Human Resources
• Senior Business Unit Leaders
• Corporate Governance Professionals
• Executive Talent Management Directors

Objectives:

• Understand the board's fiduciary duty in overseeing human capital
• Align workforce planning with the organization's long-term business strategy
• Develop a framework for evaluating current and future talent needs
• Oversee and challenge the executive succession planning process
• Identify and mitigate key talent-related risks
• Evaluate the impact of technology and automation on the workforce
• Gain insight into best practices for board-level reporting on human capital
• Link talent diversity and inclusion to strategic business outcomes
• Ensure the organization is prepared for future market and talent disruptions

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Board's Role in Human Capital Oversight

• The shift from succession planning to strategic workforce planning
• The board's fiduciary responsibilities regarding talent
• Setting the governance framework for human capital management
• Differentiating between management's and the board's responsibilities
• Examining case studies of effective and ineffective board oversight

Module 2: Strategic Workforce Needs Assessment

• Connecting workforce strategy to corporate strategy
• Analyzing current talent capabilities and skills
• Forecasting future talent needs based on business goals
• Identifying critical roles and competencies for success
• The use of data and analytics in workforce planning

Module 3: Board Oversight of Succession Planning

• Best practices for CEO and C-suite succession planning
• Evaluating the depth and readiness of the talent pipeline
• The role of the governance committee in succession
• Ensuring transparency and confidentiality in the process
• Discussing emergency succession plans and transitions

Module 4: Talent Risk Management for the Board

• Identifying and categorizing key talent risks
• Strategies for mitigating risks such as attrition and skill gaps
• The impact of culture and engagement on risk exposure
• Overseeing the organization's talent acquisition and retention strategies
• Reporting and monitoring talent risks to the board

Module 5: The Future of Work and the Board

• The impact of digital transformation and automation on the workforce
• Board oversight of reskilling and upskilling initiatives
• The changing nature of work and the gig economy
• Considering remote work and hybrid models at the board level
• The role of technology in enabling workforce strategies

Module 6: Linking DE&I to Board-Level Strategy

• The business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Board-level metrics for tracking and improving DE&I
• The board's role in setting the tone for an inclusive culture
• Ensuring equitable succession and promotion processes
• How DE&I impacts talent acquisition and innovation

Module 7: Executive Compensation and Incentives

• The board's role in setting executive compensation
• Aligning incentives with long-term strategic goals
• The use of non-financial metrics in compensation plans
• Performance-based pay and its impact on talent retention
• Understanding shareholder and stakeholder perspectives on compensation

Module 8: Board Reporting on Human Capital

• Key metrics and KPIs for board-level talent reporting
• Presenting complex talent data in a clear and concise manner
• The importance of both quantitative and qualitative data
• Best practices for regular talent review sessions with the board
• Creating a dashboard for human capital management

Module 9: Building a Forward-Looking Talent Agenda

• Developing a long-term talent roadmap for the organization
• The board's role in fostering a culture of continuous learning
• Integrating talent decisions with M&A and strategic growth initiatives
• Preparing for crisis and talent disruption
• Creating a legacy of strong human capital governance

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.