The focus on ‘good corporate governance’ continues! With the spotlight once again pointing to numerous examples of ‘bad governance’ or ‘governance failure’ people continue to ask themselves how we apply and practice ‘good governance’? At the same time recommended principles and practices contained in a plethora of legislative regulations and governance codes (King IV Code of Corporate Governance™) continue to prompt the further question ‘what should these principles and practices actually look like in my business’?

The many changes, twists and turns throughout 2020 have also introduced new levels of risk and uncertainty into both the organisational operating environment and each company’s internal environment. Things will never (quite) be the same again – it is no good longing for, or returning to, the way things were – since they will never be the same. These changes and challenges continue to result in significant changes in both legislation and standards, codes of governance and broader expectations on both companies and more specifically on those who lead them.

It is becoming more and more evident that directors, auditors, and other officers of companies who FAIL to educate themselves about AND acquaint themselves with AND apply the principles of corporate governance will be hard pressed, if things go wrong, to answer the charge that they FAILED to take reasonable steps to comply with their duties of trust and care and diligence.

Practically, good governance is simply good business! And good business requires good directors who fully understand the full scope of directors’ duties and board responsibilities and know, not only the theory of these, but also the practical aspects of board performance and dynamics – and how this impacts company performance.

We have certainly ended the era of ‘governance as box-ticking’ – since this never has and will never guarantee an effective board. Robust thinking and appropriate application of the principles and recommendations of corporate governance in each specific context (sector, business, operational environment, stakeholder universe etc.) is what needs to be addressed to build an effective board.

The Corporate Governance – changes, challenges, and practical application Programme seeks to address the wide scope of director and board responsibilities and activities in a practical, engaging way to facilitate the application of the underlying principles to each and every company or entity in a way that moves each one forward.

 

  1. Introduction and Foundations
  • The role of the Board
    • Governance
    • Strategy
    • Risk
    • Relationships
  • The ongoing development of corporate governance thinking - comparison, progress, key changes/advances.

 

  1. Directors Duties and Board Dynamics
  • How organisations work – distinguishing the roles of Shareholder, Director and Manager
  • A visual representation (and model) of King IV™ and Good Governance
  • The legal duties of Directors – care, skill, and diligence
  • Directors Obligations – independence, objectivity, conflict, and disclosure
  • Decision making and The Business Judgement Test
  1. Corporate Governance and Governance Architecture
  • Board Structure and Composition, Processes and Board Dynamics
  • Governance Framework and Methodology (Apply and Explain using King IV™)
  • Linking Purpose to performance – the role, design, and application of effective Policy

 

  1. A Model for Effective Corporate Governance and Boardroom performance - the Sirdar Enterprise Governance Compass
  • The role of the Board in
    • Strategy (purpose and direction)
    • Organisational Culture
    • Accountability for Performance and Effective Leadership
    • Stakeholder Engagement
    • Sustainability and Shareholder Returns
    • Risk and Compliance
    • Financial Oversight and Conformance
    • Continuous Improvement and Renewal

 

  1. Final wrap
  • Summary and Conclusions

The course will draw on the following resources.

  • A range of international governance codes, including the King IV Code of Corporate Governance™
  • A visual illustration of Good Governance in the light of King IV™
  • The Sirdar Enterprise Governance Compass (and Traversing the Avalanche by Carl Bates)
  • Other relevant best practice guidelines and publications

Each of the sessions will be structured to allow for discussion and debate around the key issues being addressed with a view to unpacking the practical application of the concepts and principles in the day-to-day operations of the various businesses. Space will be provided to ‘workshop’ some of the key concepts.

 

Dates: TBA
Time: 09:00 to 13:00
Cost: R6, 000.00 ex vat per person 

Venue: Virtual

 

We are also able to offer one-on-one or group training, depending on your requirements. Please contact us to discuss our various offerings. If you would prefer a tailored training session to take place at your company premises, please let us know and we can tailor a training package to suit your requirements.

The course delivery is subject to a minimum attendance. All attendees will receive a course certificate on completion and CPD points.

To register or for more information: Please contact [email protected].

Non-endorsement

By using a service provider to offer the courses, the JSE does not directly or indirectly endorse any product or service provided, or to be provided by the service provider.