The Performing Board – Directors and the Chairman

Course Outline

Overview

When companies go off track – unexpected risks become reality, unplanned-for claims arrive without notice, a sudden vacancy appears among top management – shareholders look to the Board of Directors for an explanation and a remedy. But how do we know if directors are effective? And how should we measure their performance? This course examines ‘what good looks like’ for members of a board when carrying out their duties – including the Board chairman, the Company Secretary and non-executive directors.

The course will also include a site visit to an organization relevant to the course so delegates can develop an understanding of how their contemporaries function in the real-world.

The course will wrap with a summary of the key learning points, followed by an action planning exercise with a view to apply the acquired knowledge and skills immediately upon your return to work. Post-course support is also available in relation to the implementation of your action plan, up to six (6) months following course completion.

Agenda

The Effective Board Director

• Directors Legal Duties
• What skills do Board directors need?
• What makes an effective board?
• Evaluating Board Performance

Leadership, Independence and Governance

• Role and skills of the Board chairman
• Roles and skills of the Non-executive director
• The company secretary as head of governance
• Role of Executives
• The Executive Committee

Performance Measurement and Remuneration of Directors

• Appointments to the Board & Succession planning

Site Visit

• Industrial visit to a relevant organization.
• An insight into the internal working of companies.
• An opportunity to learn through interaction with practising professionals.

Course Review

• Summary and recap of key learning objectives
• Action Planning

Target Audience

This course is suitable for:

• Non-Executive Directors wanting to understand their role;
• Other Board members wishing to refresh their knowledge and skills;
• Chairs of organizations, Chief Executives, Company Secretaries, Other Heads of organizations;
• Professionals, practitioners, and managers in corporate investment, as well as Leaders in state owned enterprises, public, voluntary, and non-profit organizations;
• those needing to get to grips with good governance such as Inhouse counsel and Regulatory and Compliance professionals.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Describe what the legal duties of a director are.
• Recognize the characteristics of an ineffective Board.
• Review how to run an effective board meeting.
• Explain the roes and skills needed for key appointments to the board, including the chairman, company secretary and non-executive directors.
• Implement a performance measurement structure for individual directors and the board as a whole.
• Develop a practical perspective into contemporary work practices in your field.
• Implement an Action Plan at your workplace using the knowledge and skills acquired through the course.