Introduction:
This advanced course on “Corporate Governance for Secretaries” provides secretaries with a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance principles and how to support boards and executives in ensuring compliance and transparency. Participants will learn about governance frameworks, board meeting procedures, corporate ethics, and the secretary’s role in corporate governance.

Course Objectives:

• To understand the principles and frameworks of corporate governance.
• To learn how to support boards of directors and executives in governance functions.
• To enhance skills in preparing for and managing board meetings.
• To ensure compliance with corporate governance regulations and ethical standards.
• To manage corporate documentation and reporting effectively.

Who Should Attend:
This course is ideal for:

• Secretaries and executive assistants supporting boards and C-suite executives.
• Corporate secretaries and governance professionals.
• Individuals involved in corporate governance, compliance, and ethics.
• Professionals seeking to improve their knowledge of corporate governance frameworks and procedures.

Day 1: Introduction to Corporate Governance

• Understanding Corporate Governance
  • Definition and importance of corporate governance in modern organizations.
  • Key governance frameworks and principles (e.g., OECD, Sarbanes-Oxley, etc.).
• The Role of Secretaries in Governance
  • Supporting boards of directors and executive teams in governance activities.
  • Ensuring compliance with corporate laws and governance regulations.
• Corporate Governance Structures
  • Overview of the roles and responsibilities of boards, committees, and executives.

Day 2: Managing Board Meetings and Agendas

• Preparing for Board Meetings
  • Organizing board meetings, agendas, and documentation.
  • Ensuring timely and accurate distribution of meeting materials.
• Board Meeting Procedures
  • Best practices for conducting and managing board meetings.
  • Recording minutes and maintaining accurate records of board decisions.
• Follow-Up Actions
  • Managing post-meeting follow-up, tracking decisions, and ensuring accountability.

Day 3: Corporate Compliance and Reporting

• Ensuring Legal Compliance
  • Overview of corporate laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.
  • The secretary’s role in ensuring compliance with governance and legal obligations.
• Corporate Reporting and Disclosures
  • Managing corporate reports, disclosures, and filings.
  • Best practices for communicating corporate information to stakeholders.
• Risk Management in Governance
  • Identifying and mitigating governance-related risks.

Day 4: Corporate Ethics and Governance

• Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
  • Understanding the importance of corporate ethics and CSR in governance.
  • Supporting ethical decision-making within the organization.
• Corporate Governance Best Practices
  • Implementing best practices for transparency, accountability, and integrity.
  • Ensuring adherence to ethical standards across the organization.
• Handling Conflicts of Interest
  • Identifying and managing conflicts of interest in governance processes.

Day 5: Final Wrap-Up and Governance Strategy

• Strategic Role of Secretaries in Governance
  • Supporting long-term corporate governance strategies and objectives.
  • Acting as a key advisor to the board and executives on governance matters.
• Final Wrap-up and Evaluation
  • Review of key governance concepts and best practices.
  • Self-assessment and feedback session.
  • Developing a personal action plan for enhancing governance support skills.