Corporate Governance Workshop

18-11-2020 -
23-11-2020
Training

Virtual classroom

This four half-day workshop uses interactive exercises, group work and case studies to give delegates an in-depth understanding of the corporate governance framework in the UK and reviews current best practice and governance hot topics.

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Course overview

This virtual workshop is designed for those seeking knowledge of the UK Code and practical insights into best corporate governance practices. The workshop combines a review of the key components of boardroom structures and performance with a focus on current governance hot topics. 　

The topics covered in this course include:

  • review of the Revised UK Corporate Governance Code 
  • analysis of recent corporate failures and scandals
  • discussion of modern thinking on diversity, culture & purpose, corporate reporting & communicating with stakeholders, the role of audit and the accountability of directors
  • understanding of the key board performance improvement drivers

Corporate governance is under increased scrutiny in current uncertain times. The course examines the fundamental principles of good corporate governance using the UK Code as its main reference point but including best practices from around the world: directors' duties; the role and responsibilities of the Board; leadership; the role of NEDs; committees. The course will also address the key areas to improve board performance including:

  • the board's role in risk management
  • diversity
  • board evaluation
  • succession planning and the role of the Nominations Committee
  • business ethics & integrity, tone at the top, culture, purpose and reputation

Who should attend:

This four-day virtual course has been designed to appeal to the following professionals: 

  • Chairmen
  • Chief executives
  • Company secretaries
  • Executive and non-executive directors
  • Directors of newly quoted AIM companies
  • Heads of internal audit, compliance and risk management
  • Institutional investors such as pension funds and insurance companies
  • New entrants to investor relations
  • All those individuals responsible for implementing best practice corporate governance in their organisation

CPD points: This programme attracts 12 CPD points.

Course tutor
The course tutor has over 20 years of experience in running governance and risk assignments and in advising boards of directors. He qualified as a chartered accountant with Deloitte, specialising in risk and forensics, including investigating the collapse of Polly Peck International plc. Since leaving Deloitte he has set up and run two consultancies working with executives in many business sectors to achieve success. He is a non-executive director and speaks extensively around the world on corporate governance, risk and financial reporting. He holds an MA from Christ Church, Oxford and is a guest lecturer at Royal Holloway University, London. He is a published author.

Course Agenda

18 November   | 9:30am – 12:30pm 

19 November   | 9:30am – 12:30pm

20 November   | 9:30am – 12:30pm 

23 November   | 9:30am – 12:30pm 

Topics mentioned:

Day 1

  • Understanding the UK corporate governance framework
  • The 20th century governance background - examining the development of the UK Corporate Governance Code
  • Evaluating traditional roles, responsibilities and structures
  • Establishing the benefits of improved corporate governance
  • Directors’ duties and the legal risks
  • Duties – general and specific
  • Reporting – shareholders and stakeholders
  • Liabilities – shareholder litigation, regulator prosecution and disqualification
  • Protections – systems and resources, and indemnity and insurance

Day 2

  • Implementing an effective risk management strategy
  • What is risk? - Analysing important risks facing businesses in the 21st century
  • Examining the essentials for an effective risk management process, including strategy, risk mapping, transparency and accountability and how to embed risk awareness into corporate culture
  • Overview of modern risk models
  • Principal risks and risk appetite - recent step-change in the Board’s role
  • Reputation and scandal - corporate integrity and how directors should behave
  • Examining headline cases
  • Key areas of concern – effectiveness of audit, scrutiny of executives, design of remuneration packages
  • Fraud risk in focus – how to take a strategic, risk-based approach -
  • Controls framework – control environment, prevention and detection

Day 3

  • Developing an effective and talented board
  • Board basics – governance process model
  • Leadership – the crucial role of the Chair
  • Non-executive directors – independence criteria and scrutiny requirements
  • Board and committee structures
  • Board analysis – how does your board compare to others in terms of the performance drivers built into the Code?
  • Examining the different approaches to corporate governance
  • Other UK governance models – AIM, public sector
  • Other governance models around the world
  • Key governance issues – performance evaluation, training and development, diversity
  • Discussion forum

Day 4

  • Understanding latest issues surrounding the key board committees
  • Remuneration committee – tying remuneration to performance
  • Elements of total pay & transparency of directors’ remuneration
  • Responsibilities and composition of the audit committee
  • Relationship with internal and external audit and evaluating the audit process
  • Business ethics – how to match values and behaviours
  • Definitions and scope – examining “grey areas” of business conduct
  • Individual characteristics and corporate culture – the key drivers of behaviour
  • The modern business ethics toolkit
  • Practical model for making business ethics work

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