01
Overview
For board members, trustees and senior administrators: the duties, structures and judgement that keep an organisation lawful, accountable and effective. Case-based, covering both commercial and charitable governance.
02
Aims of the Course
- Understand the legal duties of directors and trustees
- Run effective, well-minuted board meetings
- Manage conflicts of interest and accountability
- Assure financial and operational control
03
Course Structure
01
Governance Fundamentals
- Purpose of governance and stewardship
- Legal forms and constitutions
- Duties of directors and trustees
- Governance codes and principles
02
Board Structures
- Composition, skills and diversity
- Committees and delegation
- Chair and chief executive relationship
- Board effectiveness reviews
03
Meetings and Decisions
- Agenda design and papers
- Quorum, voting and minutes
- Decisions versus management
- Recording dissent properly
04
Ethics and Conflicts
- Identifying conflicts of interest
- Declaration registers
- Related party transactions
- Whistleblowing oversight
05
Financial Oversight
- Reading management accounts
- Reserves and solvency
- Audit and internal control
- Risk appetite setting
06
Accountability
- Reporting to members and regulators
- Stakeholder accountability
- Crisis governance
- Board development plan
04
Learning Outcomes
- 01Explain the duties of a board member in law and practice
- 02Chair or minute a compliant board meeting
- 03Identify and manage a declared conflict
- 04Interrogate management accounts credibly
- 05Assess board effectiveness with evidence
05
Assessment
- Governance review of a real organisation
- Board pack and minutes exercise
- Conflict of interest case assessment
06
Entry Requirements
- Board, trustee or senior administrative role
07
Progression and Careers
- Company secretary
- Trustee or non-executive director
- Governance officer