Establishing director knowledge

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Establishing director knowledge"

Transcription

1 Establishing director knowledge

2 Expand your knowledge Our education commitment Our professional development offerings are flexible, relevant and contemporary. Designed by expert educators with the input of experienced directors, they provide you with the credible skills and practical knowledge needed to excel as a director. Consisting of face-to-face and online formats, our courses and programs address the range of performance and compliance topics that matter most to you. Company Directors Corporate Governance Framework The Company Directors Corporate Governance Framework forms the basis of our professional development programs. Designed to identify and clarify the multitude of practices (skills, attributes and experience) that comprise effective directorship, it illustrates the four key areas of director and board focus and engagement. Professional development pathway We have a range of offerings designed to meet your development needs at each stage of your director journey. The diagram below illustrates where this program fits within our wider education portfolio and can be used to help you create a personalised development pathway that meets your director aspirations. Starting level courses are ideal for new directors looking to establish foundational knowledge. Strengthening level courses are designed for practising directors who seek to refine their skills and improve their performance. Mastering level courses are appropriate for experienced directors who wish to take their skills to new heights. This course is at strengthening level, making it ideal for those who want to understand the performance as well as the compliance issues of directorship and those wanting to develop and grow their directorships. Forming part of the Core in the Company Directors Corporate Governance Framework, this program will provide you with overarching learning in all the critical elements of directorship. 40 STARTING Foundations of Directorship In-Focus Webinars e-learning STRENGTHENING Company Directors Course Company Directors Course Update International Company Directors Course In-Focus Webinars e-learning MASTERING Mastering the Boardroom In-Focus Webinars For more information on our educational offerings visit w: companydirectors.com.au/courses

3 companydirectors.com.au/cdc About us The Australian Institute of Company Directors is Australia s pre-eminent organisation for directors, dedicated to making a difference to the quality of governance and directorship. We provide education, information and advocacy for company directors. With offices in each Australian state, we have more than 33,000 members. Our members work in diverse corporations such as small-to-medium enterprises, listed corporations, public sector organisations, not-for-profit companies, large private companies and smaller private family concerns. We are focused on enriching the practice of organisational governance. Through our director and board development programs and our professional development initiatives, we are an active centre for governance and directors. We believe that the ability to make an appropriate contribution as a director is enhanced by maintaining currency of knowledge and learning from the experience of others. By providing a powerful series of educational and professional development programs, we provide directors and organisations with informed answers to tough questions about the issues that matter. We offer a range of director and board development courses to ensure that directors with diverse levels of experience have professional development that meets their needs. Setting your director journey on the right path The importance of professional development As the business landscape evolves, so too does the role of a company director. Faced with constantly changing duties and responsibilities, today s director needs to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in governance in order to manage both their own and the organisation s performance. Not only does ongoing professional development ensure currency and relevance, it also serves to stimulate critical thinking. Those who did [the Company Directors Course], showed an immense improvement in their ability to participate, their self-esteem around the board table and... their general contribution David Gonski AC FAICDlife to the organisation. 1

4 Company Directors Course overview Whether you re looking to establish a career as a director or develop your existing directorships, the is ideal to further your aspirations and build your contribution to your organisations governance. This dynamic and well-recognised course will equip you with thorough knowledge of the responsibilities of directors and board members. Established in 1975, the course is updated annually to ensure it remains current, relevant and reflective of good practice. It also provides outstanding networking opportunities across a wide variety of industries and sectors. With more than 35,000 past participants, our Company Directors Course is the most established director program in the world and has played a vital role in founding director knowledge and governance standards in Australia. Who is the for? The is designed to suit those who wish to further their directorship skills and knowledge. Participants include executive and non-executive directors, CEOs and senior executives who report to boards, from publicly listed, private, government and not-for-profit organisations. Key benefits of the course The provides you with a comprehensive coverage of the major issues associated with your role as a director in today s business environment and equips you with skills and knowledge to take your practice of directorship to new heights. This program will: Equip you with the knowledge you need to ensure you understand your role and the compliance issues for your board. Lead you beyond compliance to better understand the governance expectations and the ethical considerations for businesses. Help you build a better board and improve and streamline board processes. Focus your future strategic discussions and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to monitor your organisation s financial performance and risk management. Broaden your view of directorship and provide direction to help you improve your personal performance and consequently the performance of your organisation. Who delivers the course? Each course uses a variety of facilitators. Our facilitators are selected based on their in-depth knowledge of board environments as well as their ability to engage and connect with participants. 2

5 companydirectors.com.au/cdc How is the course delivered? The is delivered in a variety of formats to suit your individual circumstances, including: Facilitated sessions These face-to-face facilitated sessions take place in a variety of formats including: One three-hour session per week for 10 weeks (mornings or evenings). One day per week for five weeks. Five full days (consecutive or over two weeks). Weekend program (held weekends over a number of weeks). Correspondence This format is suited to those who have difficulty in attending facilitated sessions. You are provided with reading materials, a study guide and five hours support via . If you are choosing this mode of study you need to be self motivated and familiar with financial statements. National Residential Program In-Boardroom The residential delivery of the provides an opportunity to engage in dynamic learning and professional development, away from the distractions of daily life. Facilitated by nationally sourced facilitators, the program is held at specially selected venues over a five-day period with the option to undertake the award examination at the program. Suitable for whole boards from the one organisation, this is designed to build rapport between board members and develop a consistent level of current knowledge and standards. Delivery can be tailored and formatted to suit your boards specific needs. Please contact your state office to discuss In-Boardroom delivery further. In this highly focused and interactive setting, you will have the opportunity to network with peers from across Australia. Guest directors are invited to the residential programs for their depth and diversity of experience. Their interaction with participants during sessions and dinners enables the sharing of valuable insights and practices, and allows you to discuss the application of the tools and resources introduced during the course. 3

6 What preparation is required? Course materials are sent to you as pre-reading preparation approximately four weeks before the commencement of the course, pre-reading is estimated at hours across the whole course. Materials become a valuable reference document both during the course, in preparation for assessment and throughout the next few years as a director. Do I need to complete the course assessment? While there is no official requirement to complete the assignment and examination components of the course, the assessment must be completed within six weeks of completing your course if you wish to achieve the award. Financial members may use the GAICD member post nominal on successful completion of the assessment. You are required to complete the assessment tasks and exam, including any required resits, within the financial year of the course start date plus the addition of three months to 30 September. The assessment needs to be completed if you are planning to use the course to gain advanced standing in an MBA program. The is a great eye-opener, no matter how experienced a My director you are. approach to the companies that I represent has changed given understanding of my obligations and broader business practices in general. Les Dion GAICD Managing Director, Dion s Bus Service Illawarra 4 my

7 companydirectors.com.au/cdc Module overview Module 1 The Role of the Board and the Practice of Directorship Covers the role of the board and of directors; examines practices in contemporary corporate governance. Module 2 Decision Making Explores the critical function of the role of the board in decision making and establishing effective frameworks to support this. Course dates, locations and fees Courses are held throughout the year in capital cities and large regional centres around Australia. For more information on course dates, locations, fees and enrolment, please contact your state office or visit: w: companydirectors.com.au/cdc Module 3 Directors Duties and Responsibilities Outlines the key responsibilities of directors in private, public and not-for-profit organisations, and also examines the Corporations Act (2001) in detail. Module 4 The Board s Legal Environment Examines legal and compliance obligations of the board including contracts, intellectual property, trade practices, privacy, OH&S, environment and anti-discrimination. Module 5 Risk: Issues for Boards Examines the board s role in developing a risk culture appropriate to the business and overseeing risk management to ensure improved performance. Module 6 Strategy: The Board s Role Explores the board s role in developing and executing strategy. Module 7 Financial Literacy for Directors The key financial statements are examined from a director s perspective. Module 8 Driving Financial Performance Highlights the directors role in driving organisational performance. Module 9 Achieving Board Effectiveness Discusses the good practices of effective boards, including composition and skills mix, the undertaking of board reviews and how boards can add value to global organisations. Module 10 Learning into Practice A case study approach linking the information from the previous modules and providing opportunities to contribute to productive boardroom discussions. 5

8 For further information or to enrol please contact t: e: w: companydirectors.com.au/cdc 03781_13 (JAN 2014)