The course content

Programme Agenda

Five days that build from governance foundations to the practical work of supporting boards, executives and committees – and your own career path.

5Training days
5Practical themes
1Personal governance action plan

Day 1 – Foundations of Corporate Governance. The principles and pillars of corporate governance, how governance has evolved, and why administrative professionals matter to it.

Topics

Topics covered

  • Principles and pillars of corporate governance
  • The evolution of governance, with a focus on King IV in South Africa
  • Accountability, fairness, transparency and responsibility
  • The role of administrative professionals in governance effectiveness
Practical activityGroup case study on corporate governance failures in South Africa

Day 2 – Governance Structures & Stakeholder Roles. Who does what in governance – boards, executives, committees and stakeholders – and how administrators bridge management and governance.

Topics

Topics covered

  • Functions of the board, executives and committees (audit, risk, remuneration and others)
  • Key stakeholders: regulators, shareholders and the public
  • Governance support roles for administrators: bridging management and governance
  • Ethics, compliance and risk awareness in administrative roles
Practical activityStakeholder mapping exercise for participants' own organisations

Day 3 – Governance Support in Practice. The hands-on work of governance support: board packs, agendas, minutes and records.

Topics

Topics covered

  • Preparing board packs, briefing notes and governance documents
  • Agenda setting: aligning meetings with governance priorities
  • Minute-taking techniques: recording resolutions, decisions and action items
  • Document management, record-keeping and secure archiving
Practical activityFull governance meeting preparation and minute-taking role play

Day 4 – Communication, Technology & Professionalism. Communicating with directors and executives, protecting sensitive information, and using digital governance tools safely.

Topics

Topics covered

  • Protocols for professional communication with directors and executives
  • Managing sensitive information with confidentiality and integrity
  • Digital governance tools and board portals
  • Cybersecurity awareness for governance support staff
Practical activityMock communication scenarios and governance document handling

Day 5 – Personal Effectiveness & Career Development. Thriving in high-pressure governance roles and planning your path from administration to governance professional.

Topics

Topics covered

  • Time and workload management for high-pressure governance functions
  • Conflict resolution and stress management in executive environments
  • Building trust and credibility with boards and executives
  • Career pathways: from administration to governance professional
Practical activityWrap-up exercise: your individual action plan for applying governance principles at work

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It includes the dates, fees, full agenda and booking terms.

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Certification

ICL Certificate of Completion

Delegates who attend the full programme receive the Institute of Corporate Learning Certificate of Completion on the final day.

Ready to book?

Support your board and executives with confidence.

Classroom in Johannesburg or Live Online · 1 – 5 March 2027. Seats are limited to keep the sessions interactive.

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