The Strategic Corporate Secretary – Mastering Governance and Leadership

The Strategic Corporate Secretary – Mastering Governance and Leadership

 

Dates

1 Week: Feb 24 - 28, 2025

2 Weeks: Feb 24 - Mar 7, 2025                             

1 Week:  March 31 - Apr 4, 2025                         

2 Weeks : March 31 - Apr 11, 2025

 

Location

• Cape Town                             
• Johannesburg

 

Format

 In-Person/Online

 

Tuition (In Person)

1 Week

$999 pp individual

$800 pp for groups of 5+

2 Week

$1,500 pp individual

$1,150 pp for groups of 5+

 

Tuition (Online)

1 Week

$600 pp individual                      

$400 pp for groups of 5+

2 Week

$800 pp individual                      

$500 pp for groups of 5+

 

Course Overview

As the gatekeeper of good governance in the company, who advises the decision-makers in the company, the Company Secretary is a key member of the Management. He/She should assist the Chairman, CEO, and Board of Directors in ensuring that the company complies with the rules, regulations, and best practices of corporate governance, and that the company and its Board of Directors operate within the law. The Company Secretary should also be able to provide direction and clarification as to the manner in which the Directors, managers, and Officers of the company should discharge their duties and responsibilities.

 

They must also keep up to date with all relevant changes in law, rules, and regulations, and inform the Directors and Officers of the company of these changes. This chapter is intended to help the reader understand the role of the Company Secretary, both now and in the past, and how the role has evolved to its current pivotal role in business. It should also enable the reader to understand the roles, duties, and powers of the Company Secretary and how he/she is appointed and removed.

 

After reading and understanding the contents of this chapter and reviewing the Practice

Questions, you should be able to:

• Understand the evolving role of the Company Secretary;
• Know how the Company Secretary is appointed and removed and which formalities need to be complied with;
• Understand the statutory duties and responsibilities of the Company Secretary;

Target Audience

Corporate secretaries, governance professionals, legal advisors, and board liaisons.

 

1 Week Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of the Corporate Secretary Role
Introduction to the corporate secretary’s responsibilities. The corporate secretary’s role in corporate governance. Legal and regulatory framework for corporate secretaries. Key stakeholders: Board of directors, shareholders, and executives.

 

Day 2: Corporate Governance Essentials

Principles of corporate governance: Accountability, transparency, and integrity. The corporate secretary’s role in ensuring compliance with governance codes. Managing board dynamics: Supporting the chair and board members. Ensuring board effectiveness through proper meeting preparation.

 

Day 3: Meetings and Decision-Making

Planning and organizing board and committee meetings. Drafting agendas, minutes, and resolutions. Managing shareholder meetings: AGMs and EGMs. Case study: Effective handling of board and shareholder disputes.

 

Day 4: Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Overview of key legal obligations (e.g., Companies Act, corporate filings). The corporate secretary’s role in managing statutory compliance. Reporting obligations to regulatory bodies. Managing risks and handling governance audits.

Day 5: Strategic Leadership and Emerging Trends
The corporate secretary as a strategic advisor to the board. Navigating conflicts of interest and ethical challenges. Emerging trends: ESG, digital governance, and sustainability. Final assessment, feedback, and certification ceremony.

 

2 Week Course Outline

Week 1: Core Responsibilities and Governance Frameworks

Day 1: Introduction to the Corporate Secretary Role

Historical evolution and modern expectations. Skills and competencies required for success.

 

Day 2: Corporate Governance Principles
International governance standards (OECD, King IV, etc.). Corporate secretary’s role in fostering good governance practices.

 

Day 3: Board Support and Dynamics

Managing board structures and composition. Role in director orientation and development.

Day 4: Meeting Management and Documentation
Effective preparation and conduct of board meetings. Drafting high-quality minutes and action items.

Day 5: Legal and Compliance Obligations
Key legal frameworks and regulatory requirements. Ensuring compliance with corporate filings and reporting standards.

 

Week 2: Advanced Practices and Strategic Leadership

Day 6: Risk Management and Internal Controls
Corporate secretary’s role in identifying and mitigating risks. Supporting audit committees and internal control frameworks.

 

Day 7: Shareholder Engagement
Managing shareholder communications and relations. Handling disputes and governance challenges with shareholders.

 

Day 8: ESG and Sustainability Governance
Supporting the board in integrating ESG principles. Reporting on sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

 

Day 9: Technology and Innovation in Governance
Digital tools for governance (board portals, AI in governance). Adapting to trends in digital and hybrid board operations.

 

Day 10: Capstone Project and Certification
Workshop: Drafting a governance strategy for a hypothetical company. Group presentations, peer reviews, and feedback. Certification ceremony and closing remarks.

 

Key Features of Both Courses

Delivery Method: Interactive lectures, workshops, case studies, and practical exercises.

Learning Outcomes:

• Mastery of governance principles, board dynamics, and compliance requirements.
• Skills to effectively support the board and senior management.
• Strategic insights into modern trends like ESG, digital governance, and stakeholder engagement.