Contact hours

12-15 hours

Qualification

Professional certificate

Certificate Fee

1,695

Format

Online, self paced

How to quickly upskill with corporate governance training

Accounting, transparency, fairness and responsibility are the four fundamental principles of good corporate governance. Fast-track your governance skills and stay ahead of the competition with a globally recognised, industry-approved qualification from the global standard in corporate governance education.

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Short course

Boards across all sectors are seeking members with corporate governance training. Set yourself apart in four modules equivalent to two days of training.

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Cost-effective

Don’t let cost implications stall your professional development. Choose to maintain momentum in your leadership career.

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Fundamentals

Get an effective board structure and strategy in place using traceable best practices suitable for all jurisdictions across the world.

Globally recognised, industry-approved. Awarded by the Corporate Governance Institute

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What our alumni say

What you’ll learn in each module

The Overview in Corporate Governance professional certificate will give you the essential and practical knowledge you need to fast-track your corporate governance skills. You will learn through a mix of case studies, interactive exercises, written content and videos with experts.

Corporate Governance Architecture - The Essentials

Take an in-depth look at what’s needed to develop the right governance structures for your organisation and the frameworks needed for success. In this module you’ll cover:

  • Roles and responsibilities: Fully understand different board roles and the expected responsibilities of each director.
  • Committees: Explore different types of committees, their purpose and what they look like in practice.
  • Executive team: Learn what needs to be in place to turn heads of function into an effective executive team.
  • Characteristics: Understand the characteristics of each board role and how to identify their impact.

How you’ll apply your learning

  • Identify the importance of having a governance structure and what it looks like when it’s done well.
  • Fully understand what a board committee is and what’s expected of it.
  • Confidently speak about the functions and purpose of different types of board committees.

Speaker on this topic

Diarmuid O'Corrbui profile image

Diarmaid O’Corrbui

CEO of Carmichael

Governance Building Blocks: The Handbook and Reporting

Clearly understand what the governance handbook is and the purpose of board policies. Learn the importance of good reporting practices and the tools to assist. In this module you’ll cover: understand the importance of reliable and accurate performance reporting. Learn different reporting formats and know what best practice looks like. In this module you’ll cover:

  • Governance handbook overview: Discover the purpose of the governance handbook and what it needs to include to make governance function effectively daily.
  • Board policies: Explore the essential policies that make up a good governance handbook.: Explore the many different types of meetings that take place in an organisation.
  • Board reporting: Elevate your knowledge of why reliable and accurate performance reporting, that includes ESG reporting, is critical for directors. meetings: Be clear about the need for ground rules at board meetings and the role of the chair in meetings.
  • Technology and AI: Learn how technology and AI tools are being used to enhance the reporting process.

How you’ll apply your learning

  • Describe the key components of the governance handbook and its role in guiding corporate governance best practice.
  • Identify common board policies included in the governance handbook and the purpose they serve within the governance framework.
  • Explain the foundations of good governance reporting practices.

Speaker on this topic

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Ruth Odih

Assistant Company Secretary at Centrica Plc

Strategy Essentials

Clearly understand the tools used to develop a strategy, what good implementation processes look like and the board’s role in the strategy. In this module you’ll cover:

  • Purpose of strategy: Fully understand the strategy and its importance, the different types of strategy and who should own it.
  • Strategic tools: Explore an array of tried and tested tools that are used to develop a strategy.
  • Developing strategy: Explore the importance of analysis, setting goals, supporting actions and developing the plan.
  • Implementing strategy, division of responsibilities and reporting: Identify the roles and responsibilities of the board and executive for implementing the strategy.

How you’ll apply your learning

  • Recognise the board’s responsibility for ensuring the strategy is compelling and realistic.
  • Be able to determine if progress on the strategic plan is going in the right direction.
  • Determine whether the strategy is aligned with what is happening in the sector.

Speaker on this topic

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Mairead Butler

Non Executive Director

The Board’s Role in Organisational Culture

Understand how to align the culture of the board with the organisation and its strategy. Learn the board’s role in shaping culture and providing a moral compass. In this module you’ll cover:

  • Cultural characteristics: Discover the Corporate Governance Institute’s seven cultural characteristics framework.
  • Shaping culture: Explore the factors that influence the culture of an organisation.
  • Culture in practice: Take an in-depth look at the case for good governance and how culture and values can be embedded into daily life.
  • Culture and ethics: Examine how important ethics are to an organisation and how they should work in practice.

How you’ll apply your learning

  • Understand why culture needs to be part of a board’s agenda and identify the signs of a toxic culture.
  • Reference examples where weak culture led to disastrous consequences for the organisation.
  • Recognise how your organisation can use the seven culture characteristics to build a good culture.

Speaker on this topic

Caitriona Somers profile photo

Caitriona Somers

Independent Non Executive Director

Learn through a mix of:

  • Case studies
  • Expert speaker videos
  • Discussion groups
  • Interactive Q&A videos
  • Knowledge checks
  • Course material
Frequently asked questions

Browse these questions and answers to help your research

The Corporate Governance Professional Certificate course covers key concepts, frameworks, and responsibilities essential for effective company governance. It offers a thorough introduction to governance principles, preparing professionals for practical implementation in businesses.
This course is designed for aspiring board members, company directors, corporate secretaries, and professionals involved in governance roles within their organisations. It is also beneficial for those looking to enhance their understanding of corporate governance to advance their careers.
For this course, participants have the flexibility to choose from multiple payment options. They can pay for the course in full using the secure checkout facility on our website. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more flexible payment schedule, there is an option to pay in three monthly instalments via Klarna, available directly at checkout. This allows participants to manage their finances more comfortably while gaining access to the course content immediately.
You have four months from the date of enrolment to complete the course. This duration includes finishing all course modules and assessments. This structured timeline ensures that you can progress through the course at a steady pace while managing other commitments.
The course is delivered entirely online and is self-paced, offering participants the flexibility to learn at their own pace and convenience from any location. This format is designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals, allowing them to manage their learning around existing commitments. The course includes a mix of video lectures, interactive exercises, real-life case studies, and downloadable content, providing a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.
The course includes four graded assessments, with one graded assessment corresponding to each module. These assessments are structured to evaluate your understanding and application of the key concepts covered throughout the course. Designed to ensure that you are ready to apply this knowledge in a professional setting, each assessment tests your grasp of the principles discussed in each module, reinforcing the learning objectives and enhancing your mastery of the subject matter.
If you need to retake an assessment or require an extension for completing the course, please contact our learning support team for assistance. You can reach them via email at [email protected]. They will provide you with the necessary guidance and instructions to proceed, ensuring you have the support needed to successfully complete your coursework. The fee for an extension is €150 for an additional 3 months course access.
Yes, support is available throughout the duration of the course. Our dedicated support team is on hand to assist you with any issues or queries you may have, including course material, technical difficulties, navigation issues, or administrative assistance. You can contact them via email at any time for help to ensure you have a supportive and enriching learning experience.
Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a digital certificate that acknowledges your skills in the respective subject area. This certification serves as a validation of your professional development and expertise, enhancing your credentials for roles in corporate governance, sustainability, or other relevant fields. You can also share this certificate on professional networks like LinkedIn to highlight your achievements and capabilities to your network and potential employers.
Once you have enrolled in the course, you will receive an email containing your login details for the online learning platform. All course materials, including videos, module presentations, readings, and supplementary resources, will be accessible on this platform. You can start engaging with the materials and begin your learning journey immediately after logging in.

Don't fall behind

Accelerate your corporate governance skills in just four comprehensive modules.