Board Secretary Masterclass

The programme

Programme overview

In today’s rapidly evolving governance landscape, the Corporate Secretary’s office stands at the heart of effective board operations, serving as the vital link between the Board of Directors and Executive Management. The role has transformed beyond administrative functions to become a strategic partner — shaping governance frameworks, enhancing board effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with best practices and regulatory requirements, including King V.

This comprehensive Board Secretary Masterclass provides in-depth, practical insights into the evolving responsibilities of the Corporate Secretary. The programme explores the pivotal role secretaries play in facilitating good governance, orchestrating board dynamics, managing crucial meetings, supporting board evaluations, and driving succession planning — including how to assess governance maturity using the World Bank Group’s IFC Progression Matrix.

Through a blend of expert-led discussions, interactive workshops, and real-world case studies, participants will gain the confidence, skills, and up-to-date knowledge to become trusted governance advisors and catalysts for organisational success.

Who should attend

Who is this programme for?

• Newly Appointed or Experienced Corporate Secretaries
• Board Administrators and Governance Professionals in Listed and Unlisted Entities
• Company Secretaries in Public, Private, Family-Owned, and Non-Profit Organisations
• Executive Assistants, Governance Officers, and Compliance Managers Supporting Board Processes
• Anyone Seeking to Enhance Their Governance Acumen and Add Value in a Board Support Capacity

Learning outcomes

What you will learn

• Understand global good governance principles and frameworks, including King V
• Define the evolving roles, duties, and accountabilities of the Corporate Secretary
• Facilitate effective board meetings, from preparation to follow-up
• Oversee governance disclosures, reporting, and statutory compliance
• Support board evaluation, succession, and strategic board development
• Enhance stakeholder communication and engagement
• Apply practical tools, including the IFC Progression Matrix, to everyday governance challenges

Explore the programme

Detailed programme outline

3-Day Essentials — Training Outline

• Governance principles and King V
• Building governance frameworks and policies
• The Corporate Secretary's job description, key skills, and core responsibilities
• King V's independence requirement: the Company Secretary should not sit on the governing body
• Using the IFC Progression Matrix to assess your organisation's governance maturity
• Basic, intermediate, good practice, and leadership levels
• Applying the matrix to your own organisation
• Meeting types: general assembly, board, committee
• End-to-end meeting management: preparation, facilitation, follow-up
• Board packs, agenda design, and record-keeping
• King V's committee composition requirement: majority nonexecutive, at least one independent member
• Drafting and maintaining accurate minutes
• Quarterly, annual, and ad-hoc board reports
• Integrated reporting essentials
• Annual board work plans and evaluation cycles
• Board dynamics and succession planning
• Statutory registers and secure record management
• Consolidating the week's learning into a practical plan
• Deciding whether the 5-Day Comprehensive programme is the right next step

5-Day Comprehensive — Training Outline

• Governance overview and principles, including King V
• Building robust governance frameworks, policies, and procedures
• Using the IFC Progression Matrix to assess governance maturity
• Disclosure and reporting fundamentals
• Stakeholder mapping and engagement
• The board's role in governance and power structures
• Appointing a Company Secretary: required experience, qualifications, and the appointment process
• Corporate Secretary: job description, key skills, and core responsibilities
• Tools, resources, and critical competencies for success
• Board packs, agenda design, and record-keeping essentials
• Integrated reporting and effective information tracking
• Board dynamics, development, and succession planning
• Statutory registers, filing, and secure record management
• Wrap-up: action planning and commitment to governance excellence

Learning approach

How you will learn

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Discuss your requirements

Dates, duration & arrangements

Contact Ratomac to confirm dates, duration, delivery format, entry requirements and any applicable assessment or certification before booking.