Corporate Governance: Principles, Policies and Best Practices

The programme

Programme overview

Corporate governance has emerged as a pivotal area within business management and regulatory environments, gaining traction in business schools and among legislators globally. It serves as a framework that defines the relationship between a company and its stakeholders, aiming to foster accountability, transparency, and sustainable growth. Various models of corporate governance exist, each with unique approaches to balancing the interests of shareholders, board members, employees, and other stakeholders.

This course delves into these governance models, exploring both traditional frameworks focused on shareholder interests and more inclusive models that consider a broader set of stakeholders — including South Africa’s King V Code, effective from 1 January 2026, which consolidates King IV’s 17 principles into 13 outcome-based principles and introduces explicit AI governance requirements for the first time. Participants will explore board structures, including single-tier and two-tier models, and gain insights into the roles and responsibilities of committees such as audit, nomination, and remuneration committees. Through this exploration, the course addresses the practical aspects of building effective governance systems, emphasising the role of leadership, ethical conduct, and institutional investors in reinforcing corporate governance principles.

This comprehensive course equips participants with the knowledge to understand governance complexities and implement best practices that enhance corporate integrity, support organisational goals, and build stakeholder trust.

Who should attend

Who is this programme for?

• Board Members, Executives, and Senior Management
• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Finance Managers, and Controllers
• Legal Counsel, Corporate Legal Advisors, and Corporate Secretaries
• Internal and External Auditors
• HR Managers and Department Heads Responsible for Governance Oversight

Learning outcomes

What you will learn

• Identify the core principles and importance of corporate governance, including King V's 13 consolidated principles and four governance outcomes
• Evaluate corporate governance structures and risk management policies
• Examine ethical and policy considerations affecting stakeholders, including shareholders, board members, auditors, and senior management
• Implement strategies to enhance corporate performance through improved governance practices
• Apply and adapt best practices in corporate governance to local and international standards
• Understand King V's Disclosure Framework and its new AI governance requirements

Explore the programme

Detailed programme outline

• The governance framework and King V's 13 consolidated principles (reduced from King IV's 17), organised around four governance outcomes: Ethical Culture, Performance and Value Creation, Conformance and Prudent Control, and Legitimacy
• Shareholder Wealth Maximisation (SWM) and Corporate Wealth Maximisation (CWM) models
• Global and African board governance standards
• Roles and responsibilities of the board of directors and audit committee
• The corporate control environment in Africa
• Key stakeholders in corporate governance
• Rights and responsibilities of shareholders
• Types of directors and their duties
• The role of the chairperson and corporate officers
• Internal and external audit functions in African companies
• Engagement of institutional investors and minority stakeholders, now integrated within King V's broader stakeholder principles rather than treated as a standalone principle as under King IV
• An overview of stakeholder-centric views from the OECD and King V guidelines
• Effective board structures, including unitary and two-tier boards
• Board independence and criteria for evaluating board effectiveness
• Selection, remuneration, and performance evaluation of board members
• Assessing current corporate governance practices in Africa
• Planning and implementing corporate governance objectives against King V's four cyclical governance functions: steering and direction, policy and planning, oversight and monitoring, and accountability
• Best practices and international standards, including King V, OECD, and ICGN principles
• Case studies and real-world applications in African companies
• Building a governance culture and ensuring compliance
• Understanding King V's new AI governance requirements: algorithmic transparency, AI ethics, and digital risk management
• Principles of transparency and disclosure under King V's new Disclosure Framework
• Financial and operational disclosures aligned with company objectives
• Policies on remuneration for board members and key executives
• Handling related party transactions in the African context
• Ensuring timely, accurate, and efficient access to information for stakeholders

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.