” – Proficiency Courses for Directors” –
Duration: One Month (20 days)

The Proficiency Course for Directors is a two-month course tailor-made for persons serving on governing boards as directors, and those who aspire to become directors. It offers directors and prospective directors a structured and accelerated path to develop directorship competencies. It comprises a series of technical and behavioral-based training and immersive learning through board simulation, one-on-one mentoring, and networking opportunities. This one-month program aims to:

  • Equip serving board directors with the requisite knowledge and skills to perform their roles with distinction
  • Develop the next generation of board directors to address the gap of qualified directors who have the expertise and skills to lead in a fast-evolving business landscape, and
  • Build a diverse pool of competent director candidates to enable greater board diversity and strengthen board effectiveness.

PCD participants shall receive a certificate upon completion of the program, enabling them to progress into a board position with greater recognition, confidence, and prospects.

Criteria and Expectation

Pre-Program Eligibility

  • Serving directors/ board members: participants must provide proof (e.g. gazette notice or appointment letter) of having been appointed as a director/member of the governing board
  • Aspiring Directors: must have at least a bachelor’s degree in any field, and is willing to undergo the requisite interview before commencing this course
  • Participants in both categories above must be an associate member of ICGK (for membership applications please go to www.gvernance.ke/membership-form/
  • Participants will go through a screening to determine their level of board readiness and be advised on suitable developmental programs or activities that can help them move forward constructively.

Selection and admission of participants will be based on the following criteria:

  • Board Personality and Judgment: Has a positive demeanor, appears calm and confident, and is capable of high-level decision-making or policy setting even when under pressure in the boardroom. Shows maturity as a ‘team player i.e. respects others and supports the board’s collective decisions. Possesses integrity and supports corporate governance.
  • Critical Thinking & Communications: Has the willingness to engage in board debates, asks the right questions, critically challenges without dominating, thinks in the best interest of the organization, and is capable of offering rational, succinct, or even contrary perspectives. Possesses the intellect to analyze, evaluate & contribute positively to board discussions. Is incisive.
  • Business Acumen: Has the requisite leadership or advisory skills and experience in business management and/or international operations that are likely to benefit public corporations or listed companies. Brings or adds marketing or operational management skills or overseas knowledge to their board, especially if currently is or was ex-CEO/MD level.
  • Unique Contribution: Has desirable competencies for future boards, for example (a) expertise in strategy, technology, finance, Corporate Governance, risk management, corporate law, banking, regulatory, ESG, etc, or (b) high visibility & presence, personal networks, and contacts.

Modules

If a participant is appointed to a board position in between the program, he or she will be able to continue with the program if there is no conflict of interest. In unforeseen circumstances where a participant has to withdraw from the program, a withdrawal cost equivalent to the attended/completed stage is applicable.

Module 1 – Build Competencies:

Objective: To align the participants with the foundational directorship knowledge and mindset.

Units

  • Principles of Corporate Governance
  • Board Dynamics, Operations & Procedures
  • Ethics and Accountability
  • Effective Team Leadership
  • Managing Effective Meetings

Module 2– Strengthen Competencies with the PCD Fundamentals

Objective: To equip participants with the requisite technical knowledge and skills that enable them to excel in their duties

Units

  • Audit & Risk Governance
  • Environmental & Social Governance
  • Essentials of Financial Reporting
  • The Balance Score Card: Managing Organizational Performance
  • Strategic Planning Master Class

 

Mentoring & Networking Support

  • One-on-one Mentoring by an ICGK Fellow
    • Mentoring provides a conducive environment to get practical guidance and tips while establishing new perspectives and maturity in director effectiveness.
    • It also helps raise visibility and build valuable networks with the mentors, which may go a long way post the program.
  • Mentees Sharing Sessions
    • Thematic sharing session with a panel of seasoned directors who may include serving board chairs
  • Board Committee/Independent Directors Networking Session
    • Dialogue with regulators and other INEDs
  • NRC Networking Sessions
    • Meet and greet the directors and governance professionals involved in board nomination work.
    • On a complimentary and non-guaranteed basis, ICDM opens doors for PCD participants on directorship opportunities with either but not limited to established startups, foundations (as a trustee), SMEs, NGOs, private limited companies, non-listed companies, universities, etc. This can come with fiduciary duties or as a board observer or as an independent contributor via a board committee, all on a voluntary basis.
    • Directorship opportunity depends on the successful matching of your experience and the needs of the organization, and it may take an extended period of up to 6 months after graduation, on a non-guaranteed basis. This will not impact the PCD graduation timeline.

Module 3 – Graduation

Graduation

  • Graduation networking event attended by stakeholders and graduates
  • Profiling of PCD Graduate Directors on social media
  • Inclusion of PCD Graduate Directors into the ICGK Director pool
  • Director Competency Framework
  • Director Development Pathway
  • Proficiency Course for Directors
  • Program handbook
  • Faculty