Course Outline
The program consists of five modules, each delivered in 2.25 days. Each module starts Thursday afternoon, and is all day Friday and Saturday. Modules 1 - 4 may be taken in any order, however these four modules must be completed prior to attending Module 5. This is an in resident program, however virtual options are available (contact MEARIE for additional information). Below is a partial list of topics that will be covered in the five modules:
Module 1 - Accountability and Change
- Understand the roles, responsibilities, legal and fiduciary duties, and accountabilities of the Board
- The role of the Board in a utility/regulated environment as it relates to the Municipal Shareholder, and the relationships to Affiliates and HoldCo Boards
- Discuss Board and Director independence, and how to encourage and contribute to effective interaction
Module 2 - Leadership and Strategy
- Learn how to establish clear corporate strategies with management
- Learn best practices for succession planning, human resource/compensation committees, IT strategy, management performance
- Understand the type of information required to identify, control, and mitigate corporate risk in a utility regulated environment
Module 3 - Oversight and Finance
- Learn how to access and assess financial information using accounting principles and financial/non-financial indicators
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of the Board, audit committee, internal/external auditors, and the oversight role of the Board in managing risk
- Understand the roles of the Regulator, Municipal Shareholders and other stakeholders, and the expectations regarding the Board’s governance and oversight responsibilities
Module 4 - Effective Governance Under Complex Circumstances
- Learn how emotional intelligence affects board behaviour and functioning (includes personal assessment), and how to develop efficient, effective and productive interactions
- Understand the links between governance, sustainability, ethical imperatives, and social responsibility
- Understand
- the importance of corporate reputation including opportunities, risks and crisis management
Module 5 - The Board Simulation
- Participate as a Board Member at a variety of Board and Committee meetings for a simulated corporation
- Gain personal insight on how your behaviour, and that of others, affects the board’s processes and productivity
All sessions include facilitated group discussion. Upon completion of the five modules, candidates are required to successfully write an exam to receive their Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation. 50 hours over three years of Continued Professional Development (CPD) are required to maintain the designation.
