INTRODUCTION

Effective board support and secretarial practices are essential for ensuring strong corporate governance, efficient board operations, and informed decision-making within organizations. The board of directors relies on accurate information, well-structured processes, and timely coordination to fulfill its oversight and strategic responsibilities. Company Secretaries and governance professionals play a critical role in facilitating these processes, ensuring that board activities are conducted in compliance with legal, regulatory, and governance requirements. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of board support functions and secretarial best practices in modern organizations.

In today’s complex corporate environment, boards are expected to address a wide range of issues, including strategic direction, risk management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement. Effective board support ensures that directors have access to relevant information, clear agendas, and structured discussions that enable sound decision-making. Poorly managed board processes can result in inefficiencies, lack of clarity, and governance risks. This course explores practical approaches for organizing board activities, managing documentation, and supporting board effectiveness.

Secretarial best practices extend beyond administrative duties to include governance advisory, compliance management, and communication facilitation. Company Secretaries must ensure that board meetings are properly planned and executed, minutes are accurately recorded, and statutory obligations are met. They also serve as a key link between the board, executive management, and external stakeholders. This course examines the evolving role of secretarial professionals and their contribution to enhancing governance frameworks and organizational performance.

Furthermore, modern organizations require high standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. Effective board support and secretarial practices help ensure that governance processes are aligned with these expectations. Through practical frameworks, case studies, and real-world examples, this course equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to implement best practices in board support and secretarial functions.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand the principles of effective board support and secretarial practices
•  Learn best practices for organizing and managing board activities
•  Enhance skills in preparing agendas, reports, and board documentation
•  Strengthen compliance with legal and governance requirements
•  Improve minute-taking and record-keeping accuracy
•  Enhance communication between the board, management, and stakeholders
•  Support effective decision-making and board performance
• Promote transparency, accountability, and governance excellence
•  Develop frameworks for continuous improvement in secretarial functions

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Fundamentals of Board Support and Governance

• Overview of board support functions
•  Role of the Company Secretary in board operations
•  Governance principles and board responsibilities
•  Challenges in board administration

Module 2: Planning and Managing Board Meetings

• Developing board calendars and schedules
•  Preparing agendas and board packs
•  Coordinating board and committee meetings
•  Managing logistics and meeting processes

Module 3: Board Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Best practices for board documentation
•  Minute-taking and record management
•  Maintaining statutory registers and records
•  Ensuring confidentiality and data security

Module 4: Compliance and Governance Advisory

• Legal and regulatory compliance requirements
•  Supporting governance frameworks and policies
•  Advising the board on governance matters
•  Monitoring compliance and reporting obligations

Module 5: Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitating communication between board and management
•  Managing shareholder relations and disclosures
•  Handling sensitive information and confidentiality
•  Supporting transparency and accountability

Module 6: Enhancing Board Effectiveness and Continuous Improvement

• Supporting board evaluations and performance reviews
•  Improving board processes and governance practices
•  Leveraging technology for board management
•  Case studies on board support and secretarial best practices

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is designed for professionals involved in board administration, corporate governance, and secretarial functions, including:

• Company Secretaries and Assistant Company Secretaries
•  Corporate Governance and Compliance Officers
•  Legal Advisors and In-House Counsel
•  Board Administrators and Governance Professionals
•  Senior Executives supporting board operations
•  Risk Management and Audit Professionals
•  Regulatory and Public Sector Officials
•  Consultants supporting governance and secretarial practices
•  Professionals aspiring to roles in corporate governance and board support

VENUE: Kenya 

DURATION: 1 Week

DATE: Open