Module 4 – Communication & Social Responsibility

LocationDates
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ONMarch 1-3, 2012
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ONMay 31 - June 2, 2012
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ONNovember 1-3, 2012
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ONFebruary 28 - March 2, 2013
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ONMay 23-25, 2013
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ONNovember 21-23, 2013

Leading and Exemplifying CSR

  • What are the issues to consider in understanding the link between governance and sustainability: legal framework, economic/strategic framework, risk and management, strategic CSR, stakeholder framework, “externalities,” and community interests?

The Governance and Nominating Committee

  • Which governance policy, guidelines, and procedures are recommended for board effectiveness?
  • How does the board establish ownership of the disclosure policy and work with management to develop it?
  • Which questions should the board ask about management disclosure and accountability?

The Ethical Imperative

  • Understand how boards are conducting business ethically, professionally, and with integrity.
  • Learn how great boards build their ethical muscle by looking at what’s on the horizon and engaging in conversations about learning and development.
  • Examine the role of the ethical director.
  • Monitor and apply codes of conduct and conflict of interest guidelines.

Effective Board Meetings

  • Discover what information management brings to the board to enable knowledgeable decision-making.
  • Develop the skills of a good chairperson: defining discussion parameters, achieving consensus, agenda-setting, and board packages.

Corporate Reputation Management

  • What is the value proposition of reputation? How is it managed? What are the risks?

Issues and Crisis Management

  • Learn about defining and identifying a crisis.
  • Understand the role of directors in crisis communication.

Pension Finance and Governance Issues

  • What is the director’s role in pension governance?
  • What are the key issues and risks that threaten pension plans, and how does one manage them in the current environment?

Governing Under Special Circumstances

  • Discuss the governance issues around mergers and acquisitions, and insolvency.

Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance

  • Review current issues for indemnification and insurance of directors and officers.

Behavioural Styles in the Boardroom

  • Find out about emotional intelligence and why it matters to boards.
  • Discover your own learning style and how to recognize different styles in others.
  • Apply an understanding of behavioural styles to improve board functioning and effectiveness.

In Summary

  • What is the link between governance and sustainability?
  • How does emotional intelligence affect board behaviour and functioning?
  • What do directors need to know about corporate communication, disclosure, crisis identification and management, and reputation management?
  • How can the governance committee contribute processes, policies, and guidelines for effective board functioning?
  • How can board meetings be efficient, effective, and accomplish set objectives?

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