Certificate for the Course
I’ve spent the last week on a professional training course for Company Directors. Run by the NZ Institute of Directors, the course covered best practice corporate governance, including strategy, finance, risk and culture. We participated in board simulation exercises where we put what we’d learned into practice.
Led by some of New Zealand’s most experienced directors, we learned from the best. With so much to cover in a week, we only had two spare evenings and even then we had homework to do (and one of those evenings was the fundraising quiz for the Howick Santa Parade). It’s always challenging being away from work and home for a week, but really glad I took the time out to upskill.
It was also good spending time with other professionals who are involved or interested in good governance. We had a really diverse mix of people which added to the experience, learning from each other’s skills and experience.
I highly recommend the Company Directors Course for anyone who is interested in increasing their skills in governance. Also joining the New Zealand Institute of Directors (NZ IoD) who act as the professional body for directors, providing best practice, training and networking opportunities, I joined the Institute of Directors few years ago and really appreciated the support. While Directors have historically been largely unseen by the organisations, their role has changed to be more active role in leadership especially around strategy and culture. NZ IoD defines the four pillars of good governance as determining purpose, driving culture, executive performance and ensuring compliance.
I’ve been involved in company director roles for many years as Board Secretary to a commercial board (AsureQuality) for four years and chairperson of our two Australian subsidiaries the last 18 months. This in addition to my numerous volunteer roles on the boards of not-for-profits (Botany Crime Watch Patrol, East Skate Club and East Auckland Tourism). I was also on the Board of UnitedFuture for eight years including as chair for three. I’ve learned a great deal from these positions but membership in the Institute of Directors and this course have helped lift my understanding of best practice.
Next step is moving down the Chartered Membership pathway.