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Audit and Governance

A key but often under-appreciated role in corporate governance is that of the Board Secretary. The Secretary can help ensure the smooth and effective functioning of the Board and its Committees; timely information flows between the Executive and Board, and vice versa; the development, management and review of governance policies and procedures; and act as a sounding board and advisor to the Chairperson, Board and Senior Management Team on governance matters.

The reality of the importance of the role has been recognised in recent coverage in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016) (sections 1.21-1.23), the Governance Code for Non-Profits (section 2.1b) and the Companies Act, 2014 (section 129).  Boards are required to ensure that the person appointed has the requisite skills and expertise to carry out the role, and the state body code specifically outlines some of the functions of the Secretary.

This course, delivered in conjunction with The Chartered Governance Institute, is designed for those who have been newly or recently appointed to the position of Board Secretary in the public and not-for-profit sectors, and those who feel they would benefit from further or formal training.  The course will examine the role and responsibilities of the Secretary, both as prescribed, and in practice.  It will also look at good practices which a Secretary can introduce and foster to support good governance within their organisation.

Board Secretary: Duties and Priorities

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Key Facts

Delivery Method

This is a one day course that will be run from 9:30am - 4:00pm with a one-hour lunch break. It will be delivered in person at the IPA and facilitated by subject matter experts.

Scheduled Dates*:

  • 13 March 2025
  • 21 October 2025

*Dates may be subject to change.

Commences

13 March 2025 | 21 October 2025 Bookings for this course close one week in advance of start date.

Duration

One Day

Partnership

This course is delivered in conjunction with ICSA: The Governance Institute.

Fees & Enrolment

Fee: The cost of this one-day course is €460 per person.

Bookings: Bookings must be received in writing using a booking form or the online booking option (see below).

All bookings will be confirmed via email. Please send completed booking forms to:

Central Bookings Office
Institute of Public Administration
57-61 Lansdowne Road, Dublin D04 TC62
Tel: (01) 240 3666 | Fax: (01) 668 9135
Email: training@ipa.ie

All IPA courses/workshops are subject to minimum participant numbers and bookings will typically close one week prior to the start date.

Cancellation Policy: Please note, that in the event of a cancellation less than 48 working hours before the commencement of a course/workshop, a 15% cancellation fee will be charged.  Cancellation fee will also apply to non-arrivals on the day.

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The Programme

A key but often under-appreciated role in corporate governance is that of the Board Secretary. The Secretary can help ensure the smooth and effective functioning of the Board and its Committees; timely information flows between the Executive and Board, and vice versa; the development, management and review of governance policies and procedures; and act as a sounding board and advisor to the Chairperson, Board and Senior Management Team on governance matters.

The reality of the importance of the role has been recognised in recent coverage in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016) (sections 1.21-1.23), the Governance Code for Non-Profits (section 2.1b) and the Companies Act, 2014 (section 129).  Boards are required to ensure that the person appointed has the requisite skills and expertise to carry out the role, and the state body code specifically outlines some of the functions of the Secretary.

This course, delivered in conjunction with The Chartered Governance Institute, is designed for those who have been newly or recently appointed to the position of Board Secretary in the public and not-for-profit sectors, and those who feel they would benefit from further or formal training.  The course will examine the role and responsibilities of the Secretary, both as prescribed, and in practice.  It will also look at good practices which a Secretary can introduce and foster to support good governance within their organisation.

Who is this for?

This course is designed for those who have been newly or recently appointed to the position of Board Secretary in the public and not-for-profit sectors, and those who feel they would benefit from further or formal training. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this one-day course, participants will:

  • Fully appreciate the formal basis for the Board Secretary role in terms of board governance
  • Understand the key roles, responsibilities and expectations that come with the position
  • Appreciate the pro-active role a Secretary can play in promoting good governance
  • Learn more about good practices which can be introduced to improve board and committee processes, both from the IPA facilitators and fellow Secretaries.
Course Content

The Board Secretary course will cover the following areas:

  • What Governance Codes tell us about the Board Secretary
  • The Role and Key Responsibilities: Legal and Practical (incl. Ethics in Public Office, Freedom of Information etc)
  • The Secretary and the Promotion of Good Governance (incl. information flows, member training, resignation)
  • Good Practices (e.g. agenda setting, minutes, induction etc)
Course Leader

This one day course will be delivered by Dr. Tom Ward, Senior Governance Specialist.

 

Please select if you are booking as an individual or on behalf of an organisation

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