Governance & Compliance

Certificate in ISO 37000:2021 - Governance of Organisations

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of ISO 37000:2021, focusing on governance frameworks, principles, and practices for organisations. Participants will learn to implement effective governance structures, ensuring accountability, transparency, and ethical decision-making in their organisations.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Organisations face increasing scrutiny regarding governance practices, making it essential to adopt structured frameworks like ISO 37000:2021. Poor governance can lead to significant risks, including reputational damage, financial losses, and legal repercussions. Understanding these standards equips professionals to enhance their organisation's governance, enabling them to make informed decisions that align with stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements. Participants will learn to identify governance gaps, assess organisational structures, and implement strategies that foster a culture of accountability, ultimately improving organisational resilience, performance, and stakeholder trust. Mastering these skills is vital for navigating complex governance landscapes and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.

Developing practical skills to assess and improve governance structures is crucial for professionals in governance roles. Through case studies and simulations, participants will learn to identify governance gaps, implement best practices, and foster a culture of accountability. They will engage in hands-on exercises that simulate real-world governance challenges, enabling them to apply ISO 37000:2021 principles effectively. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to make strategic decisions that enhance governance frameworks, ensuring their organisations operate ethically and transparently while meeting the expectations of stakeholders. This capability is vital for driving long-term success and sustainability, particularly in a rapidly changing business environment.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of interactive workshops, case studies, and group discussions to facilitate learning. Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate governance challenges, allowing them to apply ISO 37000:2021 principles in realistic settings. Specific activities include conducting governance assessments, designing frameworks, and developing implementation plans. Outputs will include governance assessment reports, framework documents, and evaluation strategies tailored to their organisations' needs. This hands-on approach ensures that participants can apply their learning directly to real-world scenarios, enhancing their capability to drive effective governance in their organisations and fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in governance practices.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Analyse the principles of ISO 37000:2021 and their relevance to organisational governance.
Assess current governance structures against ISO 37000:2021 standards to identify areas for improvement.
Design a governance framework that aligns with ISO 37000:2021 for a fictional organisation, addressing its specific needs.
Justify the implementation of governance practices that enhance accountability and transparency within the organisation.
Construct a risk management plan that incorporates ISO 37000:2021 guidelines and best practices.
Evaluate the effectiveness of governance practices through peer review and feedback mechanisms.
Develop an implementation plan for governance frameworks that includes stakeholder engagement strategies and timelines.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Governance professionals responsible for policy development and implementation in organisations.
Compliance officers tasked with ensuring adherence to governance standards and regulations.
Senior managers seeking to enhance organisational governance frameworks and decision-making processes.
Board members aiming to improve oversight and accountability in their organisations to meet stakeholder expectations.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Evaluate governance frameworks against international standards and best practices.
Implement effective governance practices that promote transparency and accountability.
Facilitate stakeholder engagement in governance processes to ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
Develop risk management strategies aligned with governance principles to mitigate potential issues.
Conduct governance assessments and provide actionable recommendations for improvement.
Foster a culture of ethical decision-making within organisations to enhance integrity and trust.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Introduction to ISO 37000:2021 and Governance Principles

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a fictional organisation's governance structure, identifying strengths and weaknesses in relation to ISO 37000:2021 principles. They will discuss their findings in small groups, focusing on areas for improvement and potential solutions, including specific governance practices to enhance effectiveness.

Output: A governance assessment report highlighting key findings, recommendations, and proposed actions.

09:00–09:54Overview of ISO 37000:2021 and its significance in organisational governance.
09:54–10:48Key principles of effective governance: accountability, transparency, and ethical behaviour in practice.
10:48–11:00The role of governance in organisational success, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12The role of governance in organisational success, risk management, and stakeholder engagement. (continued)
12:12–13:06Understanding stakeholder expectations and engagement in governance processes and decision-making.
13:06–14:00Identifying governance challenges in contemporary organisations and their implications for practice.

Day 2Assessing Governance Structures

Applied activity: Using a provided governance framework, participants will conduct a mock assessment, identifying gaps and proposing improvements based on ISO 37000:2021. They will present their findings to the group for discussion, focusing on actionable recommendations for enhancing governance structures.

Output: A detailed gap analysis report with proposed governance enhancements and implementation strategies.

09:00–09:54Methods for assessing governance frameworks against ISO 37000:2021 standards and best practices.
09:54–10:48Tools for conducting governance audits and evaluations effectively.
10:48–11:00Identifying gaps in governance practices and their implications for organisational performance.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identifying gaps in governance practices and their implications for organisational performance. (continued)
12:12–13:06Utilising stakeholder feedback to inform governance assessments and improve practices.
13:06–14:00Developing metrics for measuring governance effectiveness and success over time.

Day 3Designing Effective Governance Frameworks

Applied activity: Participants will work in teams to design a governance framework for a fictional organisation, incorporating ISO 37000:2021 principles and addressing identified gaps. They will outline roles and responsibilities within the framework, ensuring clarity and accountability.

Output: A comprehensive governance framework document outlining structure, processes, roles, and responsibilities.

09:00–09:54Elements of a robust governance framework aligned with ISO 37000:2021 and organisational needs.
09:54–10:48Strategies for integrating governance into organisational culture and daily operations.
10:48–11:00Best practices for governance documentation, communication, and stakeholder engagement.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Best practices for governance documentation, communication, and stakeholder engagement. (continued)
12:12–13:06Role of leadership in promoting effective governance and accountability throughout the organisation.
13:06–14:00Case studies of successful governance frameworks and lessons learned from their implementation.

Day 4Implementing Governance Practices

Applied activity: Participants will create an implementation plan for their designed governance framework, detailing steps, timelines, and responsible parties. They will also identify potential barriers to implementation and strategies to overcome them, ensuring a smooth transition.

Output: An actionable governance implementation plan with timelines, responsibilities, and risk mitigation strategies.

09:00–09:54Strategies for implementing governance frameworks in organisations effectively and sustainably.
09:54–10:48Change management principles for governance implementation and overcoming resistance.
10:48–11:00Training and development for governance awareness and capacity building.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Training and development for governance awareness and capacity building. (continued)
12:12–13:06Monitoring and evaluating governance practices post-implementation for continuous improvement.
13:06–14:00Communicating governance changes to stakeholders and ensuring their buy-in.

Day 5Evaluating and Sustaining Governance Effectiveness

Applied activity: In groups, participants will develop a governance evaluation strategy for their fictional organisation, incorporating feedback mechanisms and performance metrics. They will discuss how to sustain governance effectiveness over time, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.

Output: A governance evaluation strategy document outlining methods and metrics for ongoing assessment and improvement.

09:00–09:54Methods for evaluating the effectiveness of governance practices and frameworks over time.
09:54–10:48Continuous improvement processes for governance frameworks to adapt to changing needs.
10:48–11:00Engaging stakeholders in ongoing governance evaluation and feedback processes.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Engaging stakeholders in ongoing governance evaluation and feedback processes. (continued)
12:12–13:06Reporting on governance performance to stakeholders and ensuring transparency.
13:06–14:00Future trends in governance and the evolving role of ISO standards in organisational success.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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