Auditing and Governance Risk and Compliance

Strategic GRC Master Class

This Strategic GRC Master Class focuses on Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) frameworks, equipping professionals with the skills to integrate GRC strategies into their organisations. Participants will learn to assess risks, design governance structures, and ensure compliance with regulations effectively.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

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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 regulatory pressures and complex risk environments that can lead to significant financial and reputational damage. Professionals must navigate these challenges to protect their organisations and ensure compliance. This course addresses the critical need for effective GRC strategies that align with business objectives, helping participants understand the implications of governance and risk management on operational success. Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world GRC scenarios, such as developing risk assessments and compliance strategies. By practising these tasks, attendees will enhance their capability to make informed decisions that mitigate risks and support organisational integrity, ultimately driving sustainable growth.

The ability to integrate GRC practices into daily operations is essential for maintaining compliance and managing risks effectively. Participants will learn to design governance frameworks that foster accountability and transparency while ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements. They will also explore techniques for conducting risk assessments that inform strategic planning and resource allocation. By developing compliance programmes tailored to their organisations, participants will gain the skills necessary to monitor adherence to regulations and implement training initiatives. This hands-on approach ensures that participants leave with applicable skills and knowledge, enabling them to contribute to their organisations' resilience and long-term success.

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 case studies, interactive workshops, and role-playing scenarios to build participants' capabilities in GRC. Each day includes practical exercises where participants analyse real-world situations, develop strategic responses, and present their findings. For example, participants will engage in risk assessment simulations, governance framework design, and compliance programme development. Outputs include risk assessment reports, governance structures, and compliance checklists, ensuring that participants can apply their learning directly to their roles. This active learning approach fosters collaboration and critical thinking, allowing participants to refine their skills in a supportive environment while receiving immediate feedback from peers and instructors.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

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

Analyse key components of GRC frameworks and their relevance to organisational strategy.
Design a governance structure that aligns with organisational objectives and regulatory requirements.
Assess potential risks using qualitative and quantitative methods to inform decision-making.
Construct a compliance programme that addresses specific regulatory obligations and organisational needs.
Prioritise risks based on their potential impact and likelihood to inform strategic planning.
Justify the integration of GRC practices into business processes to enhance organisational resilience.

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Compliance Officers responsible for regulatory adherence and risk management.
Risk Managers tasked with identifying and mitigating organisational risks.
Governance Professionals involved in establishing and maintaining governance frameworks.
Internal Auditors focused on compliance and risk assessment within their organisations.

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Ability to evaluate and integrate GRC frameworks into business operations.
Skill in conducting comprehensive risk assessments and analyses.
Proficiency in developing and implementing compliance programmes.
Expertise in designing governance structures that support organisational goals.
Capability to communicate GRC strategies effectively to stakeholders.
Aptitude for prioritising and managing risks in a dynamic environment.

Course outline

Your learning journey.

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

Day 1Understanding GRC Frameworks

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a case study of a company that faced compliance issues due to inadequate GRC practices. They will identify the gaps in the GRC framework and propose improvements using relevant standards and best practices.

Output: A report summarising identified gaps and proposed GRC framework enhancements.

09:00–09:54Define Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) and their interconnections in organisational strategy.
09:54–10:48Explore key GRC frameworks and standards (e.g., COSO, ISO 31000) relevant to various industries.
10:48–11:00Identify the role of GRC in strategic decision-making and operational effectiveness.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Identify the role of GRC in strategic decision-making and operational effectiveness. (continued)
12:12–13:06Discuss the implications of poor GRC practices on organisational performance and reputation.
13:06–14:00Evaluate case studies of successful GRC implementations and lessons learned.

Day 2Designing Effective Governance Structures

Applied activity: Working in groups, participants will design a governance structure for a fictional organisation, detailing roles, responsibilities, and policies to ensure compliance and risk management. They will present their structure to the class for feedback.

Output: A governance structure document outlining roles, responsibilities, and policies.

09:00–09:54Identify the components of a robust governance structure that supports compliance and risk management.
09:54–10:48Discuss roles and responsibilities within GRC frameworks and their impact on accountability.
10:48–11:00Explore the relationship between governance and organisational culture in fostering compliance.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Explore the relationship between governance and organisational culture in fostering compliance. (continued)
12:12–13:06Develop governance policies that align with strategic objectives and regulatory requirements.
13:06–14:00Evaluate the effectiveness of existing governance structures and propose enhancements.

Day 3Risk Assessment Techniques

Applied activity: Participants will conduct a risk assessment for a fictional project, identifying potential risks and evaluating their impact and likelihood using a risk matrix. They will present their findings to the group.

Output: A completed risk assessment matrix with identified risks and prioritisation.

09:00–09:54Introduce qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methods applicable to various scenarios.
09:54–10:48Learn to identify and evaluate organisational risks using established frameworks and tools.
10:48–11:00Discuss risk appetite and tolerance in decision-making processes for strategic planning.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Discuss risk appetite and tolerance in decision-making processes for strategic planning. (continued)
12:12–13:06Explore tools for risk assessment and management, including risk matrices and software solutions.
13:06–14:00Develop risk assessment matrices to prioritise risks based on impact and likelihood.

Day 4Implementing Compliance Programmes

Applied activity: Participants will create a compliance programme for a fictional organisation, detailing key elements, monitoring processes, and training initiatives to ensure adherence to regulations. They will outline implementation steps and challenges.

Output: A compliance programme document outlining key components and monitoring strategies.

09:00–09:54Understand the regulatory landscape relevant to participants' industries and its implications for compliance.
09:54–10:48Discuss the elements of an effective compliance programme and their importance in risk management.
10:48–11:00Explore methods for monitoring and auditing compliance, including internal controls and reporting.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Explore methods for monitoring and auditing compliance, including internal controls and reporting. (continued)
12:12–13:06Learn to develop training programmes for compliance awareness and employee engagement.
13:06–14:00Evaluate the effectiveness of compliance programmes through case studies and best practices.

Day 5Integrating GRC into Business Processes

Applied activity: In teams, participants will develop a comprehensive GRC integration plan for a fictional organisation, considering stakeholder communication, change management, and performance metrics. They will present their plans and receive feedback.

Output: A GRC integration plan that includes communication strategies and performance metrics.

09:00–09:54Discuss the importance of integrating GRC into daily operations for enhanced organisational resilience.
09:54–10:48Explore change management strategies for effective GRC integration across departments.
10:48–11:00Learn to communicate GRC strategies to stakeholders effectively, ensuring buy-in and support.
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–12:12Learn to communicate GRC strategies to stakeholders effectively, ensuring buy-in and support. (continued)
12:12–13:06Evaluate the impact of GRC integration on organisational performance and risk mitigation.
13:06–14:00Develop a roadmap for GRC integration within an organisation, including timelines and responsibilities.

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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