Empowering Mission: NGO Governance and Board Leadership Training Course

Introduction

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are vital drivers of social change, humanitarian aid, and sustainable development globally. However, their ability to fulfill their missions effectively, maintain public trust, and secure sustainable funding hinges critically on robust governance structures and strong board leadership. In an environment characterized by increasing scrutiny, complex challenges, and evolving donor expectations, a well-governed NGO with a proactive and engaged board is better positioned to ensure accountability, manage risks, and maximize its impact.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of NGO governance principles and the essential competencies for effective board leadership. From exploring the legal duties of board members and various governance models to mastering strategic oversight, financial stewardship, ethical conduct, and stakeholder engagement, you will gain the expertise to guide your organization with integrity and impact. This empowers you to strengthen organizational resilience, enhance transparency, ensure compliance, and strategically contribute to the long-term success and mission fulfillment of your NGO.

Target Audience

  • NGO Board Members (current and aspiring).
  • Executive Directors and CEOs of NGOs.
  • Senior Management Teams in Non-Profit Organizations.
  • Governance Committee Members.
  • Legal Counsel and Compliance Officers for NGOs.
  • Fundraising and Development Directors.
  • Program Managers (seeking to understand governance context).
  • Anyone involved in the strategic direction and oversight of a non-profit organization.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental principles of good governance for Non-Governmental Organizations.
  • Grasp the legal duties and responsibilities of NGO board members.
  • Analyze various board structures and their impact on effectiveness.
  • Comprehend the board's role in strategic planning and oversight.
  • Evaluate different methodologies for financial oversight and fundraising.
  • Develop practical skills in conducting effective board meetings and decision-making.
  • Navigate the complexities of ethical leadership, compliance, and risk management.
  • Formulate robust strategies for board recruitment, development, and succession planning.

Course Content

  1. Foundations of NGO Governance
  • Definition of governance in the non-profit context.
  • Importance of good governance for NGO credibility, sustainability, and impact.
  • Key principles of ethical and effective NGO governance.
  • Overview of different governance models (e.g., policy governance, traditional).
  • Legal and regulatory environment for NGOs.
  1. Roles, Responsibilities, and Legal Duties of the Board
  • Fiduciary duties: Duty of Care, Duty of Loyalty, Duty of Obedience.
  • Strategic oversight vs. operational management: defining boundaries.
  • Responsibilities for mission, vision, and values.
  • Board's role in hiring, supporting, and evaluating the Executive Director/CEO.
  • Legal liabilities and protections for board members.
  1. Board Structure, Composition, and Dynamics
  • Optimizing board size and composition for diversity, skills, and experience.
  • Roles of board officers (Chair, Secretary, Treasurer).
  • Board committees and their functions (e.g., Governance, Finance, Program, Fundraising).
  • Building a high-performing and collaborative board culture.
  • Managing board dynamics and conflicts.
  1. Strategic Planning and Oversight by the Board
  • Board's role in developing, approving, and monitoring the strategic plan.
  • Ensuring alignment between mission, programs, and strategy.
  • Setting strategic objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Monitoring organizational performance against strategic goals.
  • Adapting strategy in response to external changes.
  1. Financial Oversight and Stewardship
  • Board's fiduciary responsibility for financial health.
  • Understanding financial statements: balance sheet, income statement, cash flow.
  • Budget approval and financial monitoring.
  • Internal controls and audit oversight.
  • Reserve policies and investment management.
  1. Fundraising and Resource Mobilization for the Board
  • Board's role in fundraising: leading by example, opening doors, advocating.
  • Developing a diversified fundraising strategy.
  • Engaging board members in fundraising activities.
  • Donor relations and stewardship.
  • Understanding funding trends and donor expectations.
  1. Ethical Leadership and Compliance
  • Developing and upholding a strong code of ethics and conduct.
  • Managing conflicts of interest transparently.
  • Whistleblower policies and protection.
  • Compliance with legal requirements (e.g., tax, reporting, labor laws).
  • Ensuring transparency and accountability to stakeholders.
  1. Board Meetings, Decision-Making, and Communication
  • Planning effective board meeting agendas and materials.
  • Facilitating productive discussions and informed decision-making.
  • Documenting minutes and decisions.
  • Effective internal communication within the board and with staff.
  • External communication and public representation.
  1. Board Recruitment, Development, and Succession Planning
  • Identifying and recruiting new board members: skills matrix, outreach.
  • Effective board orientation and onboarding.
  • Continuous learning and professional development for board members.
  • Evaluating board and individual member performance.
  • Succession planning for board leadership and the Executive Director.
  1. Risk Management and Crisis Governance
  • Board's role in overseeing enterprise risk management for the NGO.
  • Identifying and assessing key risks: financial, reputational, operational, programmatic.
  • Developing risk mitigation strategies.
  • Crisis preparedness and the board's role in crisis management.
  • Ensuring organizational resilience and continuity.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

 

Empowering Mission: Ngo Governance And Board Leadership Training Course in Switzerland
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