Elevating SACCO Governance: A Masterclass in Board Oversight & Strategic Stewardship Training Course

Introduction

Effective governance is the cornerstone of a resilient and prosperous financial cooperative. In an era of heightened regulatory scrutiny and evolving member expectations, the role of a SACCO board transcends simple policy approval—it demands active oversight and strategic stewardship. This masterclass is designed to empower directors with the modern frameworks and critical skills necessary to navigate complex challenges, mitigate risk, and lead their institution with unwavering integrity and foresight.

This intensive program provides a comprehensive roadmap for fulfilling fiduciary duties, ensuring robust accountability, and fostering a culture of transparency from the top down. By blending theory with practical, real-world case studies, participants will learn how to transform their board from a compliance body into a dynamic engine for sustainable growth and member value. It is the definitive training for leaders committed to safeguarding their SACCO's future.

Duration 5 days

Target Audience This course is for SACCO board members, supervisory committee members, audit committee members, senior management, and aspiring cooperative leaders who wish to deepen their understanding of governance, risk management, and strategic oversight.

Objectives

  1. To master the core principles of corporate governance and their application within a cooperative framework.
  2. To clearly differentiate between the oversight role of the board and the operational duties of management.
  3. To develop and implement a robust framework for enterprise-wide risk management.
  4. To enhance financial literacy to effectively interpret reports and guide fiscal strategy.
  5. To champion a culture of transparency and accountability to all members and stakeholders.
  6. To conduct effective performance evaluations for the board, committees, and senior leadership.
  7. To understand the legal and ethical responsibilities tied to fiduciary duties.
  8. To apply strategic planning techniques to ensure the SACCO’s long-term sustainability and growth.
  9. To strengthen internal controls to prevent fraud and financial mismanagement.
  10. To lead with integrity and sound judgment in all governance and decision-making processes.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Foundation of Board Governance

  • The legal and regulatory environment for financial cooperatives.
  • The critical roles and responsibilities of the board of directors.
  • The agency theory and its relevance to board oversight.
  • The cooperative principles as a guide for governance.
  • Differentiating governance from management.

Module 2: Fiduciary Duties & Ethical Leadership

  • Understanding the duty of care, loyalty, and obedience.
  • Identifying and managing conflicts of interest.
  • Developing and enforcing a comprehensive code of conduct.
  • The importance of a "tone at the top" for the entire organization.
  • Case studies on ethical dilemmas in SACCO leadership.

Module 3: Strategic Planning & Performance Oversight

  • The board's role in setting the SACCO's strategic direction.
  • Aligning strategy with mission, vision, and member needs.
  • Monitoring and evaluating strategic plan execution and key performance indicators.
  • The link between effective governance and long-term sustainability.
  • Tools and frameworks for strategic decision-making.

Module 4: Financial Stewardship & Oversight

  • Interpreting key financial statements: balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
  • Board-level oversight of the budgeting and audit process.
  • Understanding financial ratios to assess the SACCO's health.
  • Ensuring asset quality and managing loan portfolio risks.
  • The board's role in dividend policy and surplus allocation.

Module 5: Risk Management & Internal Controls

  • Identifying and assessing strategic, operational, and financial risks.
  • Establishing a risk appetite and risk management framework.
  • The function of internal and external audits.
  • Implementing robust internal controls to safeguard assets and prevent fraud.
  • The board's responsibility in managing reputational risk.

Module 6: Board & Leadership Performance Evaluation

  • The process for conducting a board self-evaluation.
  • Developing a framework for evaluating the CEO's performance.
  • Key metrics for measuring individual director and committee effectiveness.
  • Leveraging performance feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Succession planning for board leadership and senior management.

Module 7: Board Dynamics & Effective Meetings

  • Structuring an effective board and committee meeting agenda.
  • Promoting constructive debate and robust critical challenge.
  • The role of the board chair in fostering an inclusive environment.
  • Proper procedures for minute-taking and record-keeping.
  • Communicating board decisions to management and members.

Module 8: Accountability to Members & Stakeholders

  • The board's duty to protect member interests and member funds.
  • Enhancing transparency through clear and timely communication.
  • Handling member complaints and disputes with fairness and equity.
  • The board's relationship with regulators and other external bodies.
  • Fostering member engagement and participation in governance.

Module 9: Compliance & The Legal Framework

  • The board's ultimate responsibility for ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Understanding legal implications of non-compliance and misconduct.
  • The role of by-laws and policies in a strong governance framework.
  • Managing legal risks and disputes.
  • The legal basis for board and committee decisions.

Module 10: Capstone Project: A Governance Health Check

  • Participants will work in teams to conduct a governance audit of a SACCO case study.
  • They will identify governance gaps and areas of non-compliance.
  • Teams will draft a detailed report with recommendations for improvement.
  • The project will culminate in a presentation to a mock "General Meeting" of stakeholders.
  • This module provides a practical, hands-on opportunity to apply the concepts from all modules.

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 is provided by the institute. 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

 

Elevating Sacco Governance: A Masterclass In Board Oversight & Strategic Stewardship Training Course in Lesotho
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