Navigating the Rulebook: A SACCO By-Laws Review & Compliance Workshop Training Course

Introduction

For any SACCO, the by-laws are the legal and operational bedrock. They are the definitive guide for governance, membership, and financial management, ensuring the institution operates with integrity and in full alignment with its founding principles. This course is meticulously designed to provide a deep, practical understanding of a SACCO's by-laws, moving beyond mere reading to active interpretation and application. It is an essential program for leaders who need to confidently navigate the complexities of cooperative law and ensure their decisions are compliant, fair, and serve the best interests of their members.

This intensive workshop will equip you with the knowledge to not only understand your SACCO's by-laws but also to recognize their critical role in mitigating risk and fostering sustainable growth. We will explore how by-laws impact daily operations, from loan approvals to member rights and responsibilities. By the end of this program, you will be a by-laws expert, capable of championing a culture of meticulous compliance that strengthens the SACCO's foundation and builds unshakeable trust within its community.

Duration 5 days

Target Audience This course is ideal for SACCO board members, supervisory committee members, senior management, legal officers, compliance officers, and internal auditors. It is also highly beneficial for long-serving committee members and staff who require a comprehensive understanding of the institution's governing rules.

Objectives

  1. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the purpose and function of SACCO by-laws.
  2. To interpret and apply by-law provisions in real-world governance scenarios.
  3. To recognize the interplay between by-laws, national law, and regulatory frameworks.
  4. To identify and address potential conflicts or ambiguities within the by-laws.
  5. To ensure proper procedures for member admission, withdrawal, and discipline.
  6. To understand the legal and operational implications of by-law non-compliance.
  7. To apply by-laws correctly in handling financial transactions and member disputes.
  8. To develop a process for a periodic by-law review and amendment.
  9. To champion a culture of by-law adherence and internal control.
  10. To safeguard the SACCO’s reputation and financial stability through diligent compliance.

Course Modules

Module 1: The Foundation of SACCO Governance

  • The purpose and importance of by-laws.
  • Understanding the legal hierarchy: National law, regulations, and by-laws.
  • The role of by-laws in defining rights and obligations.
  • The relationship between by-laws and the cooperative principles.
  • Case studies on governance challenges from by-law misinterpretation.

Module 2: Membership & Member Relations

  • Proper procedures for member admission and shareholding.
  • Understanding member rights, duties, and responsibilities.
  • The by-laws' role in member withdrawal and expulsion.
  • The legal process for addressing member complaints and disputes.
  • Ensuring fairness and equity in all member dealings.

Module 3: Board & Committee Roles

  • The specific powers and duties of the Board of Directors as per by-laws.
  • The legal basis for the Supervisory Committee's oversight function.
  • Defining the responsibilities of various sub-committees.
  • Ethical conduct and fiduciary duties as mandated by by-laws.
  • Managing conflict of interest within leadership positions.

Module 4: Financial Management & Operations

  • By-law provisions for share capital, savings, and deposits.
  • Lending policies and procedures as defined by the by-laws.
  • By-law requirements for financial reporting and auditing.
  • Proper handling of dividends and interest on deposits.
  • Compliance with by-laws in budgeting and expenditure.

Module 5: General Meetings & Decision-Making

  • The legal requirements for convening Annual and Special General Meetings.
  • Proper notice, quorum, and voting procedures.
  • The by-laws' role in ratifying decisions and approving policies.
  • Differentiating between resolutions and by-law amendments.
  • The power of the general body and its role in governance.

Module 6: Risk Management & Compliance

  • By-laws as a tool for internal controls and fraud prevention.
  • The legal framework for dealing with delinquency and loan default.
  • The by-laws' role in managing operational and reputational risk.
  • Compliance with by-laws in record-keeping and data management.
  • The legal consequences of non-compliance.

Module 7: The By-Law Review Process

  • Developing a systematic approach to by-law review.
  • Identifying outdated, ambiguous, or contradictory provisions.
  • The legal procedure for proposing and approving amendments.
  • Communicating by-law changes to members and stakeholders.
  • The role of regulatory bodies in by-law approval.

Module 8: By-Laws & Technology

  • The application of by-laws to digital services and platforms.
  • By-law implications for data privacy and cybersecurity.
  • Addressing the use of electronic voting and virtual meetings.
  • Ensuring technological solutions are compliant and secure.
  • The ethical obligations of data protection as outlined in by-laws.

Module 9: Training & Member Education

  • The by-laws' mandate for continuous member and leadership education.
  • Designing effective training programs on by-law awareness.
  • Empowering members to exercise their rights and obligations.
  • Using by-laws to onboard new members and leaders.
  • Fostering a culture of accountability and shared responsibility.

Module 10: Capstone Project

  • Participants will conduct an audit of their SACCO’s by-laws against current regulations.
  • Teams will identify areas of non-compliance or ambiguity.
  • Participants will draft a proposal for by-law amendments to address the identified issues.
  • The project will culminate in a presentation outlining the findings and recommendations.
  • This module provides hands-on experience in practical by-law application and reform.

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

 

Navigating The Rulebook: A Sacco By-laws Review & Compliance Workshop Training Course in Sao Tome and Principe
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