Governance Practitioner

The combination of modules that make up this part-qualification provides entry into the field of corporate governance and prepares a learner for positions in the divisions of public and private sector organisations that deal with corporate governance. After completion of this qualification, learners can choose to complete the second part of the qualification and qualify as company secretaries or they can enter into the Occupational Certificate: Governance Professional. The qualifying learner will be able to: • Mitigate functions within an organisation to achieve the objectives of the organisation while addressing the expectations of its stakeholders. • Report to the board on relevant corporate and business legislation and case law relating to compliance with the Act, the Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) or rules of the company. • Collate and distribute the company's annual financial statements to every person entitled to them for strategic decision-making purposes. • Advise directors of any laws relevant to or affecting the company to ensure sound corporate governance principles and best practices in various organisational contexts. • Communicate with peers, superiors, subordinates, customers and service providers in a work environment.

This part-qualification is designed to provide a learning pathway for learners who want to become company secretaries or who want to work in supportive roles in the corporate governance, compliance or risk management divisions of large organisations or in organisations that provide outsourced company secretarial, compliance or risk management services. This part-qualification was developed in close co-operation with Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa (CSSA), the professional body for company secretaries and governance professionals in Southern Africa, and its constituents. It was also designed to meet the qualification standards set by the Professional Standards Committee of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA), which consists of subject matter experts from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Canada, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong and Malaysia. These qualification standards are implemented by the professional bodies of these countries and adherence to these standards assisted in aligning this qualification to international best practice. This part-qualification plays an important role in the provision of skills necessary to ensure good corporate governance in South African organisations. Good corporate governance is at the heart of continued domestic and foreign investment, which in turn is a prerequisite for economic growth and job creation. Similarly, confidence in the local financial markets depends on good corporate governance in the companies whose securities are traded in the markets.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of results or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the part-qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • NQF Level 4 qualification with Mathematical Literacy and English.

• Mitigate functions within an organisation to achieve the objectives of the organisation while addressing the expectations of its stakeholders.
• Critically assess concerns and issues creating possible barriers within corporate governance structures.
• Collate and distribute the company's annual financial statements to every person entitled to them for strategic decision-making purposes.
• Advise directors of any laws relevant to or affecting the company to ensure sound corporate governance principles and best practices in various organisational contexts.
• Communicate with peers, superiors, subordinates, customers and service providers in a work environment.