Governance Professional

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Governance Professional. A governance professional is responsible for leading and advising key stakeholders on best practice in governance, risk management and compliance; championing the compliance framework to safeguard organisational integrity; promoting and acting as a 'sounding board' on standards of ethical corporate behaviour; and balancing the interests of the board (or governing body), management and other stakeholders. Governance professionals have a significant impact on the level and quality of corporate governance and governance culture within an organisation, and play a pivotal role in assisting the board or governing body to achieve the organisation's vision and strategy. A qualified learner will be able to: • Apply the concepts of corporate governance and best governance practice within a corporate or public-sector environment. • Assess factors that create possible barriers within corporate governance structures. • Solve corporate governance problems according to best practices. • Develop and monitor corporate governance processes and systems with regard to risk management, compliance and financial reporting. • Conduct research on corporate governance scenarios to provide stakeholders (including directors, executive management, shareholders and suppliers) solutions and alternatives to inform best practice within the organisation. • Mitigate risks in the context of good governance.

This qualification is designed to meet the need for corporate governance professionals who can work in public and private sector organisations in South Africa. The qualification is also suitable for professionals in other fields, senior managers and executive and non-executive directors of companies who carry responsibility in terms of corporate governance. In addition, the qualification provides an alternative learning pathway to learners enrolled in the Occupational Certificate: Company Secretary. This alternative route is specifically suitable for learners who work in the public sector or who do not have access to company secretarial work experience as required by the Occupational Certificate: Company Secretary. Governance professionals work alongside company secretaries or take responsibility for corporate governance in organisations that are not obliged to appoint company secretaries. This 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. 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. Successful learners will be prepared for employment at senior levels in organisations and will be able to undertake leadership roles with confidence, to understand and advise on legal and governance matters and to contribute to strategic planning within the entities where they work. This qualification is of critical importance for the South African economy. Good corporate governance in both the private and public sectors is at the heart of continued domestic and foreign investment, which in turn is a prerequisite for economic growth and job creation.

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 result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for Access to the Qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 7 qualification in the area of Governance, Business Management and or Business Administration.

• Apply the concepts of corporate governance and best governance practice within a corporate or public-sector environment.
• Assess factors that create possible barriers within corporate governance structures.
• Solve corporate governance problems according to best practices.
• Develop and monitor corporate governance processes and systems with regard to risk management, compliance and financial reporting.
• Conduct research on corporate governance scenarios to provide stakeholders (including directors, executive management, shareholders and suppliers) solutions and alternatives to inform best practice within the organisation.
• Mitigate risks in the context of good governance.