C.Dir

Chartered Directors (C.Dir.) Program Module 1

Written by Sample HubSpot User | Dec 7, 2022 7:15:03 PM

The Ontario electricity sector continues to undergo significant change at an increasingly rapid pace. Governance is no different as it’s rising to the top of the agenda for a number of key stakeholders including the Ontario Energy Board, IESO and the Ministry of Energy.  Effective governance has been identified as key in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of utility performance.  Today’s LDC Board is increasingly challenged to ensure the proper oversight, governance and structure is in place to capitalize on this change, and to lead the organization toward success in an increasingly complex and regulated business environment. 

Partnering with The Directors College and McMaster University DeGroote School of Business, this course grants the university designation of “C.Dir” and is customized to the unique requirements of the LDC sector. This program delivers a unique experience that recognizes both sides of directorship – the “technical and structural” (rules-based) side and the “cultural” (principle-based and behavioural) side.  Customized to the unique requirements of the LDC sector, this industry recognized university accreditation designation provides skills, perspectives and tactics to drive value as an effective and successful board member.  Successful completion of this program allows participants to use the recognized designation of C.Dir.


Course Outline

The program consists of five modules, each delivered in 2.25 days. Each module starts Thursday afternoon and is all day Friday and Saturday.  This is an in-resident program.  Below is a partial list of topics that will be covered in the five modules:

Module 1 - Accountability and Change

  • Understand the roles, responsibilities, legal and fiduciary duties, and accountabilities of the Board
  • The role of the Board in a utility/regulated environment as it relates to the Municipal Shareholder, and the relationships to Affiliates and HoldCo Boards
  • Discuss Board and Director independence, and how to encourage and contribute to effective interaction

Module 2 - Leadership and Strategy

  • Learn how to establish clear corporate strategies with management
  • Learn best practices for succession planning, human resource/compensation committees, IT strategy, management performance
  • Understand the type of information required to identify, control, and mitigate corporate risk in a utility regulated environment

Module 3 - Oversight and Finance

  • Learn how to access and assess financial information using accounting principles and financial/non-financial indicators
  • Understand the roles and responsibilities of the Board, audit committee, internal/external auditors, and the oversight role of the Board in managing risk
  • Understand the roles of the Regulator, Municipal Shareholders and other stakeholders,  and the expectations regarding the Board’s governance and oversight responsibilities

Module 4 - Effective Governance Under Complex Circumstances

  • Learn how emotional intelligence affects board behaviour and functioning (includes personal assessment), and how to develop efficient, effective and productive interactions
  • Understand the links between governance, sustainability, ethical imperatives, and social responsibility
  • Understand
  • the importance of corporate reputation including opportunities, risks and crisis management

Module 5 - The Board Simulation

  • Participate as a Board Member at a variety of Board and Committee meetings for a simulated corporation
  • Gain personal insight on how your behaviour, and that of others, affects the board’s processes and productivity

All sessions include facilitated group discussion.  Upon completion of the five modules, candidates are required to successfully write an exam to receive their Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation. 50 hours over three years of Continued Professional Development (CPD) are required to maintain the designation.

This course qualifies for 7.5 hours of CPD with HRPA upon successful completion.

The option to attend some or all of these sessions virtually at a reduced price is also available.
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