Upcoming course start date: 5th March 2024

Empowering the next generation of non-executive directors

Elevate your NED career with the university credit-rated Diploma in Corporate Governance.

Recommended by 97.3% of delegates


Price: €4,495 or €1,123/monthly (0% interest)
Contact hours: 50*
Delivery: Self-paced & cohort based

University credit-rated. Industry approved. Globally recognised

GCU Logo EQF Logo SCQF Logo

Be part of our global alumni community

  • Google-logo
  • PWC-logo
  • HSBC-logo
  • Delloite-logo
  • NHS-logo
  • Kerry-logo
  • crypto.com-logo

Be part of our global alumni community

google-logo
NHS-logo
PWC-logo
Delloite-logo
Kerry-logo
HSBC-logo
Course Overview

How non-executive directors can master good governance to make it in the boardroom

Good governance depends on having robust governance frameworks in place. It also requires non-executive directors who can challenge, question and monitor the CEO and senior management. As a ‘critical friend’ a NED needs to act in the best interest of the organisation and its stakeholders.

With this corporate governance training for NEDs, you’ll learn:

  • How an effective board operates.

  • Actionable frameworks to implement good governance.
  • Practical examples of how to be an impactful board member in different scenarios.
board-members-having-a-meeting-in-the-boardroom

Less than 1% of board directors have a formal corporate governance qualification. Stand out with this university credit-rated Diploma in Corporate Governance.

Less than 1% of board directors have a formal corporate governance qualification. Stand out with this university credit-rated Diploma in Corporate Governance.

What our non-executive director alumni say

“The Corporate Governance Diploma course with The Corporate Governance Institute was excellent overall. The quality of the lectures and the lecturers was top class and the content was relevant and pitched at the right level. What made it for me was the cohort of my fellow students and the excellent opportunity to network. I wholly recommend this to anyone sitting on a Board or with aspirations to become a Non-Executive Director."

“I have recently completed and earned a Diploma in Corporate Governance. The course is easy to follow and understand. The delivery methods are excellent. As a NED I can relate many topics and materials with my real life experience, which indicates the course is well customized to help ones to become an effective NED.”

"Professional and engaging faculty and copious reference material. The course was very informative but tough. Taking it late at night was not a good idea. I feel that I am well prepared to take on NED positions and contribute effectively to the board. CGI is a wonderful organization that is responsive and very customer centric. I plan to take more courses/certifications with them. I highly recommend this Diploma course to senior managers and aspiring board members."

Our Diploma in Corporate Governance is not only university credit-rated by a leading UK university but also widely endorsed and recommended by our non-executive director alumni.

Trustpilot logo with 4.7 star rating

Our alumni

Nationalities

Gender

Industries

Map highlighting alumni location
Chart showcasing the gender diversity of CGI Diploma in Corporate Governance alumni.
Chart displaying the diverse industries represented by CGI Diploma in Corporate Governance alumni.

Nationalitites

20+

Females / Males

49.26% / 50.74%

Industries

30+

Why this course is for non-executive directors

Identify what good governance looks like and how to implement it

Organisations that have a solid corporate governance structure in place are strong financially. They have strong foundations and can integrate ESG, AI and digitisation into their strategy. We’ll show you which companies are doing, how they’re doing it and what you need to do to bring the same success into your boardroom.

Master practical skills, frameworks and scenarios to differentiate you

We’ll share and train you on how to use the tools and frameworks we’ve used multiple times to achieve good governance. You’ll be immersed in various corporate governance scenarios to start applying theoretical knowledge in practical contexts so that you can stand out from your competitors.

Discover how to go for and win the board role you want

Your career goals can be achieved when you know how to network effectively and showcase your personal brand. You’ll learn how to improve your prospects of getting a board role and increase your earnings when you clinch your seat on the board.

Image diverse individuals discussing corporate governance

NED course options

self-paced-icon

Self-paced

24/7 flexible, online access to suit your schedule.

part-time-icon

Part-time

Live, online, faculty-led classes one evening a week, 18:30-21:30 (GMT) for 10 weeks.

full-time-icon

Full-time

Live, online, faculty-led classes Monday to Friday, 09:30-17:00 (GMT) for 1 week.

Who the NED course is for?

Current non-executive directors

Looking to strengthen their governance knowledge and insights to make a better impact in the boardroom with practical non-executive director and governance training.

Aspiring non-executive directors

Who have made becoming a non-executive director part of their career plan and want to stand out from the competition with a formal corporate governance qualification.

Programme Content

Drive performance as a NED and deliver a successful strategy

Expertly designed, practical online non-executive director courses that focus on what you need to succeed in today’s boardroom. No peer approval needed to start learning. No need to be part of an exclusive club. Just a desire to make good governance and the role of the non-executive director a force for good and growth in the world.

Programme overview
Learning experience
Learning methods
Learning outcomes
Module 1
Introduction to corporate governance
  • Build a solid understanding of what corporate governance is and why it’s important.
  • Identify the fundamental principles of good governance.
  • Explore the global trends of ESG, AI, cyber, digitisation and diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) and how they’re influencing corporate governance.
  • Examine the important role corporate governance plays in business today.
  • Understand the relationship between company law, shareholders, the board and the executive, and the governance handbook.
Module 2
The company director
  • Turn the spotlight on the duties and responsibilities of a director to fully understand what’s involved in making a real impact.
  • Develop the mindset of a director with a clear perspective of what’s involved and required of you as a board member.
  • Fully understand the critical topics of regulation and the governance code in the context of director liability.
Module 3
Governance architecture
  • Learn why the governance structure of every organisation is unique and why that matters.
  • Explore the roles, responsibilities and dynamics among the different members of the board.
  • Understand how to develop appropriate governance structures for your organisation.
  • Identify and start using the right frameworks for successful good governance.
Module 4
The governance handbook and reporting
  • Discover the purpose of the governance handbook and what it needs to include to make governance function effectively daily.
  • Explore the essential policies that make up a good governance handbook.
  • Elevate your knowledge of why reliable and accurate performance reporting, that includes ESG reporting, is critical for directors.
  • Get familiar with what best-in-class and user-friendly financial reporting looks like.
  • Understand the link between informed, evidence-based decisions and effective reporting.
  • Learn how technology and AI tools are being used to enhance the reporting process.
Module 5
Culture
  • Discover how the culture of the organisation is shaped by the board and the executive team through good decision making.
  • Learn about the power of aligning the culture of the board with the organisation and its strategy.
  • Identify ways to influence the company culture so that it adheres to relatable values and ethics.
Module 6
Strategy
  • Clearly understand how to use comprehensive tools for strategy development and implementation, including incorporating ESG strategy.
  • Explore the different stages of developing an effective strategy.
  • Learn how to implement a strategy that is realistic and achievable.
  • Be confident in challenging the strategy where it’s needed.
Module 7
Financial matters
  • Be competent in interpreting financial statements presented to the board.
  • Examine how to ask the right questions so that your critique of the financial statements is thorough.
  • Explore the challenges and resolutions for organisations in difficult financial positions.
  • Clearly understand the intersection of ESG investing and financial decision-making.
Module 8
Risk
  • Learn the fundamentals of risk and the role of the board in mitigating potential risk.
  • Determine what is an appropriate risk response for the board and what is an appropriate risk appetite for the board to have.
  • Gain a firm understanding of crisis and reputation management, risk culture, cyber, AI and how to manage ESG risks.
  • Be able to provide proper oversight of risk by knowing how to identify emerging trends.
Module 9
Board evaluations
  • Discover why good practices are needed around the ongoing evaluation of the board’s performance, individual directors, and the CEO.
  • Learn how to initiate and implement an evaluation of the board internally and how to set up an external evaluation.
  • Identify tools, including AI, to carry out evaluations of the board, individual directors and the CEO.
Module 10
The non-executive director (NED)
  • Learn how to carefully plan your career move to becoming a NED.
  • Identify ways to promote your personal brand through networking and becoming more visible within your peer network.
  • Discover how to prepare for interviews and how to carry out detailed research of organisations you may consider working with.
Assessments
Multiple-choice assessment
  • You need to complete two online assessments to achieve your Diploma in Corporate Governance qualification.
  • Each assessment is 90 minutes long.
  • Assessment 1 takes place after module 5 and includes 75 multiple-choice style questions.
  • Assessment 2 takes place after module 10 and includes 75 multiple-choice style questions.
  • You can complete each assessment at a time that suits you.

There are 10 online modules in the Diploma in Corporate Governance. Each module is broken into chapters that are taught by board directors and governance professionals from our faculty. 

Your learning experience will be a transformative journey in governance excellence with our Diploma in Corporate Governance. It’s designed for both aspiring and seasoned board directors.

Elevate your decision-making skills
Equip yourself with essential tools to enhance decision-making skills at board level. This programme focuses on strong foundational concepts, strategic frameworks, risk and financial management, and ethical considerations, ensuring that board directors at any level can navigate complex board-related scenarios with confidence and integrity.

Tailored for all experience levels
Whether you're a seasoned board director or aspiring to join a board, this diploma caters to all experience levels. The curriculum is crafted to meet the diverse needs of individuals looking to deepen their governance knowledge or take their first steps into the world of board leadership.

Gain real-world insights from experts
Benefit from the wisdom of experienced industry leaders and governance experts. This programme features insights and case studies that bring real-world relevance to theoretical concepts, offering you a dynamic and practical learning experience.

Ethical leadership at the core
Ethical decision-making is the cornerstone of effective governance. This diploma instils a strong ethical foundation, empowering you as a board director to lead with integrity and contribute to the sustainable and responsible growth of your organisation.

Boost your boardroom impact
Emerge with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to significantly contribute to boardroom discussions, influence strategic directions, and uphold the highest standards of governance.

Receive ongoing support
Be fully supported and guided at every step of your learning experience by our friendly and helpful Learning Support Team.

Excel with an interactive learning experience
Choose quick interactive videos for personalised learning and longer videos with insights from experts worldwide.

Be immersed in real-world boardroom situations through a variety of corporate governance scenarios to put your theoretical knowledge into practical contexts. Practice making informed decisions and navigating complex governance challenges with expertly devised scenarios that use AI-generated characters.
Engage and learner with from your peers through discussion forums where you can share insights, discuss real-world challenges and exchange diverse perspectives on corporate governance.
Use the practice quizzes at the end of each chapter to check how well you’ve understood the contect and identify where you might need more practice.

Flexible learning options just for you
Your learning experience can be tailored to the way you’d like to complete your university credit-rated corporate governance programme.

  • Online self-paced: You’ve total flexibility to learn at a time and pace that suits you. The programme is available 24/7 through our online learning platform.
  • 1 week, full time: You’ll learn how to be an impactful director in one-week by attending live, online classes from 09:30 - 17:00 (GMT), Monday to Friday.
  • 10 weeks, part time: You’ll learn how to be an impactful director over 11 weeks by attending live, online classes one evening a week from 18:30 - 21:30 (GMT).

The ways you'll learn

video-content-icon

Expert speaker videos

case-study-icon

Case Study

course-materials-icon

Course material

audio-snippets-icon

Knowledge check

scenario-challenges-icon

Scenario challenges

interactive-quizzes-icon

Discussion groups

Identify how boards function and recall the format of effective board meetings.

Recall how the various committees operate and illustrate how they enhance the effectiveness of a board.

Demonstrate the skills and expertise you need to be an effective board director.

Use the tools, templates and confidence you need to make an impact in the boardroom.

Apply the different reporting tools that will be useful to you as a director.

Demonstrate knowledge of the ongoing and changing ethical issues and apply them to a modern board.

Identify and summarise the nature and effect of culture on an organisation and how you can influence and shape it.

Evaluate and judge any risks facing an organisation and how to mitigate these risks.

Produce a board evaluation to help you determine whether you are joining the right board for you.

Invest in your future with a comprehensive and valuable Diploma in Corporate Governance

Pink circle with check symbol

The full Diploma in Corporate Governance is the best course for non-executive directors and offers comprehensive knowledge of corporate governance, including how to be an effective non-executive director.

Pink circle with check symbol

The Diploma in Corporate Governance provides you with the skills you require to enable clear and concise decision-making as well as adhering to best governance practices.

Pink circle with check symbol

Ensure that you are fully informed on all of the various changes and updates that are being applied to boardrooms in what is now a very dynamic corporate governance environment.

Pink circle with check symbol

A Diploma in Corporate Governance will improve your leadership skills and ensure you enter the boardroom with the professional mindset of an experienced director.

Pink circle with check symbol

With the Diploma in Corporate Governance, company secretaries, non-executive directors and executives gain a distinct career edge by better understanding their duties and responsibilities.

Pink circle with check symbol

Alumni of the Corporate Governance Institute are better qualified then other boardroom directors and are, therefore, more equipped to lead real change. Take the best course for non-executive directors today.

Programme support

Meet our expert speakers

You’ll be taught by world-class corporate governance experts who have one sole purpose: to educate a new generation of corporate leaders to be a force for good.

Support while you learn

Starting your non-executive director course is clear and straightforward.

Join a live orientation session

  • Meet other delegates taking the Diploma in Corporate Governance.
  • Explore the online learning platform and tools.
  • Find out about key programme milestones and timelines.
  • Get familiar with the assessments and grading process.

Be supported by our Learning Support Team

  • A friendly, helpful and welcoming team.
  • Regular email contact to guide you through your non-executive director course.
  • Available to answer your questions.
  • Helping you get the most out of your course at every stage.

Benefits of being a Premium Member while you learn

Enrol on the Diploma in Corporate Governance and receive a 50% discount on CGI Premium Membership. Being part of this community enhances your learning support with access to:

Enrol on the Diploma in Corporate Governance and receive a 50% discount on CGI Premium Membership.

Masterclasses

Webinars

Networking

Practical toolkits

Resources

Governance experts

Meet our learning support team

Our friendly and welcoming Learning Support Team are here to help you at every stage of your learning experience.

Aishwarya Swapanthi profile image

Aishwarya Swapanthi

Learner Support

Listening in order to understand are two qualities Aishwarya believes elevate the quality of your learner support. She uses these qualities daily in her interactions with our community of learners.

amal-learning-support-team

Amal Dagari

Customer Success

Guiding you through your learning experience and identifying ways to overcome any challenges come naturally to Amal. She is committed to seeing you achieve your qualification.

Aayushi Bhatia profile image

Aayushi Bhatia

Head of Operations

Building an exceptional learning environment is at the heart of everything Aayushi does. As Head of Operations, her mission is to ensure you feel fully supported throughout your learning experience.

Fees & upcoming start dates

Choose your preferred payment option

We believe non-executive director training should be accessible and affordable. That’s why we offer flexible payment options tailored to meet your financial needs. Choose between a one time payment or convenient monthly instalments.

4,495

One-time payment

  • One-time payment

  • Get comprehensive NED training in all areas of corporate governance.

  • Turn theory into practice with real-world governance experiences.

  • Engage with top industry non-executive directors.
  • Elevate your career with leadership skills.

$1,248.75

4 monthly instalments

Pay by instalments with 0% interest

  • Pay in four monthly instalments.
  • Flexible payment to make the programme accessible.

  • Take control of your future with a corporate governance qualification.

  • Get comprehensive NED training in all areas of corporate governance.

Talk to us

To learn more about the payment options, speak to one of our advisors. We’re here to help.

Upcoming NED course start dates

Self-paced enrollment deadline:

Self-paced

Access: 6 months

|

Delivery: Online

Next full-time course starts:

April 22, 2024

Full-time

Duration: 1 week

|

Delivery: Live online via Zoom

Enrol now

Limited places available*

Contact us

Ready to make an impact in the boardroom? Talk to us today

Have you got questions or anything you’d like to clarify? Get in touch with our dedicated team. We’re here to help you achieve your NED career goal and become a responsible, inspiring corporate governance leader.

Frequently asked questions

Browse these questions and answers to help your research

The Diploma in Corporate Governance has been designed so you can learn at your own pace, in your own time and wherever you want. The course is 100% online and our learning platform gives you complete flexibility to create your own learning schedule based on your time availability. 

The Diploma is also available as a part-time study option and as a full time study option. No matter which learning option you choose, the course content, exams and diploma are exactly the same. Details of the three different formats, each one designed with optimum flexibility in mind, are as follows:

  • 100% online and self-paced. You can access all course materials through the learning platform. You have six months access to your course materials and assessment from the time you enrol.
  • Part time, 10 weeks. This option is delivered live online (Zoom-based), once per week in the evening (GMT time zone). You have four months access to your course materials and six months to complete your assessments from the start date of your course. You will network with peers and faculty virtually to learn and discuss case studies in small groups.  In addition to three hours of classroom time each week, you will need time for additional reading.
  • Full-time, 1 week. This is ideal if you want to become qualified in a  short timeframe. It is delivered live online (Zoom-based) over one week starting on Monday morning and finishing on Friday evening (GMT time zone). You have two months access to your course materials and six months to complete your assessments from the start date of your course. You will network with peers and faculty virtually throughout the week to learn and discuss case studies in small groups as well as the wider virtual classroom.  

All readings and other course materials are available before the part-time or full time study options begin.  

Have a look at the different course options for each course here.

The Diploma in Corporate Governance takes approximately 200 hours in total to complete. This recommended study time correlates to the diploma’s university credit rating for level 7 of the SCQF. The 200 hours can be broken down into the time it takes to complete each of the 10 modules, mandatory reading, various case studies, completing each assessment, and additional reading resources. While additional reading resources are not mandatory, we strongly encourage you to read these as they provide additional context to further your understanding of the subject. 

The diploma is delivered fully online in three different study options. Details of the three different formats, each one designed with optimum flexibility in mind, are as follows:

  • 100% online and self-paced. You can access all course materials through the learning platform. You have six months access to your course materials and assessment from the time you enrol.
  • Part time, 11 weeks. This option is delivered live online (Zoom-based), once per week in the evening (GMT time zone). You have four months access to your course materials and six months to complete your assessments from the start date of your course. You will network with peers and faculty virtually to learn and discuss case studies in small groups.  In addition to three hours of classroom time each week, you will need time for additional reading.
  • Full-time, 1 week. This is ideal if you want to become qualified in a  short timeframe. It is delivered live online (Zoom-based) over one week starting on Monday morning and finishing on Friday evening (GMT time zone). You have two months access to your course materials and six months to complete your assessments from the start date of your course. You will network with peers and faculty virtually throughout the week to learn and discuss case studies in small groups as well as the wider virtual classroom.  

The course is a highly practical and interactive experience that includes expert teachings from practitioners in corporate governance.

The Corporate Governance Institute’s Diploma in Corporate Governance is university credit-rated by the Glasgow Caledonian University, a highly-rated UK university. The diploma is recognised at Level 7 on the Scottish Curriculum and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).  Our staff, tutors and courses have been thoroughly vetted and are continually monitored by the university to ensure that we are meeting the highest standards possible. 

More information about the SCQF Level 7 credit rating can be found here.

The course will cover the key principles of company law in common law countries.

These countries include Ireland, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Canada (excluding Quebec), Singapore, Hong Kong and the United States.

The Diploma in Corporate Governance enables existing or potential directors to ask about their specific duties and responsibilities as a director under company law in any common law country.

Yes. While CPD is usually applied by your own awarding body, the Diploma in Corporate Governance should qualify for CPD recognition.

As an example, the Law Society of Ireland (the regulatory body for solicitors in Ireland) states:

“To qualify as CPD, the education/training must relate to law, management and professional development skills or regulatory matters and must be intended to develop the solicitor in his/her professional knowledge, skills and abilities. CPD credit may be claimed for actual time spent in training, minus registration/break times.

Please ensure that the attending solicitors retain suitable proof of CPD (e.g. Certificate of Attendance), as it is required in all instances for solicitors to be credited with CPD.”

Yes, definitely.

We designed this diploma to demystify and define what it means to be a company director and a boardroom leader. You will learn best boardroom practices from company directors who share their experiences and knowledge. The case studies are real-world, practical and full of insights. Your resulting qualification is globally recognised.

This diploma is ideal for the next generation of leaders who wish to make a positive impact at the highest levels of organisations around the world.

Our delegates, and graduates are a multi-talented group of individuals, who come together to share their knowledge of board experience. With access to these delegates and graduates, we are confident that you will find the right board that meets your specific requirements and matches your skillset.

Please contact us to discuss your options.

You’ll be taught by world-class corporate governance experts who have one sole purpose: to educate a new generation of corporate leaders to be a force for good. 

Meet our faculty members.

Yes. We’ve had teams join us from public limited companies, non-governmental organisations, law firms, public bodies, financial organisations, tech companies, and everywhere in between. If you’re interested in participating in teams of five or more, email info@thecorporategovernanceinstitute.com for more information.

Once you have begun the part time Diploma in Corporate Governance, we generally don’t encourage delegates to switch cohorts. This is because we want you to have a consistent learning experience with us. By staying in the same cohort, you will also be able to form better relationships with your peers which ensures a better learning outcome. 

However, if there is an unforeseen circumstance that prevents you from continuing your diploma in the same cohort, please contact us by emailing learning@thecorporategovernanceinstitute.com and explain your situation. We’ll try our best to accommodate you.

This depends on the study option you’ve chosen.

  • 100% online and self-paced: You have six months access to your course material from the time you enrol.
  • Part time, 11 weeks: You have four months access to your course materials from the start date of your course.
  • Full-time, 1 week. You have two months access to your course materials from the start date of your course.

For the self paced, online study option you have six months to complete and submit your assessments from the date you enrol.

For the part-time and full time study options, you have six months to complete and submit your assessments from the date your live online classes start.

When you successfully complete the Diploma in Corporate Governance, you can use the post nominals DipCorpGov on your digital signature and LinkedIn profile.

Envelope icon representing newsletter

Stay in the know

Sign up to our newsletter to stay in the know about governance insights and trends.