Certificate in Governance & Ethics

During the last decade, corporations have experienced crisis after crisis caused by poor governance and ethics.  External stakeholders, shareholders, and employees have watched as scandals have severely damaged their interests so they are quick to seek other alternatives when red flags appear. For managers, executives and directors, governance and ethics scandals are often career ending. As a result, new expectations for corporations are emerging or are now in place.

This program covers crucial topics using key cases to illustrate the practical aspects that Board members, executives and senior management need to take into account to avoid disaster and gain stakeholder support.

Online Modules and Learning Outcomes

Module 1 & 2 • Governance & Ethics Framework

This module will take place over two sessions and help you understand the new governance expectations, how corporate accountability has changed, how good governance depends on good ethics, and governance ethics flaws that should be avoided.  Understanding these developments will provide a framework for you to develop the essential skills and strategic insight needed for effective governance today.

Module 3 • Developing an Ethical Corporate Culture

Module 3 will provide practical insights into how a corporation can develop and maintain an ethical corporate culture designed to guide employees to make the right decisions and take the right actions. This module will enhance your understanding of the expectations around governance practices, and the role of ethics in achieving those expectations.

Module 4 • Making the Right Decisions

Module 4 will illustrate how to make decisions that reflect the organization’s values and expectations. This will protect the reputation and careers of decision-makers, executives, board members, and the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders, as well as optimize opportunities presented.

Module 5 • Governance & Ethics Issues

Module 5 will focus on the different types of governance and ethics issues organizations face today. It will prepare you to navigate these challenges with confidence and to deal effectively with difficult and often unpredictable situations.

Format and Dates

• Fully online
• 1 half-day / week
• 5 week program
• 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

(Toronto time, EST)

Dates: Winter 2025

Fee

Individual registrations - $1,800 + HST / participant

Group registrations of 2 or more - $1,650 + HST / participant

The fee includes all four modules and course materials.

Who Should Attend

All managers, executives and directors will benefit from this certificate. Anyone who is anticipating promotion or greater responsibilities, or who is in the compliance, governance, or risk management functions will find this certificate immediately relevant.  Applications will be reviewed for suitability.

Leonard J. Brooks has spent over 25 years consulting to clients, writing and teaching about governance and ethics. His books Business & Professional Ethics for Directors, Executives and Accountants, and Ethics & Governance: Developing & Maintaining an Ethical Corporate Culture are used around the world. As a Professor of Business Ethics & Accounting, he has shared his insights with professors and students in the University's Directors Education Program, Executive MBA, MBA, Master of Management & Professional Accounting, and Master of Forensic Accounting programs.