Legal Framework of Governance

The core principles of corporate governance are founded in common law and statutory obligations that are owed by corporate entities or their senior officers and directors. These legal obligations create the minimum standard. The focus of corporate governance tends to be firstly on minimum compliance obligations and secondly on the structures, policies and procedures that go above and beyond the legal standard and instil a culture of compliance and good governance.

The aim of this course is to outline the various definitions and legal frameworks that underpin corporate governance and provide an understanding of the key principles and statutory requirements associated with being a director or officer of an organisation.

The course objectives are to:

• recognise that good corporate governance practice goes beyond the minimum compliance obligations and involves embedding an organisational governance culture
• provide an overview of the Australian corporate governance framework and the different types of corporate structures
• examine the various sources of Australian law and governance-related areas of law
• outline the fundamental governance duties of directors and officers
• recognise the importance of due diligence and compliance programs in managing governance obligations.

Who should attend?

• new company secretaries and assistants to company secretaries
• officers and directors of all types of organisations
• governance professionals, practitioners and managers requiring a refresher on the legal foundations of governance.