Crown Director Effectiveness (CRN)

This course is ideal for directors of Crown Corporations, Agencies, Boards and Commissions and senior public officials whose accountabilities intersect with these government entities.

After completing all components of this course, participants will have gained an understanding of:

• The history and evolution of Crown Corporations and the role they play in Canadian society.
• The key players in Crown Corporation governance.
• The role of government as shareholder and the accountability framework.
• The roles and responsibilities of the board and how these compare with publicly traded companies.
• The different perspectives of the shareholder and the board and how to manage the balance between shareholder objectives and the best interests of the corporation.
• How to build trust amongst stakeholders and how to avoid unnecessary tensions.
• Performance benchmarks, public accountability and unique aspects of risk in the public sector environment.
• Qualify for 8 CEUs toward the annual requirement to retain their ICD.D designation.

Participants will be able to enhance their performance on the board of a Crown Corporation, Agency, Board or Commission by building a practical understanding of the nuanced operating environment and distinct challenges facing government-controlled entities and their unique stakeholder groups.

This program uses a blended online learning structure that weaves together best practices in adult education with opportunities to engage with peers. The structure includes:

Independent online learning through a course portal (four to six hours)

This is a critical component of the course (and includes videos, readings and more). It will prepare participants for the live session and ensure they are ready to apply learnings from the course prior to their board work. Participants will bet access to these materials two weeks prior to the live session. The required independent learning should be completed prior to the live session at a pace that works best for each participant. Access to the course portal is available for 30 days after the live session.

Live, instructor-led session (approximately four hours)

This instructor-led online session will focus on the application of concepts covered through independent learning. Attendance at the live session is required for successful course completion. The live session may include class discussions, breakout group discussions and exercises, Q & A with instructors and other experts, simulations, live interactive panel discussions, live polling and online chats.

Supplementary resources and tools

Participants will receive optional supplementary resources to augment the required components of their independent learning materials.

Learning sustainment and engagement opportunities

Following course completion, participants will be invited to join an Alumni Portal, becoming part of a community where they gain access to tools and resources to help apply course learnings in real-life settings. They will also have opportunities to engage in discussion forums with course peers to exchange questions, ideas and experiences and apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills.