African Investor Relations

It’s rather long. It’s quite basic but does provide a really balanced overview of the investor relations function. In so far as it relates to the IR function for listed companies in Africa the principles remain the same but the resources needed to achieve them generally only appear in the largest market capitalised companies. For the vast number of listed companies in Africa a different approach is needed to address the IR function. One that does not use too much money or time or effort.

Here is a brief extract from the guide which may be downloaded here:-

“Aside from providing private investors with the facility to buy and sell shares on-line, the internet has transformed investor relations practice for companies. For example, AIM-quoted companies in particular are now bound to maintain a comprehensive investor section on the business on their website. In addition, through the corporate website, most companies encourage email communication from investors. The corporate website also provides a platform for efficiently providing private investors with information and updates about the company.”

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I love the Institute of Directors in South Africa. They are dynamic, young and good looking but most of all when you become a member you get more than your fair share of value back. They are not covering the practice of investor relations enough in their initiatives but this is made up for by the other excellent initiatives that they are launching. Like the one below.

Overview

The IoDSA Accelerated Directorship Programme (ADP) addresses all aspects of directorship. The programme is designed to meet the existing and emerging needs of directors. Through case studies, facilitator knowledge and experience as well as group discussion, the programme is interactive and provides delegates with practical tools for immediate implementation. The ADP promotes excellence in corporate governance and is presented by facilitators who are leaders in their field with local and or international expertise.

Objectives

•       Provides a comprehensive foundation of the roles and responsibilities of a director and issues relating to corporate governance.

•       Overview of strategy and the management of risk from a governance perspective to avoid personal liability.

•       Enable non-financial directors to ask probing questions in relation to the information presented.

•       Understand the financial position and performance of the company.

•       Understand the roles and responsibilities associated with an organisation’s ethics management programme.

•       Consider current issues for directors and boards.

•       Provide opportunity for participants to put their knowledge into practice.

Benefits

•       Understand duties and responsibilities as a director.

•       Act in accordance with corporate governance standards and expectations.

•       Improve effectiveness of the board and add value.

•       Increase confidence in the boardroom.

•       Reduce personal and company risk, enhance reputations and improve organisational effectiveness.

•       Discuss boardroom issues in confidence and share experiences with peers.

•       Increase and expand networking opportunities.

Who will benefit from the programme

In South Africa’s rapidly changing environment as companies face increasing competition and ever more regulatory and legal requirements, it is essential that existing directors and new directors can understand and evaluate key strategic issues and trends.

Admission Requirements

Programme Selection Process and Criteria

•       Potential candidates must complete the registration form which includes a letter of motivation.

•       Potential candidates must attach a copy of their CM27.

•       Registrations are put before the IoDSA Director Development panel for acceptance onto the ADP.

•       The panel consists of the IoDSA’s Chief Executive and Department Heads.

•       Potential candidates must hold a current Director / Board position.

Duration

•       Full time: 5 Full Days

Assessment

•       Board Simulation – Delegates participate in a simulated board meeting and will be observed and critiqued by an IoDSA observer. Feedback is provided during the simulation.

•       One Assignment – The Assignment is due after the programme and the due date will be communicated on the first day of the programme.

Certification

Designation

Participants who are members of the IoDSA, who attend all workshop sessions and who complete the ADP assessments successfully, will receive a Certificate in Directorship, hold the designation of the IoDSA Certified Director and will be entitled to use the IoDSA post-nominals Cert. Dir.

Awards received for completion include the ADP Certificate should a delegate complete and be successful on all assessments.

To be awarded the ADP Certificate, the requirements are:

Attendance and Assessment

Attending all sessions on the programme and successful completion of both the board simulation and the assignment within the stipulated time frames.

Grading

Gradings for the Certificate are:

•       Pass with order of merit

•       Pass

•       Unsuccessful on this occasion

Members who have been awarded the Certificate are entitled to use the IoDSA post-nominals Cert. Dir.

Programme Continuous Professional Development Potential

A participant is required to do the following to retain his or her Cert. Dir. designation:

1.     Retain annual membership to the IoDSA.

2.     Attend any 3 IoDSA member events or Director Development Programmes per year.

For further information & registration click here

Portia Gumede

Institute of Directors in Southern Africa
Tel (011)  430 9900   Fax (011)  444 7907

Email:   portiag@iodsa.co.za

Presentation fees

Jhb: IoDSA Members  –  R17 356.50

Non Members –  R20 737.50 (includes a 1 year membership to the IoDSA

Includes: VAT, Course Material, Refreshments & Finger Lunch

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