Enhancing governance within Pacific organizations necessitates an emphasis on improving leadership frameworks, decision-making methods, transparent communication channels, and accountability systems, according to the Fiji Human Resources Institute (FHRI). This statement comes as the three-day Pacific Board Governance Program commenced in Suva yesterday.
Pacific Board Governance Pte Limited was recently formed by experienced directors and governance trainers Jenny Seeto, a former managing partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and David Evans, a former chief manager at Westpac Fiji.
They emphasized that governance training for directors and executives is not merely a one-time endeavor. Rather, it is essential for directors and executives worldwide to engage in ongoing professional development to establish solid and effective governance frameworks, a requirement increasingly enforced by regulatory authorities in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
“Before COVID, several governance courses were offered in Fiji, significantly enhancing governance standards across various organizations, including both large entities and statutory authorities,” Ms. Seeto mentioned. “Unfortunately, since the pandemic, the availability of Pacific-based governance training for directors and senior executives has significantly diminished. I noticed the frustration and demand from many boards and organizations in Fiji, indicating that action was needed.”
“David Evans, with his dedication to improving governance in the Pacific, was a natural partner for me to create a comprehensive three-day Pacific Board Governance Program.”
Over the last year, these two seasoned professionals have collaborated to develop a series of governance workshops that form a cohesive three-day program in line with contemporary global standards.
The first day of workshops focused on board governance principles and practices, elucidating the roles and responsibilities of directors in accordance with the Fiji Company Act.
The second day addressed risk and strategy governance, where Mr. Evans noted it was the crucial point for directors and officers in fulfilling their duty of care and diligence.
On the final day, participants gained insights into financial statements, an essential responsibility for all directors and company officers.