Enhancing governance in Pacific organizations necessitates an emphasis on improving leadership frameworks, decision-making processes, clear 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.
Pacific Board Governance Pte Limited was recently founded by experienced directors and governance educators, Jenny Seeto, a former managing partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and David Evans, a former chief manager at Westpac Fiji.
The two emphasized that governance training for directors and executives should not be viewed as a one-time event. In today’s global landscape, ongoing professional development is required to establish robust and effective governance in organizations, and this expectation has been established and, in some cases, mandated by regulatory authorities in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
“Prior to COVID, several governance courses took place in Fiji, significantly improving governance standards across numerous organizations, both large and small, as well as in statutory authorities and government bodies,” Ms. Seeto noted.
“Sadly, after the pandemic, the availability of governance training programs tailored to the Pacific for directors and senior executives has substantially diminished. There has been a noticeable frustration from many boards and organizations in Fiji, indicating a pressing need for action.”
Ms. Seeto explained her collaboration with David Evans, who is dedicated to enhancing governance in the Pacific, to create the three-day Pacific Board Governance Program.
Over the last year, the seasoned executives have developed a series of workshops that come together in this comprehensive program aligned with current global standards.
The first day of the workshop focused on board governance principles and practices, including the roles and responsibilities of directors under the Fiji Company Act.
The second day was dedicated to risk and strategy governance, where Mr. Evans emphasized the importance of understanding the practical responsibilities of directors and corporate officers in fulfilling their duty of care and diligence.
The program’s final day offered participants insight into financial statements, an essential duty for all directors and officers within a company.