Efforts to enhance governance in Pacific organizations are crucial, focusing on improving leadership frameworks, decision-making processes, transparent communication, and accountability, according to the Fiji Human Resources Institute (FHRI). This statement comes as the three-day Pacific Board Governance Program commenced in Suva.
The program was recently launched by seasoned governance educators and directors, Jenny Seeto, a former managing partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and David Evans, the former chief manager of Westpac Fiji.
Seeto and Evans emphasized that governance training for directors and executives should be a continuous process. In today’s global landscape, it is essential for directors and executives to engage in ongoing professional development to foster effective governance, a requirement increasingly enforced by regulatory agencies in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
“Before the pandemic, several governance courses were offered in Fiji, significantly improving governance standards across various organizations, including statutory authorities and government bodies,” Seeto noted. “However, the availability of Pacific-focused governance training for directors and senior executives has diminished considerably since then. I felt the frustration among many boards and organizations in Fiji, highlighting the urgent need for action.”
Seeto added that collaborating with Evans, who shares a dedication to enhancing governance in the Pacific, was a natural fit to create the Pacific Board Governance Program.
Over the last year, the two experienced executives have crafted a series of workshops combined into this three-day program, aligning them with contemporary global governance standards.
The first day of the workshop addressed board governance principles and practices, detailing the roles and responsibilities of directors in accordance with the Fiji Company Act.
The second day focused on risk and strategy governance, which Evans described as critical for directors and company officers to fulfill their duty of care and diligence.
The program’s final day allowed participants to delve into understanding financial statements, an essential responsibility for all company directors and officers.