This course is for people who serve (or are considering serving) on a board as a director or board member. The focus of this course is to make sure you stay out of trouble by knowing your rights, obligations and duties as a board member.

Board Directors (or members) need to understand governance to do their job correctly

This course covers the most important issues that come with serving on a board, whether corporate, non-profit or as a volunteer. In my 20+ years of speaking professionally on governance to a variety of boards, I continue to see examples of what not to do. With this course I want to give you the necessary information to avoid mistakes and not get in trouble. Important things like members' legal responsibilities is not common knowledge to most. You may do something completely ordinary and not realize you are failing in your duty as a board member. For example, a 'parking lot meeting.'

This course teaches you how to be a better board member and what it takes to stay out of trouble.

Learning Objectives
  • Explore the basics of board governance
  • Discover who stakeholders are and why they are important
  • Identify your rights as a board member or director
  • Identify the actions that make you liable
Last updated/reviewed: August 6, 2023
13 Reviews (40 ratings)

Reviews

5
Anonymous Author
I want to start my volunteer experience with organizations that I am interested in and support. I may only be able to start as a member, or a committee member...still, this course taught me what to look for and how to prepare even as just a member or committee member.

5
Member's Profile
Debi has a very interesting presentation technique that holds the focus and attention of the watcher. Great basic overview of Board functions and the Board members rights and responsibilities. thank you, well done.

4
Member's Profile
This course provided a good overview and some important reminders. Instead of viewing the video, I found it more beneficial to listen to the instructor and follow along in the course materials.

4
Anonymous Author
This was a high level course describing the roles and responsibilities of Board Members and the governance that surrounds them. The various sections describing the various duties were helpful

5
Anonymous Author
This course provides great insight into the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Directors. Helpful for those on boards, seeking to be on boards, and those working with boards.

4
Anonymous Author
Overall this was pretty good overview of corporate governance. I would recommend to anyone wanting a beginner course.

5
Anonymous Author
Excellent course. Very well developed, prepared and presented with practical examples and insights.

5
Member's Profile
Good overview of Board Governance with insight into how to stay out of trouble as a board member.

5
Anonymous Author
This was a good overview of the rights and responsibilities involved in board governance.

4
Member's Profile
Good explanation of the basic duties of a board member. Good pace to the class

5
Anonymous Author
Good overview of what is required of board members. Good supporting materials.

4
Anonymous Author
Well organized overview of board governance for business and non profits.

5
Member's Profile
Engaging lecturer, perfect pace (most move too slowly), well organized.

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Intermediate

No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to Basic Governance for Board Members1:11
Governance
  What is Governance and Why Do You Care?7:06
  An Introduction to Boards 8:44
  Stakeholders. Who Are These People?4:17
  What Could Go Wrong?4:51
Duties
  Duty of Care, Loyalty, and Diligence 6:07
  Duty of Knowledge 4:03
  Duty of Skill 3:58
  Fiduciary Duty 2:18
  Duty to Manage 6:47
  Directors' Rights 2:10
CONCLUSION
  Individual Board Members 3:16
Continuous Play
  Basic Governance for Board Members54:48
SUPPORTING MATERIALS
  Slides: Basic Governance for Board MembersPDF
  Basic Governance for Board Members Glossary/IndexPDF
  Basic Governance for Board Members: WorkbookPDF
REVIEW and TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam