The Strategic Oversight Masterclass on Navigating Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) in the Public Sector

Course Overview

The "Strategic Oversight Masterclass: Navigating GRC for Africa" is a 5-day intensive program that integrates the three pillars of modern public stewardship: Governance (the system of direction), Risk (the uncertainty in achieving objectives), and Compliance (adherence to laws and ethics).

In many African public sectors, GRC operates in silos, leading to "compliance fatigue" without actual improvement in service delivery. This masterclass teaches participants how to unify these elements into a single strategic framework that protects institutional integrity, optimizes resource allocation, and ensures that the "Tone at the Top" resonates through the entire organization.

Program Objectives

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Integrate GRC principles into the institutional strategic planning process.
• Design a "Governance Framework" that clarifies roles between the Board/Audit Committee and Executive Management.
• Establish a Risk Appetite Statement that balances innovation in service delivery with fiscal responsibility.
• Develop an ethics-based compliance system that goes beyond "tick-box" exercises to foster a culture of integrity.
• Leverage GRC technology to provide real-time oversight and data-driven decision-making.

Course Coverage (Modules)

Day 1: Modern Public Sector Governance

• The African Governance Context: Navigating political-administrative interfaces and institutional independence.
• The Three Lines of Defence: Clarifying the roles of operational management, risk/compliance functions, and internal audit.
• Board/Committee Dynamics: Improving the quality of oversight and the "challenge" function.

Day 2: Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

• ISO 31000 and COSO Standards: Applying international risk frameworks to African public realities.

• Risk Identification & Assessment: Moving beyond financial risk to include reputational, political, and "Climate Transition" risks.
• Developing the Risk Register: How to prioritize risks using Likelihood vs. Impact matrices.

Day 3: Advanced Compliance & Ethics

• Compliance Management Systems (ISO 37301): Building a proactive system for legal and regulatory adherence.
• Anti-Bribery and Corruption: Implementing the AU Malabo Convention at the institutional level.
• Whistleblowing and Protection: Creating safe channels for reporting and "Closing the Loop" on investigations.

Day 4: GRC Integration and Digitalization

• The Integrated GRC Model: Breaking down silos between Internal Audit, Risk Management, and Legal departments.
• Tech-Enabled Oversight: Using GRC software and dashboards to monitor institutional health in real-time.
• Cyber-Governance: The Board’s role in overseeing digital resilience and data privacy.

Day 5: Performance Oversight & Action Planning

• Linking GRC to Outcomes: Measuring how good governance improves public service delivery (The 4Es).
• Audit Readiness: Managing the relationship with the National Audit Office (External Audit).
• Action Planning: Developing a "GRC Maturity Roadmap" for the participant's organization.

Target Participants

• Audit Committee Members and Chairpersons.
• Board Members of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and Government Agencies.
• Permanent Secretaries and Accounting Officers.
• Directors of Risk, Compliance, and Internal Audit.
• Legal Officers and Corporate Secretaries.

Expected Outputs

Participants will graduate with a "GRC Leadership Portfolio" containing:

• A Governance Gap Analysis: A self-assessment of their institution’s current oversight strengths and weaknesses.
• A Draft Risk Appetite Statement: A high-level document defining the boundaries for institutional decision-making.
• An Integrated GRC Reporting Template: A streamlined report format that provides the Board/Committee with a unified view of risk and compliance.
• A 180-Day GRC Implementation Plan: A step-by-step roadmap to move the institution toward a more mature GRC posture