Diploma of Governance

Key Benefits

Formalise your skills as a board or committee member

If you’re already serving on a board, the Diploma of Governance is a great way to solidify and formalise your capabilities, boost stakeholder confidence, and give yourself the best chance of re-election.

As the power and influence of corporations and organisations alike have grown, the need for best-practice governance is an important part of reflecting social, legal and economic changes in society. Good governance, therefore requires a sound understanding of the compliance and performance elements of serving on a board and how to meet the needs of stakeholders.

The Diploma of Governance explores industry best-practice whilst placing an emphasis on the ethical responsibility of serving on a board. From strategic planning, stakeholder communication, to risk management and compliance, the Diploma of Governance will help consolidate your existing knowledge as a board member or successfully prepare you for your first board appointment.

Only course of its kind in Australia

Monarch Institute is the only RTO offering the Diploma of Governance as a fully flexible all-online course. Enjoy a study experience that’s fit for your busy professional life.

Nationally recognised

The Diploma of Governance is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). You may be able to use it as a pathway to university qualifications at institutions around Australia*.

^{* It’s best to check with the uni you want to study at before you enrol at Monarch Institute.}

Course Accreditation

Entry Module

Introduction to Governance

BSBGOV401 – Implement Board Member Responsibilities
BSBGOV402 – Work Within Organisational Structure
BSBGOV403 – Analyse Financial Reports and Budgets

*please note: This module contains three prerequisite units. Students who have completed the Certificate IV in Governance do not need to complete Module 1.

Module 1

Defining Governance Roles

BSBGOV405 – Undertake the Roles and Responsibilities of Committee or Board Members
BSBGOV501 – Review and Apply the Organisation’s Constitution

Module 2

Functions of the Board

BSBGOV503 – Conduct Organisational Strategic Planning
BSBGOV404 – Communicate with Community Stakeholders
BSBGOV506 – Manage Advocacy for your Organisation

Module 3

Managing Risk and Finances

BSBRSK501 – Manage Risk
BSBGOV504 – Monitor Organisational Finances

Module 4

Board Leadership and Effectiveness

BSBLDR513 – Communicate with Influence
BSBLDR511 – Develop and use Emotional Intelligence

Module 5

Board Evaluation and Compliance

BSBGOV507 – Manage Board or Committee and Organisational Conflict
BSBCOM503 – Develop Processes for the Management of Breaches in Compliance Requirements

Course Assessments

Course assessments

The experts who design and deliver our courses (click back to Course trainers to meet some of them) have developed a clustered assessment framework that’s uniquely designed to help you gain a deep understanding of the material. They’ll give you the kind of knowledge and skills you can use in the real world as a business operator or manager. Assessment formats include:

Case studies
Multiple-choice questions
Short-answer questions
Roleplays

Career Opportunities

Key opportunities include:

Corporate board member
Government board member
Non-profit organisation or charity board member
Committee member
Quality governance coordinator
Governance administrator
Board secretary

The Diploma of Governance has a massive breadth of applications. Department of Education and Training surveys suggests it’s mostly studied by managers, professionals, clerks, and administrative workers. But broadly speaking, it’s part of a group of nationally recognised qualifications under the ‘management and commerce’ field. Many of the topics you’ll study as a governance student are breadth topics, giving you skills you can use in a variety of roles.

The Diploma aims to ready you for the rewarding experience of serving on a board, whether corporate, non-for-profit or community-based. Through exploring the corporate governance practice framework in the core units, you will define governance roles, understand key board functions, learn to improve board processes and ensure board effectiveness.

In addition to the core units, you’ll learn valuable skills in regulatory compliance, risk management and developing emotional intelligence for successful board participation and overall management. The depth and breath of the Diploma of Governance will formalise your skills and show any organisation that you’re committed to being an effective director.

Pathways

The Diploma of Governance will give you a taste of subject areas which are explored in much greater depth in different degree-level courses.

Upon completing the Diploma, you may choose to pursue your interest in one of these areas. For example, you may look in to applying to study a Bachelor of Business Administration or a Bachelor of Commerce.

Entry requirements

Course entry requirements

You must either have completed a Certificate IV in Governance or, at a minimum, hold the following units:

BSBGOV401 Implement board member responsibilities
BSBGOV402 Work within organisational structure
BSBGOV403 Analyse financial reports and budgets

If you don’t hold these units, we have included them in our program.

Alternatively you may be able to apply for RPL for vocational experience with boards of governance.

To make sure you get the most out of training with us, the following enrolment process applies:

Once we receive your enrolment, our friendly course consultants will touch base to undertake a pre-training review to ensure the training is right for you.

For students without an equal or higher level qualification, there’s a short language, literacy and numeracy quiz you complete online.

What equipment will I need?

You will need access to the following equipment to successfully complete the course:

Working computer with Microsoft Office (2009 or later)
Access to the internet
Access to a smart phone, video camera or web camera is required

Am I eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL)?

We may be able to take into account relevant knowledge and skills you’ve possibly gained through previous formal or informal training, education and employment. To find out more, refer to our Student Information Guide by clicking here, or get in touch with one of our friendly course consultants.

Course Topics

Entry Module: Introduction to Governance

Learn the core functions of board responsibilities and operations, including regulations and legislation, shareholder and stakeholders interest, and the differences between board and management responsibilities. Explore the importance of financial literacy through reviewing reports and budgets.

The three units in Module 1 are pre-requisite units for all student who have not completed the Certificate IV in Governance. As such, they offer an introductory overview of several governance topics that will be explored in greater detail in later modules.

*please note: This module contains three prerequisite units. Students who have completed the Certificate IV in Governance do not need to complete Module 1.

Module 1: Defining Governance Roles

Dive deeper into the roles and responsibilities of board and committee members. Explore the board’s role in compliance and performance, particularly the management and oversight of operations, appointing the CEO, the use and implementation of a constitution and board charter, and working within the overall structure of the organisation.

Module 2: Functions of the Board

Arguably the board’s most important performance function is the development and review of the organisations short and long-term vision, purpose and strategic planning. Explore the importance of ethics and social responsibility in strategic planning and look at effective ways of engaging and communicating with stakeholders. Explore the importance of identifying, promoting, and reviewing environmental, social and governance advocacy issues in the boardroom.

Module 3: Managing Risk and Finances

Address the importance of risk management and the boards’ role in determining and implementing appropriate risk management strategies. Learn valuable skills in establishing the risk context and appetite for the strategic goals of an organisation. Identify risks both internal and external to the organisation. Select and implement appropriate risk treatments. Furthermore, this module builds on the importance of financial literacy as a board member and explore important financial processes, management and reporting requirements.

Module 4: Board Leadership and Effectiveness

Gain a strong understanding of effective board leadership and management. Focus on the importance of emotional intelligence, communicating with influence, and managing meetings within the boardroom context.

All areas of effective leadership and communication rest on self-awareness, management, and the implementation of clear processes. This allows for effective discussions and decision-making in the boardroom.

Module 5: Board Evaluation and Compliance

Learn about critical board and individual member evaluation processes. Cover areas within governance that require the management of conflict and compliance within an organisation.

You will gain the knowledge and skills required to enforce the diverse roles, responsibilities, codes of conduct and behavioural protocols required of committee or board members, whilst managing the compliance requirements within an organisation.

Course Duration

Is there a maximum course completion time?

Yes; you must complete the Diploma of Governance within two years. You’re expected to complete each module within four months.

Is there a minimum course completion time?

No. Students can complete the qualification as quickly as they choose. The exception is government funded students, who must spread their studies out over the recommended time frame.

What is the average course completion time-frame?

Students who are highly motivated and well organised may be able to complete the course in less than 12 months. Your work experience, time availability and how fast you work will determine how quickly you complete the course.

How it works

More than online

You’ll get:

Easy-to-follow course materials
Videos and webinars
Heaps of support from your course trainers (phone, email, Skype, Zoom)
A dedicated admin team on hand to guide you
Online assessments
Student Facebook group

How does it work?

This course has been developed to give you absolute flexibility. Study on your couch, on public transport, on your break at work, out in the park – wherever and whenever you like. The best part is, with Monarch Institute, ‘online’ doesn’t mean ‘alone’. You’ll be backed by our trainers at every step along the way.

What support will I get?

Your trainer will be happy to contact you via phone, Skype, Zoom, TeamViewer, or email (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm). So you definitely won’t feel alone. You’ll also have access to our student Facebook groups, so you can discuss the material with other students. It’s a handy way to stay in touch with trainers and others in the same course.

Do you offer group training workshops?

Yes. We’re the training partner of choice for several large organisations. Our trainers can also conduct onsite training for groups of six staff or more. Get in touch with our friendly course consultants for more information.

Course Price

Upfront payment

$2,750

The most cost-effective option. Pay up front and save 20% compared to the total payment plan. Payment options include electronic funds transfer (EFT), credit card (Mastercard or Visa), cheque or cash.

Payment plan

$126.92 per week, paid over 26 weeks (total $3,300)

This option is suitable for students wanting to manage their cash flow. It’s handy if you want to get started right away, but don’t have the full amount on hand. Payment must be made with MasterCard or Visa.

Meet your trainers

Industry experts and though leaders

Nick Chapman
Trainer "Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."
- Vince Lombardi

I joined Monarch Institute in December 2015. Prior to joining the Monarch team, I was the General Manager of Rockwell Financial Services Group’s consumer investment business. I joined Rockwell after 10 years at the Bennelong Group, one of Australia’s leading private equity and funds management groups.

During my time at Bennelong, I held various positions including General Manager and Director of Aurora Media in Dubai, Director of i-comm Media in London, CEO of Crown Content in Melbourne. My time there culminated in my appointment to the position of Group General Manager.

I have also held positions at various charitable organisations, including the Bennelong Foundation and the Butterfly Foundation. I hold a double degree in Law and Commerce, and am a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

What makes me jump out of bed each morning?

I love sport and I’m passionate about fixing things myself. I’m pretty handy with a drill. I’m a half-glass full person, so I focus on the times my handy work results were “well received” by my partner. The time I needed to call out an emergency tradesman, … well I focus on the positives. I love cooking, particularly I enjoy preparing slow cooked stews for my partner, family and friends.

Josh Wilson
Mentor "Limitations live only in our minds. But if we use our imaginations, our possibilities become limitless."
– Jamie Paolinetti

I am a qualified financial planner with tertiary and vocational qualifications in financial planning and law. I’ve had 17 years of experience in the financial planning and wealth management industry. I have worked as a financial planner for a large Australian bank and boutique wealth management firm for over 10 years, and prior to that, as a fund accountant for a London-based asset manager.