Course Outline

Module 1: Principles of Pension Fund Governance

• Overview of governance principles and frameworks for pension funds
• Key roles and responsibilities of pension fund trustees and board members
• Understanding fiduciary duties and ethical considerations
• Case Study: Governance Framework Review – Evaluate the governance framework of a sample pension fund and identify areas for improvement.

Module 2: Fiduciary Responsibilities and Compliance

• In-depth exploration of fiduciary responsibilities and legal obligations
• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards (e.g., ERISA, local regulations)
• Techniques for monitoring and ensuring regulatory compliance
• Case Study: Fiduciary Duty Assessment – Assess a pension fund’s compliance with fiduciary responsibilities and regulatory requirements, and propose improvements.

Module 3: Board Management and Decision-Making

• Best practices for board management and governance structures
• Techniques for effective decision-making and strategic planning
• Managing conflicts of interest and ensuring transparency
• Case Study: Board Management Simulation – Simulate a board meeting to address governance challenges and make strategic decisions for a pension fund.

Module 4: Risk Management and Oversight

• Techniques for identifying and managing governance and operational risks
• Developing risk management frameworks and strategies
• Monitoring and evaluating risk management practices and outcomes
• Case Study: Risk Management Framework – Develop and assess a risk management framework for a pension fund, including strategies for mitigating identified risks.

Module 5: Communication and Reporting

• Best practices for communication with stakeholders and reporting governance practices
• Developing clear and transparent governance reports
• Addressing common communication challenges and ensuring effective stakeholder engagement
• Case Study: Governance Reporting Exercise – Create a comprehensive governance report for a pension fund, including an analysis of governance practices and communication strategies.