By Vukosi Mathale
In today's rapidly evolving university landscape where commercial enterprises and technology start-ups abound, the role of a board of directors has never been more critical. To empower university employees in this field, the Technology Transfer and Innovation Support (TTIS) office at the North-West University (NWU) recently organised a comprehensive three-day workshop titled “Ensuring board effectiveness,” which delved into the multifaceted aspects of creating and sustaining high-performance boards. The workshop, facilitated by Sirdar Group’s senior associate, aimed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance board performance, manage risk and drive value for the university portfolio companies they serve.
Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele, deputy vice-chancellor for Research and Innovation, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are immensely grateful for the colleagues who devote their precious time to the service as directors and shareholder representatives of various companies in which the university has an interest. It is also critical that they are kept abreast of the latest developments on governance matters, as the field is constantly evolving, and they should always be in a position to be insightful and incisive in executing their oversight roles."
One of the central themes of the workshop was recognising the substantial value a high-performance board can bring to a company. Participants were immersed in discussions and case studies that underscored how an effective board can drive strategic decision-making, provide invaluable guidance and ensure long-term sustainability. Through interactive sessions, attendees gained insights into leveraging the collective expertise of board members to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
A critical aspect of the workshop focused on ensuring that attendees were well-versed in the legal obligations stipulated by the Companies Act regarding trained directors and officers. With regulatory compliance being a cornerstone of effective governance, the workshop provided participants with a comprehensive overview of their responsibilities and duties as directors and officers. This knowledge equips attendees to fulfil their roles within the bounds of legal and ethical frameworks.
A highlight of the workshop was the utilisation of the Contribution Compass profiling platform, which provided participants with a personalised assessment of their strengths and areas for development as board members. This tool offered valuable insights into individual and collective dynamics within the board, enhancing self-awareness and optimising board interactions.
Ultimately, the workshop's overarching goal was to drive improved board and director performance. Through a holistic approach encompassing strategic planning, effective communication and enhanced decision-making, participants left the workshop equipped with the knowledge and tools to elevate their boards' effectiveness. Discover more: https://services.nwu.ac.za/technology-transfer-and-innovation-support/h… Sirdar: https://sirdargroup.com/
Dr Janine Chantson, chief director at the Technology Transfer and Innovation Support office addressing the delegates who attended.
