Governance & Compliance

Governance of Family Businesses

Family businesses must manage both the business and the family relationships that own it. This course covers family business governance: family constitutions, family councils and assemblies, boards with independent directors, succession planning, ownership and dividend policies, conflict resolution and professionalising management.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

Download course PDF

Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Most family businesses do not survive to the third generation, often because of governance gaps. You will learn structures that protect both family and business.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Family business case studies, constitution drafting exercises, succession scenarios and group discussion.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

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

Explain the unique governance needs of family businesses
Design family governance bodies
Develop family constitutions and policies
Build effective boards with independent directors
Plan leadership and ownership succession
Manage family conflict constructively

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Family business owners and successors
Board members of family companies
Family office professionals
Advisers to family businesses
Next-generation family members

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Family governance design
Succession planning
Board development
Conflict resolution
Policy drafting

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Family Business Dynamics

09:00–10:08Family, business and ownership
10:08–11:00Common challenges
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Common challenges (continued)
11:45–12:53Case study
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Family Governance

09:00–10:08Family councils
10:08–11:00Family constitutions
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Family constitutions (continued)
11:45–12:53Employment and dividend policies
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Corporate Governance

09:00–10:08Boards and independent directors
10:08–11:00Professional management
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Professional management (continued)
11:45–12:53Reporting to owners
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Succession

09:00–10:08Leadership succession
10:08–11:00Ownership transfer
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Ownership transfer (continued)
11:45–12:53Next generation development
12:53–14:00Scenario

Day 5Conflict and Continuity

09:00–10:08Conflict resolution
10:08–11:00Exit and buy-outs
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Exit and buy-outs (continued)
11:45–12:53Governance roadmap
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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