THE HAGUE--The National Register Academy and the Institute for Governance Innovation IGI of the Netherlands are preparing a course for members of supervisory boards in the Dutch Caribbean. The course will start in Aruba.

 

Being a board member is a responsible job that demands solid candidates. Training is an important segment, explained National Register advisor Carla Aalse who coordinates the Board Potentials Course together with National Register Academy Director Olaf Smits van Waesberghe and IGI Director Bob Verburg.

 

In an interview with The Daily Herald Aalse explained the contribution that the course could add to the quality and professionalism of supervisory boards and boards of directors. “Being a board member is a responsible job that requires a professional, critical attitude. People should not take up a position in a supervisory board because they have been asked by a friend.”

 

The National Register Academy and IGI signed a cooperation agreement in December 2015. The Aruba Government, which was present for the signing, has committed to the participation of the members of the boards of Aruba’s various Government-owned companies in the course this year.

During the signing ceremony at the National Register offices in The Hague, Director of the Cabinet of the Aruba Minister Plenipotentiary Shandra John said that the course would contribute to good governance in the Dutch Caribbean as it would teach participants to take responsible decisions as board members.

 

“The community demands that members of the board have integrity, that their priorities are to serve the best interest of the community and that they remain honest. This attitude will limit the number of decisions of which we afterwards ask whether they truly benefited the people. We need board members who are well-educated and with a social conscience. A new generation of board members,” said John.

 

The Curaçao-born Aalse explained that the course, among other things, would teach board members how to deal with information, risks and strategic aspects, and [problematic – Ed.] issues, how to read and interpret annual accounts and management reports, how to communicate effectively and timely.

 

The course will start in Aruba and then in Curaçao with two groups within the next few months. Aalse is positive that St. Maarten can be included in the programme. “We would love to also have St. Maarten on board,” she said. There are plans to have another two groups at the end of 2016. The Board Potential Course has already been organised seven times in the Netherlands, with successful results and high scores.

 

The Dutch Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations BZK is financially contributing to the course for the Dutch Caribbean and has offered to pay more or less 70 per cent of the tuition fee.

 

With the assistance of the BZK Ministry, participants on the islands will be paying considerably less than the 4,500 euros of their counterparts in the Netherlands. Aalse hoped that this financial support would significantly lower the threshold for the [potential – Ed.] board members from islands to participate.

 

The course will be concentrated in three phases divided over five to six modules in the areas of good governance, supervision and risk, boardroom dynamics, personal branding and performance, and the breakout sessions, Aalse explained.

 

The courses will be given three days a week, mostly on weekends and in the evening hours as not to disturb the working day of the participants. The courses will last two to two and a half months. Participants will also be psychologically tested because the personal characteristics of a board member are important for their functioning.

 

Teachers with experience in supervisory boards are always used for the courses. They will teach from their own experience and share their knowledge. Aalse said that on the islands local teachers would be recruited. Some 60 to 70 per cent of the teachers will be locally recruited, all experienced board members. “They will be of a high quality and will be screened,” said Aalse.

 

Aalse said she hoped that the courses would serve as an inspiration to attract more professional board members and to improve their skills. She hoped to train as many persons as possible. “We hope to create a trend, to create a mass, and to increase the awareness process. Participants should see this as an opportunity. Being a board member has to become a true profession.”

 

The Island Governments will not be obliged to send the boards of their Government-owned companies, but it would be a good idea to have them participate. “Hopefully the Governments will decide to train all boards and make use of the opportunity.”

 

The Daily Herald