Board Development Training Courses

Board Development Courses offered by SSI

Course Description (Refreshed!)

The Governance for Outstanding Organisation Directors (SGOOD) Programme, developed by the Singapore Institute of Directors in collaboration with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), is designed to empower current and aspiring board members of nonprofit organisations (NPOs). The programme aims to provide a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities while equipping them with the tools and insights to make values-driven, future-ready decisions that support long-term impact.

Course Objectives

• Meet the unique learning needs of board members serving in NPOs.

• Provide a comprehensive understanding of nonprofit governance – equip directors with the knowledge, strategies and best practices to drive effective leadership and organisational sustainability.

• Offer a practical and strategic approach to strengthening governance and enhancing the impact of NPOs.

SGOOD is part of the GovernWell: Excellence in Charity Leadership series planned by the Charity Council and Office of the Commissioner of Charities.

Target Audience

Aspiring, new and current directors, and senior management of NPOs.

Programme Structure

e-Learning Modules

The 10 e-Learning modules in the SGOOD programme (8 core modules plus introductory and capstone modules) address key governance challenges and opportunities faced by board directors of NPOs. These modules aim to build strategic, fiduciary and leadership capabilities needed to serve effectively on NPO boards.

1.  SGOOD Essentials
   Establish a Strong Foundation in Nonprofit Governance – Build a foundational understanding of Singapore’s charity sector, the critical role of boards in governance and how effective board leadership strengthens accountability and stakeholder trust.
   
   

2. SGOOD Module 1: Board Leadership and Dynamics
   Understand Board Leadership and Dynamics – Lead with purpose by mastering board roles, cultivating a high-performing board culture, and enabling sustained impact through strategic succession and evaluation.
   
   

3. SGOOD Module 2: Board & Management Dynamics
   Enhance Board and Management Collaboration – Foster strategic, trust-based partnerships between boards and management by clarifying roles, strengthening communication and addressing engagement challenges for effective governance.
   
   

4. SGOOD Module 3: Strategy & Board Performance
   Drive Strategic Thinking for Board Performance – Drive strategic impact by setting long-term direction, aligning resources with the mission and enhancing board effectiveness through structured planning and oversight.
   
   

5. SGOOD Module 4: Human Capital
   Optimise Human Capital and Volunteer Engagement – Shape a purpose-driven, future-ready workforce by aligning human capital strategy with organisational goals, fostering a values-based culture and ensuring accountability across staff and volunteer engagement.
   
   

6. SGOOD Module 5: Sustainable Philanthropy & Fundraising
   Advance Sustainable Philanthropy and Fundraising – Integrate fundraising, outreach and advocacy into board-level strategy to build donor trust, deepen stakeholder engagement and advance sustainable philanthropy for long-term mission impact.
   
   

7. SGOOD Module 6: Financial Management
   Ensure Financial Management and Compliance – Ensure financial stewardship by understanding board responsibilities in compliance, budgeting, oversight and reserves management to uphold transparency, accountability and sustainability.
   
   

8. SGOOD Module 7: Risk Management
   Strengthen Risk Management and Governance Resilience – Strengthen board oversight of risk by clarifying governance responsibilities, addressing emerging risks including digital and environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations, and guiding the development of systems that build resilience and support strategic decision-making.
   
   

9. SGOOD Module 8: User Centric Services
   Adopt a User-Centric Approach in Service Delivery – Promote empathy-driven governance by embedding user insights into board strategy, decisions and oversight to ensure services are inclusive, relevant and impactful.
   
   

10. SGOOD Futures
    Explore Emerging Trends and the Future of Nonprofits – Prepare charity boards to be future-ready by anticipating emerging trends, enhancing strategic foresight and adopting forward-looking practices in ESG, digital transformation and collaborative governance to drive lasting social impact.

Facilitated In-Person Learning Day

Participants are required to attend one of the facilitated in-person learning days, held twice during the programme, which serves as a capstone experience for participants. These sessions delve into real-world case studies drawn from the 10 e-Learning modules, enabling attendees to:

• Apply governance principles in practical, scenario-based discussions.

• Share diverse perspectives and boardroom experiences.

• Reflect on challenges and solutions in a collaborative setting.

• Deepen their understanding of complex issues such as board dynamics, risk oversight, financial stewardship and user-centric decision making.

Participants will also benefit from peer learning and networking opportunities, fostering connections with fellow board directors across the nonprofit sector and strengthening the governance ecosystem.

It is mandatory for participants to complete all e-Learning modules and attend one in-person session (full-day) to fulfil the completion criteria for the SGOOD programme.

Online Regulatory Panel

Designed as a half-day webinar, this session will serve as the culmination of the SGOOD programme, bringing together sector experts and industry regulators for an insightful panel discussion. Key themes from the modules will be revisited, providing participants with high-level reflections, emerging trends, and future directions in non-profit governance.

By participating, attendees will leave with a broader perspective on governance excellence, key takeaways from the SGOOD programme, and actionable insights to strengthen their organisations for the future.

Programme Dates

Course Fees

S$1,090 per participant (inclusive of GST).

Register

Registration of Interest
Register early interest for the programme.

Course enquiries
Email: learning@sid.org.sg
Tel: (65) 6422 1188

FAQ

1. What is the difference between the former SGOOD programme compared to this refreshed version?
   
   SGOOD's enhanced curriculum and flexible delivery approach have been redesigned to maximise learning impact and accessibility for both aspiring and current non-profit Directors.

   The refreshed SGOOD has been developed in accordance with evolving needs of the non-profit sector, with a focus on practical implementation, sustainability, and long-term impact. Topics in SGOOD have expanded to cover emerging trends, digital transformation, innovation, counter-financing of terrorism, service delivery effectiveness and forward-looking approaches to governance.

   SGOOD is now offered through blended learning (e-learning, in-person and webinar sessions) to enhance the accessibility and learning experience for all aspiring and current non-profit Directors.
   
   

2. Do I need to attend this refreshed version of SGOOD if I have completed the previous iteration? 
   
   It is not mandatory for participants to upgrade their certification to SGOOD 2.0. However, if you would like to refresh your knowledge and stay updated with the latest developments in the board and non-profit space, you are highly encouraged to attend the programme.

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