The Boardroom School: Build Your Boardroom Knowledge, Confidence & Leadership

Welcome to The Boardroom School — the smarter choice for governance education.

This Program cuts through the jargon and deliver practical, foundational knowledge to empower directors at every level. Whether you’re on the board of a nonprofit, sporting organisation, or a company, private or public, this program equips you with the tools you need to succeed. True governance is about action, not the lure of acronyms after your name.

Why Choose The Boardroom School?

Practical, Accessible Learning: Tailored for the real-world challenges of nonprofit, membership organisations (including sports bodies) and company boards’ directors, and the CEOs and senior executives who run them.
Affordable Excellence: At just $1,395.00 the program delivers exceptional value without a hefty price tag.
Expert-Led: Learn from a seasoned leader and governance specialist with decades of experience on boards, in the law and in governance.
No Fluff, All Substance: The focus is on what you need to know — practical, usable, immediately applicable and always understandable with plenty of conversation and lots of storytelling.

What Sets this Program Apart?

Many people think you need expensive programs to succeed. The truth? Governance is about understanding and applying the essentials, with a common sense and informed approach to being an effective director. The Boardroom School provides exactly what every director needs — without breaking the bank.

Program Highlights & Investment

Duration: 8 weeks x 90 minute sessions at 5.30pm on Tuesdays commencing 6 May 2025
Cost: $1,395.00 (+gst +bf)
Delivery: 100% online, live and interactive sessions
Outcome: Practical knowledge and confidence to excel on your board.

Course Modules

1. Gain Practical Insights

Start with a virtual “welcome drinks” session and an engaging 25-question quiz designed to spark meaningful conversations on nuanced boardroom topics.

2. Navigate Board Roles & People Dynamics

Explore the composition of the board, the roles of its members, and the critical function of the chair in Session 2, setting the foundation for effective leadership.

3. Understand Legal Frameworks

Decode director duties and responsibilities in Session 3, gaining a clear understanding of legal obligations and best practice frameworks that guide board decisions.

4. Master Conflict of Interest Management

Tackle conflicts of interest head-on in Session 4 with practical role-play scenarios, equipping you with the skills to handle challenging situations with confidence.

5. Optimize Board Meetings

Enhance the effectiveness of board meetings in Session 5 by mastering board papers, agendas, minutes, motions, and the art of having necessary but difficult conversations.

6. Define Board Relationships

Clarify the dynamic between the CEO and the board in Session 6, understanding roles, delegations, and responsibilities to build strong foundations for financial and organizational performance.

7. Focus on Compliance & Structure

Delve into operational frameworks in Session 7, emphasizing compliance, the role of the constitution, and the importance of solid operating structures.

8. Plan and Prepare for Success

Wrap up the program in Session 8 with an exploration of risk management, compliance, strategic essentials, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, bringing together all the elements covered over the eight sessions.

Who Should Join?

Aspiring Board Members & Career-Changers: Thinking about joining a board? Gain the foundational knowledge you need to make informed decisions from day one.
Executives Seeking Board Experience: Curious about what it's like on the other side of the board table? This program helps executives understand board dynamics and prepare for future directorships.
Nonprofit Board Members: Whether you're new to the boardroom or a seasoned member, gain the skills to navigate compliance, governance, and mission-driven leadership with confidence.
Membership/Sporting Organisation Leaders: Lead with great effect by managing stakeholders effectively, fostering transparency, and driving organisational success.
Company Directors & Business Owners: Whether you're an experienced director or stepping into governance for the first time, sharpen your ability to foster great governance practices, improve accountability, and generate growth from the bottom line to your organisation's reputation.

Testimonials

Having just completed The Board Room School (TBRS), a big thank you to Margot Foster AM, the brains and facilitator of this super practical eight-week online course for Board Directors. TBRS was an enjoyable and cohesive learning experience. Margot has a terrific presentation style and provides a good set of working definitions. It was also great to get to know the other participants, and Margot gave us space to interact, inviting discussion. One of the sessions included a role play, and it was fascinating to see people’s responses to a director going rogue. Margot also shared her own Board experiences and insights. Generous in her advice and support, Margot’s legal background and knowledge helped to instil confidence. Each session started with an around the grounds and what’s in the news, and Margot kept it relevant and relatable. With slides and a set of resources relating to each session, provided, I feel that I have a have a bunch of resources to tap back into at any time. I am looking forward to taking the learnings and experience into the Board room. – Nikki B: Graduate

By the way, loving the course! You do an absolutely brilliant job, so many key learnings. – Michelle G: Graduate

It is a great feat to make the topic of governance engaging however Margot was able to deliver the content in an interactive format that enabled all students to share their experiences and take away lessons to apply to their respective boards. I would recommend any current or aspiring directors to complete The Boardroom School. – Pravin S: Graduate

I wish to send you a quick note to say thank you for your ‘The Boardroom School’ governance training program I have attended over the past 7 weeks, and I am sad the final session is almost here. I have completed 2x AICD short courses for Sporting Bodies for Directors/CEOs, and the long course of the AICD. I personally feel your training and education is an ‘Ocean’ away from the AICD course. I feel this way because of the practical nature of your governance training, and modern way that everyone can build their own toolbox with resources you provide on how to be confident, effective and have techniques for best practice. I cannot believe I am saying this because I normally find governance training a bit boring, but I get excited and look forward to the new tips I will learn each week from you and over discussions with my fellow ‘The Boardroom School’ colleagues. – Lucy W: Graduate

Next steps?

Are you ready to take control of your boardroom success and become a confident, effective director? Whether you're new to governance or looking to sharpen your leadership skills, now is the time to invest in your future.

Don't wait— enrol now and start making a real difference in the boardroom today or prepare for your future board!

Contact

Have questions? I’m here to help:

Email: mf@margotfoster.com.au
Phone: 0414 230213

Program Dates

6 May | 13 May | 20 May | 27 May | 3 June | 10 June | 17 June | 23 June
Tuesdays at 5.30pm AEST/AEST (Melbourne time) for 90 minutes