JSPSG - Public Sector Governance Program
Public Sector Governance Program (PSGov)
Are you a school trustee, a member of a town or RM Council, a regional planning committee or a senior administrator that works with a board? Are you concerned about your role on the board and question if you are making a difference? The Public Sector Governance (PSGov) Program will provide you with the knowledge and tools to govern a public sector entity with confidence.
The PSGov program has been developed with the nuances of governing a public sector entity; how it connects to government and how to influence the decisions of government through positive relationships with the Minister and Deputy Minister etc. For example, our approach to financial stewardship includes information that assists Saskatchewan public sector board members and administrators understand how their funding ties into provincial funding, using actual Government of Saskatchewan budget documents (such as Public Accounts). This allows you to better understand how congruent your mission and mandate are with your primary funder.
Join us to become a Certified Public Sector Governor professional!
Program Length
3 half-day workshops, over 2-3 months
Delivery
Online curricula and synchronous, online workshops
Exam
Participants who attend all 3 days of the live program are eligible to take the exam and earn their PSGov designation. The online exam opens shortly after day 3. If a participant has to miss a day for any reason, they need to make up that day in a future offering before they can take the exam. There is no fee to make up the missed day.
Course Outline
Day 1
- Public sector governance
- Why have boards at all?
- Setting direction
- Roles & responsibilities
Day 2
- Monitoring performance
- "Above board" behaviour
- Financial stewardship
- Reporting
Day 3
- Risk management & mitigation
- Board culture
- Mitigating decision biases
- Putting it all together
Learner Outcomes
By the end of the program, you will be well equipped to:
- understand what is governance and the important nuances experienced in public sector governance
- understand roles and responsibilities of the board within the areas of setting direction and monitoring & reporting
- ask important questions and gain the necessary understanding to provide oversight of both financial and human resources stewardship, including the duty of care and fiduciary duty of board members
- deal with issues of risk and mitigation at the board level
- feel confident on issues of liability and conflict of interest
- make informed decisions, establish and maintain a positive culture, and mitigate biases
Notes
All course materials and exam are held in the virtual classroom, Canvas, and all online, synchronous training will take place via Zoom. Links for these materials will be sent our prior to the session.
Testimonials
"I have completed the Public Sector Governance certification and accompanying Public Sector Governor professional designation - PSGov. The Johnson Shoyama School of Public Policy is right in Saskatchewan and their virtual delivery was exceptional and engaging! I have learnt so many things: board organization, board functions, board policy, ethics, finances, due diligence, bias', and the responsibility and role of a public board member. This program is for a school trustee, a member of a town or RM Council, a regional planning committee or a senior administrator that works with a board. The programs and workshops can give you the knowledge and understanding to govern your organization with confidence. I am grateful to have had this opportunity."
– Jenna Hale, School Board Trustee, Horizon School Division #205