International Chartered Governance Programme

International Chartered Governance Programme (ICGP)

Becoming a chartered member demonstrates that you have completed a comprehensive and rigorous programme of study that qualifies you to work in governance and that you have the relevant work experience to put your understanding into practice. The chartered designation is the benchmark for anyone wanting to become a company secretary or governance professional. Our unique qualifications are accredited by the Chartered Governance Institute and are globally recognised, allowing you to join an international community of governance professionals. Our network is represented through divisions in Australia, Canada, China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Southern Africa, the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Zimbabwe.

Our International Chartered Governance Programme (ICGP) offers two qualifications; Chartered Secretary and Chartered Governance Professional.

What does a Chartered Secretary do?

Chartered Secretaries are senior professionals trained in law, finance, governance and strategy. They principally work as company secretaries or in other similar roles. They are obliged to uphold the highest standards of governance practice and ethical behaviour.

Highly valued by employers, Chartered Secretaries are the primary source of advice on governance to their board. Broadly, this can span everything from legal, regulatory and accountancy advice, to the development of strategy and corporate planning.

What does a Chartered Governance Professional do?

Chartered Governance Professionals have a deep understanding of governance, usually across the listed company, public and/or 'for purpose' not-for-profit sectors. They also have a deep understanding of risk management and how to apply it across their organisation.

Chartered Governance Professionals often act as their organisation's company secretary but also often have roles as risk managers or compliance managers. They are obliged to uphold the highest standards of governance practice and ethical behaviour.

Why Should I Study?

Our programme is unrivalled in New Zealand for the depth of insight and level of practical application it provides. The chartered designation shows that you have the knowledge, skills and experience to take on a job with significant and wide-ranging responsibilities. In larger organisations, this may be within the governance secretariat, governance team or as part of a professional services team. In medium and smaller companies this may be in the sole governance or secretarial role. 'For purpose' not-for-profit organisations are also rapidly professionalising and have a need for dedicated governance resources. If you are an accountant or solicitor, the knowledge gained from the programme will be invaluable in providing comprehensive advice to your clients.

By obtaining the designation of Chartered Secretary or Chartered Governance Professional, you gain entry not only as a member to the Chartered Governance Institute of New Zealand but the Chartered Governance Institute in the United Kingdom as well.

The Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) is incorporated and governed by Royal Charter. Royal Charters are awarded to bodies that work in the public interest and can demonstrate pre-eminence, stability, and permanence in their field. CGI's Royal Charter was granted in 1902 and has been subject to a number of revisions throughout subsequent years.

The Royal Charter continues to signal the vital role that we play in developing and supporting governance professionals. Members who complete their professional qualification can refer to themselves as ‘chartered’ – a by-word for professional competence.

What Will I Learn?

The International Chartered Governance Programme is designed to give students capability in governance and compliance through comprehensive courses in strategy, finance, law, regulation and risk along with a practical understanding of the board and organisation.

Tutorials

Each course includes a series of fortnightly online tutorials. The tutorials are convened by senior academics and practitioners who provide a balance of guidance on examination and assignment preparation with actual practical work-based applications of theory included in the course content.

The tutorials provide:

  • an opportunity for students to discuss in detail practical case studies relating to specific areas of study;
  • an opportunity to connect with fellow students from diverse organisational backgrounds;
  • a chance to evaluate your progress; and
  • an opportunity to acquire valuable guidance from tutors around examination and assignment expectations.

Who Can Apply?

Anyone resident in New Zealand with an undergraduate degree or significant and relevant experience is eligible to apply.* Our students range from entry-level to established professionals, some already working in governance as company secretaries or board members and others transitioning from legal, financial, compliance and risk careers.

The International Chartered Governance Programmes are made up of six courses, delivered online with tutor support. Qualified accountants, solicitors and MBA graduates have accelerated pathways based on prior qualifications and can qualify as either a Chartered Secretary or Chartered Governance Professional in as little as twelve months.

* Members of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) who hold Associate or Fellow status and have been a fully paid-up member in good standing for a minimum of two years, may be able to study from outside of New Zealand. You can see more information here.

How Much is the Investment?

Investment can vary significantly from student to student. While everyone pays for registration membership of the Institute, a student's route and tuition choice can make a big difference to the investment required.

Fee

Frequency

Investment*

Application Fee

One-off fee

$200.00

Student Membership Fee

Annual fee

$350.00

Course Fee

Cost per course

$1,950.00

Text Books

Costs vary

*All fees include GST.

What is the Commitment?

Undertaking the International Chartered Governance Programme is a big decision. The time investment is significant so it's important to consider how it will fit into your existing lifestyle and career.

  • Each course runs for 15 weeks and requires 200 hours of study - this equates to about 13 hours/week
  • The work is challenging, equivalent to a postgraduate degree.
  • Two assignments and an examination are required for each course.
  • Our study materials and examinations are all in English (6+ on IELTS scale).
  • Exam sessions are held online in June and November.

Key Dates for 2024

2024 SEMESTER 1
19th FebruarySemester starts
1st - 14th AprilSemester Break
24 MaySemester ends
27 MayStudy week
3rd JuneExam week

2024 SEMESTER 2
22nd JulySemester starts
2nd - 15th SeptemberSemester Break
25th OctoberSemester ends
28th OctoberStudy week
4th NovemberExam week

How to Enrol

Complete the enrolment application form and return it to us with the required documentation.

ICGP Enrolment Application 2024-S2 (Word version)

ICGP Enrolment Application 2024-S2 (PDF version)

Please include the following when submitting your application:

  • Certified copy of Proof of Address
  • Certified copy of your degree and/or transcript
  • Copy of your resume/CV

Members of the Law Society and Qualified Accountants

  • Proof of professional membership and/or practising certificate

Documents can be certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP) or Notary Public. A local JP can be located by searching this register.

Enrolment Enquiries?

Contact our Education Manager - Sandra Cohen at sandra.cohen@cginz.org or on 027 230 5176.

Our Teaching Faculty