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Whitestone International College of Innovation delivers quality-assured, standards-aligned programmes that integrate academic rigour, industry relevance, and digital fluency to develop principled leaders who deliver measurable impact.

Courses

Whitestone International Diploma in Corporate Governance & Ethics

The diploma introduces the foundations of corporate governance frameworks, roles and responsibilities, oversight and accountability, risk and control awareness, stakeholder interests, and ethical decision-making. It focuses on how governance and ethics support long-term organisational sustainability, trust, and responsible conduct, rather than on detailed legal or technical rules.

Course Overview

The Whitestone International Diploma in Corporate Governance & Ethics is a 12-month programme designed to develop a structured, practical understanding of how organisations are directed, controlled, and held accountable, and how ethical principles guide behaviour at all levels.

Learners will explore the functions of boards, committees, executive management, shareholders, and key stakeholders, and how policies, codes of conduct, and culture influence behaviour. The programme also emphasises integrity, transparency, fairness, and responsibility as practical guiding principles in everyday decisions and actions.

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to contribute to good governance practice and ethical culture in their organisations, support basic governance documentation and reporting, and act as ethically aware professionals in their roles.

Why This Course is Important?

Weak governance and poor ethical standards can result in financial loss, legal exposure, reputational damage, and loss of stakeholder trust.
Ethical conduct is not limited to senior leaders; it depends on how individuals across the organisation act, decide, and speak.
Investors, regulators, employees, customers, and communities expect organisations to demonstrate responsible governance, ethical behaviour, and transparency.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:

Explain the core concepts and objectives of corporate governance and business ethics at a conceptual level.
Describe the roles and responsibilities of boards, committees, executives, and key stakeholders within a governance framework.
Demonstrate awareness of risk, internal control, and compliance as elements that support sound governance (non-specialist level).
Apply basic ethical principles such as integrity, fairness, respect, and responsibility to workplace situations and decisions.
Recognise potential conflicts of interest, unethical practices, and misconduct risks, and understand appropriate escalation routes.
Support the development and use of codes of conduct, simple policies, declarations, and reporting related to governance and ethics.
Contribute to building a culture of accountability, openness, and ethical behaviour through their own professional conduct.

Target Audience

Individuals working in or aspiring to roles such as Governance Assistant, Compliance Support Officer, Board/Committee Administrator, Risk & Ethics Coordinator, or Corporate Services Officer.
Supervisors, administrators, and managers who wish to strengthen their understanding of governance and ethical responsibilities.
Staff in finance, HR, internal support, or operations who support reporting, documentation, or oversight activities.
Graduates and career changers seeking entry into roles that require governance awareness, ethical decision-making, and responsible professional conduct.

Entry Requirements

Programme Structure & Modules

Module 1 – Foundations of Corporate Governance & Organisational Accountability

Definitions and purposes of corporate governance and why it matters.
Principles such as accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility at a conceptual level.
Overview of different organisational forms (e.g. companies, not-for-profit, public bodies) and their governance needs.
Relationship between governance, management, and organisational performance.
High-level awareness that jurisdictions may have different governance codes and expectations (without legal detail).

Module 2 – Governance Structures, Boards, Committees & Stakeholders

Structure and composition of boards and key committees (e.g. audit, risk, remuneration) at a conceptual level.
Roles and responsibilities of board members, chair, executive management, and company secretary/governance support.
The concept of independence and oversight at board and committee level (non-technical).
Stakeholder groups: shareholders/owners, employees, customers, creditors, regulators, communities.
The importance of clear reporting lines, documentation, and meeting records in supporting good governance.

Module 3 – Risk Awareness, Internal Control & Compliance Support

Introduction to risk thinking: understanding that all organisations face uncertainties that may affect objectives.
Conceptual overview of risk identification, basic assessment awareness, and simple response options.
The role of internal control in supporting reliable operations, safeguarding assets, and accurate reporting (non-specialist).
Awareness of compliance responsibilities: following policies, procedures, and applicable rules at an operational level.
The governance/support professional’s role in helping to maintain records, logs, and basic compliance documentation.

Module 4 – Ethics, Values & Responsible Decision-Making

Distinction between compliance, ethics, and personal values at a conceptual level.
Core ethical principles: honesty, integrity, respect, fairness, and responsibility.
Ethical dilemmas in everyday practice: pressure to manipulate information, overlook concerns, or ignore unfair treatment (scenario-based).
Recognising conflicts of interest, gifts and hospitality concerns, and inappropriate influence.
Encouraging speaking up: awareness of whistleblowing channels and non-retaliation expectations (high level, non-legal).

Module 5 – Culture, Conduct, ESG Awareness & Corporate Responsibility

The role of organisational culture in shaping behaviour, decisions, and treatment of stakeholders.
Conduct expectations: professional behaviour, respect, inclusion, and non-discrimination (conceptual).
Introductory awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) themes at a broad level (no investment advice).
Corporate responsibility and sustainability concepts: considering impacts on society and environment at a conceptual level.
Supporting communication and simple reporting related to ethics, conduct, and responsibility initiatives.

Module 6 – Governance Documentation, Reporting & Professional Practice

Key governance documents at a vocational level: charters/terms of reference, codes of conduct, meeting agendas, minutes, action logs, simple registers.
Good practice in document preparation, circulation, version awareness, and secure storage.
Supporting board and committee processes: scheduling, packs, basic follow-up tracking.
Personal professionalism: reliability, confidentiality, discretion, and respect for governance processes.
Career development in governance, compliance, and ethics support roles.

Awarding Body

Whitestone International College of Innovation

United Kingdom

Qualification Type

International Diploma – Vocational Qualification

(Industry-aligned qualification issued by Whitestone International College of Innovation, UK)

Assessment & Certification

Assessment Methods Include:

Written assignments on corporate governance, ethics, risk awareness, and culture.
Short quizzes or knowledge checks covering definitions, roles, and core principles.
Scenario-based tasks analysing governance or ethical situations and suggesting appropriate responses at an introductory–intermediate level.
Preparation of sample governance documentation (e.g. simple terms of reference outline, draft code of conduct sections, or meeting summary).
Final Capstone Project report and/or presentation.

To obtain the diploma, learners must successfully complete all module assessments and the capstone project in accordance with Whitestone’s academic standards.

Certification:

On successful completion, participants will be awarded:

Whitestone International Diploma in Corporate Governance & Ethics Issued by Whitestone International College of Innovation, United Kingdom

Benefits of Attending

Provides a clear, structured foundation in corporate governance and ethics without requiring a legal or technical background.
Equips learners to support boards, committees, management, and governance functions through informed, responsible practice.
Strengthens ability to recognise ethical issues, manage basic conflicts of interest, and uphold codes of conduct.
Enhances employability in governance support, corporate services, compliance coordination, and administrative roles with governance responsibilities.
Builds a platform for further study in governance, compliance, risk management, ESG, or business management, subject to entry criteria.

Industry Alignment

The programme reflects widely recognised principles of good governance and ethical practice, including:

Emphasis on accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility in organisational conduct.

Recognition of the importance of risk awareness, internal control, and culture in achieving sound governance.
Focus on everyday behaviour, communication, and documentation as foundations of effective governance systems.

£2000

£ 0

Industry-focused programmes with global standards.
Practical skills for real-world success.
Academic excellence with career-ready outcomes.

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Progression & Academic Pathways

Graduates of the Whitestone International Diploma in Corporate Governance & Ethics may:

Progress to higher-level diplomas in Governance, Risk Management, Compliance, Business Administration, or Leadership & Management.
Enhance their suitability for roles in board support, corporate services, compliance assistance, ethics and conduct coordination, or internal oversight.
Use this diploma as a foundation for professional or academic qualifications in governance-related disciplines, subject to institutional or body-specific entry requirements.

Together We Learn, Together We Grow

At Whitestone, we believe in collaborative learning where students and faculty grow together through knowledge and experience. Our supportive community fosters teamwork, innovation, and shared success.

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London, united kingdom

+44 20 3727 6493

INfo@whitestoneinternational
college.org.uk