10.03.2022 12:53

Coming soon: Training program for board members

Chambers of Commerce have helped companies develop their board work through Hyväksytty hallituksen jäsen HHJ (Certified Board Member CBM) training concept. In May, the Finland Chamber of Commerce will pilot a new CBM Course focusing on the basics of good board work for Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in English.
Finnish companies are ever more international, with some companies entering the global market directly. This is reflected both in the board work of companies and in their investor and shareholder base and the internal and international working language of many organizations is already English.
- We have noticed silent signals concerning the need for training for board members in English and wanted to react in good time, says member of the training planning team, Anne Horttanainen, Deputy Chief Executive at Finland Chamber of Commerce.
In accordance with the CBM Course in Finnish, the issues to be addressed include the composition, role, responsibilities, risk management and working methods of the board, such as reporting, strategy work and rewarding systems.
- Board work is addressed in the course especially from the perspective of an SME, in a practical way and with the help of diverse business examples. At the same time, under the guidance of experts and board professionals, we discover what good board work is and what tools are needed to develop it, Horttanainen says.
The lecturers for the course are experts in board work and experienced owners and entrepreneurs are consulted as business examples. Content is provided in high quality English.

“More than just board work”
The pilot course will be organized for approximately 25 people. This group size supports the creation of a conversational and confidential atmosphere and network. The course is supported by a digital learning platform and, if necessary, remote learning can also be utilized.
The CBM Course will likely remain a permanent part of courses offered at Chambers of Commerce.
- Our objective is to get both Finnish as well as people with foreign background to take the course. We believe that diversity will contribute to the course in addition to CBM content, says Anne Horttanainen.
- Recognition must be given to the Tampere Chamber of Commerce and the Hallituspartnerit ry association, which created the CBM training concept. The concept is well designed and is constantly being developed, she continues.
- The reason for the popularity of CBM Courses in Finnish is practicality. They provide real added value for companies that understand the importance of skilled board work. Sometimes a small, encouraging push forward is required, and the CBM Course is well suited for that, Anne Horttanainen says.

The Hyväksytty hallituksen jäsen HHJ Course, which is the basis for the CBM Course in English, has proved to be a great success. Courses are organized all over Finland and they are filled quickly. More than 13,000 people have completed the training since its start in 2005.

Further information: https://tapahtumat.kauppakamari.fi/cbm-course_spring_2022

Photo Liisa Takala