Virtual classroom - Assurance in the boardroom
Strengthening governance through smarter assurance.

*New for 2026*

This 4-hour interactive virtual classroom is highly interactive, combining expert-led discussion, group exercises, and case examples.

Session overview:

1. Welcome and objectives – setting the scene: governance trends, boardroom dynamics, and learning objectives.
2. The need for assurance – understanding assurance as a cornerstone of good governance and effective board oversight.
3. Balancing audit and assurance – clarifying the distinctions between financial audit and broader assurance; introduction to assurance mapping.
4. Risk assurance and the second line – enhancing challenge and value from risk and compliance functions.
5. Internal audit and other options – building and assessing effective internal audit plans; approaches for smaller or less resourced organisations.
6. Latest developments – regulatory and market updates shaping assurance today and in the future.
7. Wrap-up and action planning – key takeaways and practical next steps for improving assurance in your organisation.

Trainer

Louis Cooper Louis is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) and has over 30 years’ experience in governance, risk and assurance services, and public practice where he has worked for all of the ‘Big 4’ Accounting firms. He was a partner at the UK top 10 audit firm Crowe Clark Whitehill (now Crowe UK) for 6 years, where he led the Risk & Assurance team. He provides a range of risk management consulting and advisory services and helped to establish the Institute of Risk Management ('IRM') Innovation Special Interest Group which seeks to consider how risk management can act as a positive, value-add business activity rather than just a compliance exercise. Louis was one of the founders of the Non-Executive Directors’ Association (‘NEDA’) – the members Association that was set up in 2006-7 to support the specific needs and demands of Non-Executive Directors and Trustees across all sectors and at each stage of their ‘life-cycle’. Louis was CEO for 10 years and led the NED and board training, education and advisory services with risk management being emphasised and recognised as an essential boardroom area of expertise. Louis acted as editor of the latest edition of the ‘NED Handbook’ (6th Edition - 2023) and helped to establish the Non-Executive Director Awards which celebrated 18 years in 2024.

Early Bird Pricing
15% discount automatically applied on bookings made up until 6 weeks before the course date

How are the courses delivered?

All Virtual Classrooms are run by live on Zoom. These are interactive and not recorded, interaction and delegate involvement is encouraged.

When will I receive joining instructions?

You will receive a email with joining instructions after enrolling. Materials and any other resources for the course will be sent to you shortly before the course start date.

Are there breaks?

Yes, no fixed timings - will depend on the length of the course.

How do I access the course slide deck?

Depending on the course you will either be sent in the lead up to the course or after.

What if I miss the live date?

The Virtual Classrooms are not recorded so we recommend you attend all sessions.

What if I am going to be 15 minutes late?

This is not a problem, the classroom starts at the start time, but you will be let in if you are delayed for any reason. Trainers do their best to accommodate catch-up, but this is not guaranteed. Where possible please let us know of any delays so we are aware when doing role call the beginning of the session.

Can I have my colleague with me in the live course?

Yes, if you purchase a second place. Each booking is valid for one person only.

Can I record the training?

No, virtual classrooms are not recorded.

Do the courses on this programme count as verifiable CPD?

Yes, these courses contribute verifiable CPD, so long as you can demonstrate that the content is relevant to your role. Additional information about CPD can be found here: Your guide to CPD.

How many people will be on the course?

Virtual Classrooms are designed to resemble a real classroom. Therefore, group sizes vary between 6 – 22 delegates per course.