Overview
The Certificate in Governance & Ethics offers a focused exploration of the critical risks and responsibilities facing today’s corporate leaders. In a landscape shaped by heightened stakeholder expectations, regulatory demands, and reputational risk, this program equips decision-makers with the tools to lead with integrity and accountability.
Program Details
Format
- Online
- 1 day / week
Duration/Timing
- 5 weeks
- Thursdays
- 9 am – 12 pm (EST)
Next Offering
Winter 2026
Program Fee
$1,800 + HST
Participant Profile
All managers, executives and directors will benefit from this certificate. Anyone who is anticipating promotion or greater responsibilities, or who is in the compliance, governance, or risk management functions will find this certificate immediately relevant. Applications for this program are reviewed for suitability. Details about the review process will be provided when applications open.
Looking to deepen your impact at the board or executive level? Fill out the form and we'll notify you when applications open!
Mastering Governance Excellence
Corporate scandals in recent years have highlighted the high cost of weak governance and ethics, lost trust, damaged reputations, and derailed careers. As stakeholder expectations for leadership accountability rise, this certificate program equips board members, executives, and senior leaders with the insights needed to avoid missteps, strengthen governance, and build lasting stakeholder confidence.
What You'll Learn
- The latest governance expectations and the role of ethics in effective leadership.
- How to build and maintain an ethical corporate culture.
- Decision-making aligned with organizational values and stakeholder protection.
- How to address governance challenges like technology risks and crisis management.
- Approaches to navigating complex ethics issues such as AI and cybersecurity.
How You'll Learn
Expert-Led Insights - Learn directly from a senior professor who brings deep expertise and real-world experience to every session.
Real-World Case Studies - Analyze case studies to apply key governance and ethics principles in practical scenarios.
Collaborative Discussions - Engage in group discussions to share perspectives and solve challenges together.
This module will take place over two sessions and help you understand the new governance expectations, how corporate accountability has changed, how good governance depends on good ethics, and governance ethics flaws that should be avoided. Understanding these developments will provide a framework for you to develop the essential skills and strategic insight needed for effective governance today.
Module 3 will provide practical insights into how a corporation can develop and maintain an ethical corporate culture designed to guide employees to make the right decisions and take the right actions. This module will enhance your understanding of the expectations around governance practices, and the role of ethics in achieving those expectations.
Module 4 will illustrate how to make decisions that reflect the organization’s values and expectations. This will protect the reputation and careers of decision-makers, executives, board members, and the interests of shareholders and other stakeholders, as well as optimize opportunities presented.
Module 5 will focus on the different types of governance and ethics issues organizations face today including stakeholder accountability, technology issues, cybercrime, ethics of AI, managing risks and crisis management. It will prepare you to navigate these challenges with confidence and to deal effectively with difficult and often unpredictable situations.
Meet the Faculty
Leonard J. Brooks
Len has spent over 30 years consulting to clients, writing and teaching about governance and ethics. His books Business & Professional Ethics for Directors, Executives and Accountants and Ethics & Governance: Developing & Maintaining an Ethical Corporate Culture are used around the world. As a Professor of Business Ethics & Accounting, he has shared his insights with professors and students in the University's Directors Education Program, Executive MBA, MBA, Master of Management & Professional Accounting, and Master of Forensic Accounting programs.
I had the privilege of participating in the Governance and Business Ethics course through IMIx Executive Programs. I extend my sincere thanks to Professor Leonard Brooks for his expert guidance, thought-provoking discussions, and dynamic teaching style. The course offered not only deep insights but also practical tools and frameworks that I’ll carry forward in both strategy and leadership. This experience has been both enriching and inspiring—a reminder of the value of lifelong learning and the impact that strong governance and ethical leadership can have on organizational success.
Pernille Fischer Boulter
CEO and Founder
Kisserup International Trade Roots Inc,
Europe and Arctic
By centering ethical responsibility and the skills needed to govern effectively, the IMIx Certificate in Governance and Ethics is equally relevant, meaningful and essential for not-for-profit, including governmental, and private sector leaders. Professor Len Brooks presents materials, concepts, and frameworks using real world examples in a profoundly accessible way. As a result, participants come away with a powerful and enduring set of reference points for grounding quality governance in lessons learned and current practice for organizations and those that rely upon their effectiveness. I strongly recommend this professional growth opportunity to all that want to deepen knowledge and refine skills in leading organizations toward ethical practices and good governance. I believe that organizations would be well-served to orient leaders toward this learning and certification.
Scott Benwell, PhD
Senior Partner, Advantics Leadership Group Limited
Former Superintendent of Schools in British Columbia
FAQs
All of our programs are offered entirely online using Zoom (a free basic account is required). There is no in-person component.
The program fee includes all modules and all necessary course materials, including any licensed content. There are no additional costs, Software access or online tools (if applicable) are also fully covered by the fee.
A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to all participants who meet all program requirements, including attending at least 90% of the sessions. Certificates are mailed to participants, and a digital copy can also be provided via email upon request.
For programs that include an assessment component, the certificate is awarded upon successful completion of the required assessment activities. Assessments may include assignments, reflection essays, or a project, and are typically graded on a pass/fail basis.
Programs that include an assessment:
- Canadian Income Tax Practice
- Data Analytics
- Effective Healthcare Management
- Strategy & Critical Thinking
Programs that do not include an assessment:
- Effective Leadership for Senior Managers
- Pharma Challenges and Opportunities
- Governance & Ethics
- Effective Management of People
You may be eligible for a discount if you are;
- A U of T or IMIx alum
- Eligible for a special offer (e.g., Early Bird Discount, Team Discount, etc.)
- A team of 2 or more individuals from the same organization
- A group of 2 or more individuals enrolling together (e.g., friends or family)
Visit our Funding and Financial Support page for more information.
Cancellation Policy
If you are no longer able to attend a program, requests must be sent via email to imi.executiveprograms@utoronto.ca. The following options will apply:
- 21+ days notice: You will be eligible for a 100% refund
- 10+ days notice: You will be eligible for a 50% refund
- Less than 10 days notice: you will not be eligible for any refund
In any of the above cases, you will have the option to take a credit or transfer registration to another person.
Questions about our Governance and Ethics program?