Annual Update – Senior Managers Obligations – 9 February 2022

Course Overview: 

The ever-increasing focus by the Regulators on the accountability of senior management, particularly when things go wrong, emphasises how important it is for individuals in senior positions to have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. This succinct course is designed to assist Senior Managers to have a full understanding of what they need to do to achieve compliance with the rules under the obligations created by the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR). 

Course Objectives: 

Attendance at this course will provide you with: 

  • The ability to demonstrate to the Regulator your understanding of the current regulatory approach and the responsibilities placed on senior managers; 
  • The knowledge you need to achieve and evidence compliance with those responsibilities, including risk identification, assessment and mitigation; 
  • The potential to identify actions you may need to take to address any gaps in compliance; 
  • An awareness of the actions the FCA can take if things go wrong. 

Key topics: 

  • Personal engagement with the regime and obligations under the Conduct Rules 
  • Attesting to Statements of Responsibility and Prescribed Responsibilities 
  • Staying fit and proper and keeping up to date 
  • Leading a team and standing up for what’s right 
  • Managing with skill, care and diligence 
  • Securing a corporate culture which delivers Conduct Rule compliant behaviour 
  • The challenges of implementing the certification regime 
  • Dealing with disciplinary issues and severance 
  • Understanding what are considered to be “reasonable steps” and the protections they afford 
  • SMCR in the broader context of corporate governance and the duties of directors 

Course aimed at: Senior Managers, including Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors and holders of required functions; those preparing to assume SMF responsibilities; Risk, Compliance and Internal Audit specialists; Human Resources and Learning and Development specialists.