STEP Advanced Certificate in Family Business Governance

The course demonstrates the importance of family business governance, examining the different situations in the lifecycle of the family, the owners and the business that require more formal governance, and highlighting the limitations of natural governance.

This Advanced Certificate can be taken as part of the STEP Diploma.

Course details

This course enables advisers to develop ever more creative and innovative solutions to help family business clients face the challenges that are unique to them by virtue of being a family in business together, and plan for the future of their business and their family’s future.

  • Gain in-depth expertise: Improve your understanding of the role that ownership governance, family governance and business governance can play during the different situations in the lifecycle of the family, the owners and the business. 
  • Practical focus: Practical advice and guidance written by practitioners, for practitioners.
  • A global perspective: Suitable for all professions, globally and culturally, to ensure different specialisms can collaborate to better serve their family business clients. It will also provide access to a wider business and professional community of practice, helping you identify business opportunities in emerging markets and increasing your credibility with prospective clients.
  • Build valuable connections: Network with like-minded professionals in varied roles and firms from all over the world. 
  • Industry recognition: Successful completion provides 30 Diploma Level credits towards STEP membership, enhancing your professional standing, and is awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, a Faculty of the University of Manchester.

 

Download course brochure
Family business governance
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This is one of two Advanced Certificates in our Family Business Suite.

For students wishing to enrol onto both the STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising the Family Business and STEP Advanced Certificate in Family Business Governance, a discounted package fee is available when purchasing both together of £2,000.00 + UK VAT if applicable (or STEP Full member discounted rate of £1,935.00 + UK VAT if applicable).

 

View the course timetable - 2025 Dates

Course dates, fees and enrol now:

 

Entry requirements may apply. Applicable local taxes and discounts will be added to your basket on checkout.

This Advanced Certificate can be taken as part of the STEP Diploma - Set 3
Find out more about The STEP Diploma

Entry requirements

60 Entry Level credits which can be achieved through:

  • Completion of a STEP Certificate (30 credits)
  • Previous learning - confirmed through Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) application - 30 credits
  • Work experience - confirmed through Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) - 30 credits

Note: You do not need to apply for APEL or APCL if you already have confirmed, or if you have studied for at least two STEP Certificates previously.

Apply for APCL or APEL

Become a member of STEP

This is a STEP course/qualification. STEP membership is required to study this course and must be maintained throughout the duration of your studies.

You will need 60 Entry Level credits and if you are not already, you will become an Affiliate member by enrolling on this course. STEP will contact you regarding membership 4-6 weeks after course enrolment.

Successful completion of the course will provide 30 Diploma Level credits as part of the STEP Qualification and Membership framework.

Find out more about STEP Membership

What will I learn?

Download Syllabus
  • How to apply family business principles and theories in practical contexts
  • The value advisers can add in helping to shape the governance of family businesses
  • The different types of governance within a family business
  • The unique challenges that families face with respect to ownership governance, family governance and business governance
  • Practical tools and techniques to help the family business achieve its objectives

Is this course right for me?

This course is designed for all professionals working with a family business looking to expand in their profession and carry out their role more effectively. 

Students of this course typically include:

  • lawyers/solicitors/attorneys
  • accountants  
  • financial planners  
  • trust managers (senior)
  • wealth managers  
  • tax advisers  
  • compliance officers/managers  
  • bankers
  • family office executives 

Course format

This course is available for study twice a year. The programme is delivered online and will take four months to complete. We recommend that you spend four to six hours per week on private study for the four months prior to the assessment.

Enrolment onto this course will include the following:

  • interactive e-learning modules comprising a combination of text, videos, podcasts, animations and interactive activities
  • printable versions of the modules and downloadable resources for students to keep following completion of the course
  • self-assessment questions and summative tasks for each module
  • assessment fees 

Course dates

Download the course timetable

Any questions?

Contact us