Senior Management Obligations under the SM&CR – 1 December 2021

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.