Categories
Blog

Building a Stronger Culture of Compliance Through Targeted and Effective Training: Part 5 – The Role of the Board of Directors

Welcome to a special 5 part blog post series on building a stronger culture of compliance through targeted and effective training, sponsored by Diligent. Over this series, Tom Fox visits with Kunal Agrawal, Director of Customer Success at Diligent; Kevin McCoy, Customer Success Manager at Diligent; Jessica Czeczuga, Director, Compliance and Ethics at Diligent; Andrew Rincón, Client Director at Diligent; and David Greenberg, former CEO and Special Advisor at LRN and Director at International Seaways. Over this series, we will consider the importance of ongoing communications, the value of targeted training, training third parties, and the role of the Board of Directors. In this Part 5, we discuss the role of the Board of Directors in a compliance program.

Navigating the complex corporate governance and compliance world is challenging but essential for board members. Ensuring the company operates within legal, ethical, and social confines is vital to effective board governance. Boards that fail to achieve high compliance standards can suffer reputational damage, financial penalties, and even legal consequences. It is, therefore, critical for board members to engage with the importance of their oversight role and invest in the necessary education and best practices to ensure they effectively fulfill this responsibility. Here are the key steps:

1. Understand the Board’s oversight responsibilities.

2. Establish strong communication with management.

3. Ensure compliance programs are integrated into the company’s DNA.

Understand the Board’s oversight responsibilities. Board members ensure a company’s ethical standards, compliance, and performance.  Understanding a Board’s oversight responsibilities is paramount to effectively governing and managing the organization. Every Board has a fiduciary duty to protect the stakeholders’ interests and ensure the company’s compliance with laws, regulations, and policies. To meet this legal requirement, Board members should know current best practices, emerging trends, and the legislative and regulatory landscape and be prepared to ask tough questions, follow up, and support management in executing the company’s plans.

Greenberg discussed the importance of a healthy relationship between the Board and the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO). Greenberg emphasized that the role of the Board is one of oversight rather than execution. This entails the need for ongoing dialogue and frequent reporting by the CCO to ensure the Board is informed of the company’s activities, risks, and potential blind spots. Greenberg also recommends that oversight committees take a hands-on deep-dive approach to identify and address potential issues, ensuring the compliance program is ingrained within the company culture and business strategy. Companies must find the appropriate committee with the right people and relevant interests to oversee compliance and advocate for common membership across committees to ensure strategic integration and prevent fragmentation. For Board members, understanding their oversight responsibilities is essential to foster robust corporate governance, risk management, and compliance.

Establish strong communication with management. Establishing strong communication with management is critical for an effective board oversight process. This key step involves board members working closely with senior management and the CCO to ensure that all compliance-related matters are addressed promptly and accurately. By fostering a healthy rapport with management, Board members can actively engage in oversight and be more proactive in remedying compliance-related issues. This collaborative relationship between the Board and management is essential for companies to maintain compliance with laws and policies, ultimately safeguarding the organization’s reputation and performance. Greenberg emphasizes the importance of strong communication between the compliance officers and the Board.

CCOs should develop close relationships with board members, much like senior managers. Greenberg noted this could involve CCOs meeting with board members outside of scheduled meetings to discuss concerns or potential issues. By doing so, a CCO can build trust and foster open communication, allowing board members to comprehensively understand the company’s compliance efforts. Greenberg also emphasized the value of having the right committee and membership, which includes individuals with the background, interests, and time necessary to effectively carry out their oversight duties. This key step is vital for board members because open and direct communication with management enables the Board to strategically address compliance matters, resulting in improved oversight and risk mitigation. Moreover, when board members have a strong rapport with management, they can proactively identify and address any issues before escalating.

Ensure compliance programs are integrated into the company’s DNA. In successfully executing their compliance oversight duties, Boards must ensure that their compliance programs are integrated into the company’s DNA, or as the DOJ says, it’s all about culture. Such integration fosters a strong culture of compliance, which is crucial in minimizing misconduct, reducing legal risks, and protecting the organization’s reputation. By incorporating compliance as a core element within the company’s strategic planning, daily operations, and employee training, boards can better manage risks and ensure adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and policies. Further, a fully integrated compliance program will enhance overall corporate performance, customer trust, and employee engagement.

For a Board to effectively exercise its oversight duties, compliance programs should be tailored to the organization’s business strategy, culture, and resources. The relationship between the Board, senior management, and the CCO can facilitate effective communication and better coordination in addressing critical ethics and compliance matters. The Board must ask tough questions and dive deep into possible issues to ensure transparency and accountability. By embedding compliance within the organization’s structural and cultural fabric, boards can create a robust environment that discourages misconduct while promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior. This safeguards the company’s reputation, financial performance, and regulatory compliance. Ensuring seamless integration of compliance programs is a vital obligation for the boards, enabling them to effectively fulfill their oversight responsibilities and protect the organization’s long-term interests.

For Board members, the importance of robust oversight and compliance cannot be overstated, especially in a world where regulatory scrutiny grows more intense by the day. By following these steps, you can hone your understanding of the Board’s oversight responsibilities, establish solid communication channels with management, and embed a culture of compliance across your organization. Equipping yourself with these essential practices empowers you to tackle complex compliance challenges head-on and steer your organization toward success. As you continue sharpening your oversight skills, you will foster a resilient compliance framework that safeguards your organization and its stakeholders.

For more information, go to Diligent.com.

Categories
Innovation in Compliance

Building a Stronger Culture of Compliance Through Targeted and Effective Training: Part 5 – The Role of the Board

Welcome to a special 5 part podcast series on building a stronger culture of compliance through targeted and effective training, sponsored by Diligent. Over this series, I will visit with Kunal Agrawal, Director of Customer Success at Diligent; Kevin McCoy, Customer Success Manager at Diligent; Jessica Czeczuga, Director, Compliance and Ethics at Diligent; Andrew Rincón, Client Director at Diligent; and David Greenberg, former CEO and Special Advisor at LRN and Director at International Seaways. Over this series, we will consider the importance of ongoing communications, the value of targeted training, training third parties, and the role of the Board of Directors. In this concluding Part 5, we consider the role of the Board of Directors in a compliance program with David Greenberg.

In this episode, Greenberg discusses the board’s legal obligations, emphasizing their duty to exercise reasonable oversight over potential misconduct and failures of compliance with law and policy. The podcast also delves into the importance of integrating compliance programs into a company’s overall strategy and developing strong relationships with senior management, such as the chief legal officer or chief compliance officer. Listeners will learn the importance of finding the right committee to oversee compliance obligations and utilizing outside experts for insight and guidance. This conversation is essential for board members and executives who want to ensure accountability, initiate change, and drive organizational success. Don’t miss out on this informative and engaging episode of “The Role of the Board” episode.

Key Highlights:

  • Legal obligations and oversight for corporate boards
  • Importance of integrating compliance into the company culture
  • Board Oversight and Relationship Building with CCO
  • The Significance of Outside Perspectives for Boards

Notable Quotes:

“There is a strong obligation on boards to exercise reasonable oversight over all potential misconduct and failures of compliance law and policy should a reasonable board has known and taken steps…should that body have known and should it have done more than it did.”

“Boards principally should be asking tough questions and following up on those questions.”

“Anything that is not integrated into the real levers and machinery of the business will not be successful.”

“That chief compliance officer who knows the head of the audit committee or compliance committee or governance committee is much more able and comfortable picking up the phone and saying to the chair, Houston, we’ve got a problem.”

For more information go to Diligent.com

Categories
Blog

Building a Stronger Culture of Compliance Through Targeted and Effective Training: Part 4-A Training Program for 3rd Parties

Welcome to a special 5 part blog post series on building a stronger culture of compliance through targeted and effective training, sponsored by Diligent. Over this series I will visit with Kunal Agrawal, Director of Customer Success at Diligent; Kevin McCoy, Customer Success Manager at Diligent; Jessica Czeczuga, a Principal Instructional Designer; Andrew Rincon, Global Accounts Management Advisor at Diligent; and David Greenberg, former CEO and Special Advisor at LRN and Director at International Seaways. Over this series, we will consider the importance of ongoing communications, the value of targeted training, training third-parties, and the role of the Board of Directors. In this Part 4, we discuss how to put together a training program for third parties with Andrew Rincon.

In today’s global business landscape, third-party compliance training are more crucial than ever. Ensuring that your organization’s distributors, vendors, and other third-party affiliates adhere to necessary regulations can minimize legal and financial risks, protect your company’s reputation, and foster a culture of ethical business practices. As compliance professionals responsible for training these third parties, it’s essential to stay informed about cutting-edge strategies and techniques for effective risk management. This blog will explore practical steps that can be implemented to improve your third-party compliance training and due diligence processes, allowing you to uphold your organization’s regulatory standards and contribute positively to the industry. Here are the steps to get Improved third-party compliance training and due diligence processes.:

1. Assess third-party risk during onboarding.

2. Utilize micro training videos for efficiency.

3. Customize training materials for specific regions.

Assess third-party risk during onboarding. Due Diligence on and assessing third-party risk is not a ‘one size fits all’ process. This critical step allows organizations to identify high-risk distributors, vendors, and other third parties that may pose potential threats to the business in terms of bribery, corruption, and other regulatory violations. By conducting a thorough risk assessment, organizations can effectively mitigate these risks and ensure that they are partnering with ethical and responsible businesses, ultimately fostering a strong culture of compliance throughout their sales or supply chain ecosystem. Moreover, such an approach is critical throughout the lifecycle of the relationship. Rincon emphasized the importance of proactive ongoing due diligence measures, such as automated screenings and monitoring, sending out attestations, and conducting regular training courses.

Effectively educating, resellers, agents distributors and other third-parties on compliance policies and expectations is critical and cannot be overstated. Providing proactive training not only helps in preventing compliance violations but also demonstrates to regulators your organization’s commitment to maintaining high ethical standards. This, in turn, can mitigate penalties in case of inadvertent violations and foster a trust-based relationship with regulatory authorities. By adopting these practices and leveraging technology to automate certain processes, organizations can ensure that they are partnering with ethical third parties, minimize their exposure to regulatory risks, and foster a strong culture of compliance across their entire network. By doing so, they not only protect their businesses from potential harm but also contribute to a more transparent and ethical global marketplace.

Utilize micro training videos for efficiency. In the field of compliance, training third parties remains a critical aspect of managing and mitigating risks associated with regulatory and legal frameworks such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). With the increasing need for efficient and effective compliance processes, it becomes essential for compliance professionals to employ innovative strategies to achieve their objectives while minimizing disruptions to business operations. By leveraging this method, companies can ensure that their distributers and internal client gatekeepers receive consistent and easily digestible information, enhancing their understanding of compliance policies and expectations.

Rincon said that by breaking down complex topics into easily understandable portions, micro training videos enable organizations to communicate the essential aspects of their compliance policies and expectations in a concise and engaging manner. Through the ability to cater to different audiences, these training resources contribute to a more comprehensive approach towards addressing third-party risk. The adoption of micro training videos as a tool for third-party compliance education serves an essential purpose for compliance professionals. By incorporating this method, companies can enhance their third-party risk management processes and ensure that their partners are aware of the applicable legal and regulatory frameworks. This leads to improved adherence to compliance policies, reduced likelihood of violations, and overall risk mitigation.

Customize training materials for specific regions. Effective third-party compliance training often involve the customization of training materials for specific regions. This ensures that the training is relevant, relatable, and impactful for third parties, taking into account regional differences, languages, and sensibilities. Customizing training materials also fosters a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the compliance policies and expectations towards each party, thereby mitigating the risks associated with inadequate understanding or implementation of compliance standards. Furthermore, cultural sensitivities and regional variations can be taken into account when designing training, ensuring a more engaging and effective learning experience for the target audience.

Rincon micro-training video shorts can be easily customized for different regions and translated into multiple languages. With such versatile tools, compliance professionals can promote clear and concise messaging to their third-party partners, thus reinforcing the importance of compliance policies and due diligence throughout the duration of the business relationship. Customizing compliance training materials for specific regions not only makes the training more effective, engaging and relevant but also supports robust risk management and streamlined third-party due diligence processes.

For compliance professionals dedicated to training third parties, the effectiveness of your compliance and due diligence processes plays a significant role in safeguarding your organization from potential risks. The steps discussed, including customizing training materials for specific regions, agents, reseller, distributors and other business parnters on compliance policies and using technology to track irregularities, can greatly enhance your efforts to ensure that your third parties meet and maintain compliance expectations. With diligent application of the guidance provided, you can foster a well-informed and compliant network of third parties, ultimately ensuring your organization’s ongoing success.

For more information go to http://diligent.com/compliancetraining.

Join us tomorrow where we review the role of the Board of Directors in a compliance regime.

Categories
Innovation in Compliance

Building a Stronger Culture of Compliance Through Targeted and Effective Training: Part 4 – A Training Program for 3rd Parties

Welcome to a special 5 part podcast series on building a stronger culture of compliance through targeted and effective training, sponsored by Diligent. Over this series, I will visit with Kunal Agrawal, Director of Customer Success at Diligent; Kevin McCoy, Customer Success Manager at Diligent; Jessica Czeczuga, Director, Compliance and Ethics at Diligent; Andrew Rincón, Client Director at Diligent; and David Greenberg, former CEO and Special Advisor at LRN and Director at International Seaways. Over this series, we will consider the importance of ongoing communications, the value of targeted training, training third parties, and the role of the Board of Directors. In this Part 4, we discuss how to put together a training program for third parties with Andrew Rincón.

Join Tom Fox in an exciting episode about building a stronger culture of compliance through targeted and effective training as he interviews Andrew Rincón. Discover how the compliance industry has evolved and how technology has significantly improved compliance programs. Find out how efficient compliance processes create goodwill for compliance professionals and make them true partners of the business with the help of technology and reliable due diligence partners. Andrew Rincón shares Diligent’s screening and monitoring options for third-party suppliers and the customized anti-bribery and anti-corruption training, available in multiple languages, also perfect for bite-sized, animated micro-learnings. Tune in to learn how to educate distributors and internal gatekeepers on compliance and useful resources for compliance professionals, only on a training program for 3rd parties.

Highlights Include:

  • The Role of Compliance with Distributors
  • Efficient Due Diligence for Distributors
  • Diligent’s Anti-Bribery and Sanctions Screening Solutions
  • Compliance Training & Internal Controls for Distributors
Notable Quotes

“And commission sales agents are certainly recognized as, if not the highest, a high risk, under the FCPA and other compliance regimes.”

“One area the thinking has evolved on, and it sounds like your career and my career, is that due diligence alone is insufficient.”

“So being as efficient as a process. And nowadays, everything moves at the speed of light.”

“But nowadays, with the amount of information that gets published every single day throughout the world, where there’s so much content out there.”

For more information, go to Diligent.com

Join us tomorrow as we conclude our series with a look at the role of the Board of Directors in a compliance program.

Categories
Blog

Building a Stronger Culture of Compliance Through Targeted and Effective Training: Part 3-Defining the Effectiveness of Compliance Training

Welcome to a special 5 part blog post series on building a stronger culture of compliance through targeted and effective training, sponsored by Diligent. Over this series I will visit with Kunal Agrawal, Director of Customer Success at Diligent; Kevin McCoy, Customer Success Manager at Diligent; Jessica Czeczuga, a Principal Instructional Designer; Andrew Rincon, Global Accounts Management Advisor at Diligent; and David Greenberg, former CEO and Special Advisor at LRN and Director at International Seaways. Over this series, we will consider the importance of ongoing communications, the value of targeted training, training third-parties, and the role of the Board of Directors. In this Part 3, we consider the always challenging topic of defining the effectiveness of training with Jessica Czeczuga.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) requirement for ‘effective’ training is one of the most challenging areas for compliance professionals. Fortunately, Jessica Czeczuga is a highly respected Principal Instructional Designer with a remarkable 25-year career in the learning and development field and as a seasoned content creator, Jessica has collaborated with numerous experts to create effective training programs that resonate with different learning styles. I was able to visit with her on some of the key steps to get Improved training effectiveness through micro-learning and metrics.:

1. Adopt micro-learning techniques for content delivery
2. Utilize interruptive training methods for behavior disruption
3. Tailor targeted training for at-risk employees

1. Adopt micro-learning techniques for content delivery. Adopting micro-learning techniques is an essential approach for effectively delivering content to learners, particularly in the realm of compliance training. Micro-learning encompasses the practice of focusing on quick, digestible, and repetitious bursts of learning that serve to reinforce essential concepts while being easily accessible to learners. This method deviates from traditional lecture-style training, power point induced traing and allows for an interruptive and integrative learning experience that caters to the needs of varying learners. Leveraging micro-learning as a tool for training purposes allows for a higher likelihood of information retention and eventual behavior modification, as it allows individuals to reflect on their own learning patterns and apply the concepts in a more seamless way.

Czeczuga believes that by utilizing metrics such as pre and post-test scores and survey feedback to determine the effectiveness of training and cater the approach accordingly, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the compliance and training departments in this process. The adoption of micro-learning for compliance training holds significant importance as it ensures that all employees have a comprehensive understanding of relevant concepts and principles. Given that this understanding forms the basis of an organization’s culture of compliance and ethics, it is crucial to ensure that the training methods employed are effective in communicating this information.

2. Utilize interruptive training methods for behavior disruption. One essential approach to keep in mind when implementing compliance training is the use of interruptive training methods for behavior disruption. Interruptive training takes the form of quick, simple, and repetitious bursts of learning that are easily accessible and cater to different styles of learning. This approach allows for content delivery that is geared towards disrupting employees’ routine and thought patterns to promote engagement, behavior change, and a deeper understanding of the material.

Czeczuga noted this approach can be especially beneficial for sending general compliance messages like anti-bribery or corruption communications to a broad audience. Additionally, she related that pre and post-tests can provide useful metrics to determine the effectiveness of the training, while surveys can offer additional insights into how well the content is resonating with employees. In this way, interruptive training methods not only serve to catch employees’ attention and disrupt thought patterns but also allow for a more objective assessment of training success.

3. Tailor targeted training for at-risk employees. In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards more targeted and efficient training methods, particularly for at-risk employees. As a result, targeted training for at-risk employees ensures that they receive the specialized instruction they need, while also making it more likely that they will retain the information and apply it in their daily work activities. Czeczuga explained that even though there may be a need for longer, more focused training for certain employees who are considered more at risk, micro-learning can still be a highly effective tool for delivering general messages, like those related to anti-bribery. The interruptive nature of micro-learning allows it to be delivered in various modes, catering to the needs of different types of learners.

Czeczuga also emphasized the usefulness of pre- and post-tests as a means of assessing training effectiveness, as well as the value of surveys in gauging learner feedback. The importance of tailoring targeted training for at-risk employees cannot be overstated, as the consequences of compliance failures can be both costly and damaging to an organization’s reputation. Ensuring that these employees have the necessary information and tools to act ethically and responsibly is crucial in promoting a culture of compliance and minimizing risk. Collaborative efforts between compliance and training departments are essential for developing and implementing training strategies that strike the right balance between targeted, in-depth instruction for at-risk employees, and more generalized training for the broader staff. Ultimately, a well-executed and carefully tailored training program will lead to improved effectiveness and a more robust compliance culture throughout the organization.

The importance of effective compliance and training programs cannot be overstated for professionals in this field. The steps outlined above provide a comprehensive approach to building and sustaining a robust training strategy that not only engages your employees but also drives positive behavioral changes. From embracing micro-learning techniques and interruptive training methods to fostering collaboration between departments and reinforcing the message consistently over time, these steps can ultimately transform your organization’s culture into one that values and prioritizes compliance. Seize this opportunity to elevate your training efforts, and witness the remarkable impact on your organization as a whole.

Join us tomorrow for a review of training for 3rd parties.

For more information go to http://diligent.com/compliancetraining.

Categories
Innovation in Compliance

Building a Stronger Culture of Compliance Through Targeted and Effective Training: Part 3 – Defining the Effectiveness of Compliance Training

Welcome to a special 5 part podcast series on building a stronger culture of compliance through targeted and effective training, sponsored by Diligent. Over this series, I will visit with Kunal Agrawal, Director of Customer Success at Diligent; Kevin McCoy, Customer Success Manager at Diligent; Jessica Czeczuga, Director, Compliance and Ethics at Diligent; Andrew Rincón, Client Director at Diligent; and David Greenberg, former CEO and Special Advisor at LRN and Director at International Seaways. Over this series, we will consider the importance of ongoing communications, the value of targeted training, training third parties, and the role of the Board of Directors. In this Part 3, we consider the always challenging topic of defining training effectiveness with Jessica Czeczuga.

Join Tom Fox and Jessica Czeczuga from Diligent in this episode as they discuss how to make compliance training effective. Jessica shares insights from years of creating targeted training materials, emphasizing the shift from traditional classrooms to microlearning. She explains how microlearning enhances comprehension, adaptability, and retention in learners. Tom and Jessica also explore the role of testing and assessments in compliance training and showcase the power of surveys in shaping the culture of compliance within organizations. Take advantage of this informative episode that will transform how you think about compliance, train, and communicate.

Highlights Include:

  • Effective Microlearning for DOJ Training
  • Benefits of Microlearning for Corporate Training
  • The Evolution of Compliance Training Testing
  • Building a Culture of Compliance and Ethics
Notable Quotes:

“Microlearning is probably one of the most effective ways to convey content to your donors.”

“One of the things that I love about microlearning beyond all those other benefits is the ability to put together what we call a multimodal communication campaign.”

“Even with all the benefits of microlearning, there are certain situations where longer and more targeted or focused training may be necessary.”

“But I think if you have a training function and a compliance function, they should always be in communication.”

For more information, go to Diligent.com

Join us tomorrow when we review a strategy for training third parties.

Categories
Blog

Building a Stronger Culture of Compliance Through Targeted and Effective Training: Part 2-The Value of Targted Training

Welcome to a special 5 part blog post series on building a stronger culture of compliance through targeted and effective training, sponsored by Diligent. Over this series I will visit with Kunal Agrawal, Director of Customer Success at Diligent; Kevin McCoy, Customer Success Manager at Diligent; Jessica Czeczuga, a Principal Instructional Designer; Andrew Rincon, Global Accounts Management Advisor at Diligent; and David Greenberg, former CEO and Special Advisor at LRN and Director at International Seaways. Over this series, we will consider the importance of ongoing communications, the value of targeted training, training third-parties, and the role of the Board of Directors. In this Part 2, we consider the the value of targeted training with Kevin McCoy.

Navigating the complex world of international compliance requires a thorough understanding of regional regulations and a commitment to keeping your workforce informed and prepared. As a corporate compliance and ethics professional, it falls upon you to create robust training programs that cater to the specific needs of your organization across various regions. Improved engagement and effectiveness of compliance training have significant implications on both personal and professional levels, ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities and the consequences of non-compliance. This blog post will guide you through essential steps to enrich your training content, provide additional resources, and establish a successful learning culture within your organization.

Targeting training is not just a buzzword; it is a necessary step towards improving engagement and effectiveness in our compliance and ethics training programs. By understanding our audience’s needs, creating interactive content, and measuring our efforts’ impact, we can significantly improve our employees’ compliance knowledge and behavior. Let’s make a commitment to prioritize targeted training in our strategies and achieve the desired results.Here are the steps to get Improved engagement and effectiveness of compliance training.:

1. Analyze regional regulatory requirements.

2. Customize training content for specific regions.

3. Develop engaging micro-learning modules.

1. Analyze regional regulatory requirements. Compliance training can be an essential aspect of the corporate landscape, ensuring that all employees remain up-to-date on the latest regulations and company policies. However, these training programs can sometimes be perceived as bland and disconnected from the day-to-day activities of the workforce. This is why it is vital for organizations to analyze regional regulatory requirements and create targeted training that is engaging and relevant to their participants. By understanding the specific compliance concerns for each region, organizations can develop tailored content that effectively addresses the most pressing issues. This not only produces more meaningful training sessions, but also increases the likelihood of employees retaining and applying the acquired knowledge in their jobs. Kevin McCoy, noted the importance of tailoring compliance training to regional regulatory requirements. He recommended examining the distinct rules and guidelines for each area where the company operates and utilizing this information to create targeted learning initiatives. By continually monitoring and updating training materials to reflect the evolving regulatory landscape, companies can ensure their employees are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate today’s complex business environment.

2. Customize training content for specific regions. Customizing compliance and ethics training content for specific regional requirements is a crucial factor in ensuring its effectiveness. This approach ensures that the material is relevant, precise, and engaging, leading to better retention and understanding among employees. Adapting the content to suit regional rules and regulations, customs, and culture ensures that employees are better equipped to navigate the challenges they face in their specific locations. Furthermore, it demonstrates the company’s commitment to being culturally sensitive and respecting the diverse perspectives of its global workforce. Ultimately, this targeted approach fosters a more ethical, culturally aware, and regulatory compliant workforce, lessening the likelihood of legal and ethical breaches.

McCoy focused on the importance of targeted training in the global business landscape, emphasizing you should create compliance and ethics training content that caters to different regional requirements as well as varied risk-based areas within a company. For instance, sales teams would require training around conflict of interest while manufacturing teams would need training on health and safety regulations. He discussed strategies such as animated videos tailored for specific regions and languages, using native speakers to ensure the content is culturally sensitive and accessible to a wider range of employees. By adapting the content to the specific needs of your employees you will foster a more comprehensive understanding of compliance and ethics across diverse global teams.

3. Develop engaging micro-learning modules. Developing engaging micro-learning modules is an essential step to create effective compliance and ethics training programs for employees. Micro-learning consists of short, easily digestible pieces of training content that employees can access and engage with at their own pace. Implementing micro-learning modules allows companies to address specific topics and target unique segments of their workforce, ensuring that employees receive relevant and timely information. This ultimately leads to increased employee engagement, improved retention of knowledge, and a greater overall impact on the company’s compliance program.

McCoy noted that engaging,  micro-learning modules can focus on such diverse topics such as conflict of interest, anti-bribery, and anti-corruption. These modules can also be culturally sensitive and translated into different languages using native speakers to ensure proper understanding and engagement for a global audience. Moreover, they tailor the content to target different risk-based areas in the company— sales teams may receive training on conflict of interest, whereas manufacturing teams might focus on health and safety. By providing offline training options in various formats such as PowerPoint presentations and PDFs, they further enhance accessibility and engagement.

For corporate compliance and ethics professionals, mastering the art of delivering engaging and effective training is crucial in fulfilling their obligations and safeguarding their organizations. The steps outlined by McCoy, ranging from regional adaptation and micro-learning to offline training formats and supplemental resources, provide a comprehensive blueprint for achieving the desired result. By adopting these strategies, you are laying the foundation for a solid compliance training program that not only keeps employees engaged but also actively contributes to upholding the organization’s ethical standards. It’s time to put these tips into action and experience the remarkable transformation in your compliance training initiative.

For more information go to http://diligent.com/compliancetraining.

To hear more from McCoy on the value of targeted training, click here.

Join us tomorrow where we consider the difficult subject of what is effective training.

Categories
Innovation in Compliance

Building a Stronger Culture of Compliance Through Targeted and Effective Training: Part 2- The Value of Targeted Training

Welcome to a special 5 part podcast series on building a stronger culture of compliance through targeted and effective training, sponsored by Diligent. Over this series, I will visit with Kunal Agrawal, Director of Customer Success at Diligent; Kevin McCoy, Customer Success Manager at Diligent; Jessica Czeczuga, Director, Compliance and Ethics at Diligent; Andrew Rincón, Client Director at Diligent; and David Greenberg, former CEO and Special Advisor at LRN and Director at International Seaways. Over this series, we will consider the importance of ongoing communications, the value of targeted training, training third parties, and the role of the Board of Directors. In this Part 2, we consider the importance of targeted training Kevin McCoy.

In this episode, Tom sits down with Kevin McCoy, a customer success manager at Diligent, to talk about the importance of targeted training in compliance. They dive into the importance of engaging employees through microlearning and Diligent’s unique use of cartoon-animated videos to make the content accessible to different audiences. They also discuss the significance of translating the training into different languages and tailoring it to specific risk areas for different teams. The podcast emphasizes that training leadership and the board in compliance is crucial, and they touch on risk-based training for individuals with a significant impact on the company’s financials. This episode is a must-listen if you want to discover the best strategies for planning and analyzing training to achieve desired outcomes and where to find more information about Diligent training solutions. Join them for the next episode on training effectiveness and improving compliance today.

Key Highlights:

  • Targeted Training in Compliance & Ethics
  • Effective and Targeted Training Translation
  • Training and Leadership in High-Risk Industries
  • Effective Training Planning and Execution

Notable Quotes

“It’s very important then to have your content translated into different languages.”

“There’s a lot of progress has been made over the years with machine translation and also AI is getting very popular, but we still use human-based translators.”

“But within the board or within leadership within the company, he was almost untouchable. It was like he built up fear in the organization, and people were actually afraid to ask questions.”

“The really important thing is to have versatile different types of training.”

For more information, go to Diligent.com.

Join us in our next episode, where we define the effectiveness of compliance training.

Categories
Innovation in Compliance

Building a Stronger Culture of Compliance Through Targeted and Effective Training: Part 1 – The Importance of Ongoing Communications

Get ready to learn about Building a Stronger Culture of Compliance Through Targeted and Effective in a 5 part podcast post series on building a stronger culture of compliance through targeted and effective training, sponsored by Diligent. Over this series, I will visit with Kunal Agrawal, Director of Customer Success at Diligent; Kevin McCoy, Customer Success Manager at Diligent; Jessica Czeczuga, Director, Compliance and Ethics at Diligent; Andrew Rincón, Client Director at Diligent; and David Greenberg, former CEO and Special Advisor at LRN and Director at International Seaways. Over this series, we will consider the importance of ongoing communications, the value of targeted training, training third parties, and the role of the Board of Directors. In this Part 1, we consider the importance of ongoing communications with Kunal Agrawal.

In this episode, Tom Fox visits Kunal Agrawal, the Director of Customer Success at Diligent, about the importance of ongoing communications. Kunal shares his extensive background in technology and customer success and explains how his team helps customers with their day-to-day challenges. The podcast focuses on the significance of ongoing communication in compliance, and Kunal stresses the importance of maintaining a consistent cadence in communication to keep the momentum going. The podcast speakers discuss the use of humor in communication and how it differs based on cultural differences. They also emphasize the importance of understanding guidelines to prevent the compromise of sensitive information. This podcast is packed with valuable insights that will help you improve compliance in your organization. To listen to the full episode, head over to diligent.com!

Key Highlights:

  • The importance of communication cadence in compliance
  • Importance of Communication Cadence
  • Effective Communications for Compliance Professionals
  • Compliance with Sensitive Information

Notable Quotes:

“But you take a little bit different approach, and you help clients think about the ongoing part of ongoing communications. And frankly, I’ve never met anyone who talked about that approach.”

“I think having a certain workflow and, as you said, a cadence is equally important. The number one priority is your annual trainings, which is extremely important, and you need to do it.”

“If there is a pattern to a cadence, then people know what to expect and when.”

“If something goes wrong and if any single person in the organization doesn’t understand the guidelines, and in the processes around this, it can reveal compensation data or even health care data and compromise so much information in the world, which can land into hands of the people you don’t want them to get access to.”

For more information go to Diligent.com.

Join us in our next episode where we consider the value of targeted training.

Categories
Blog

Building a Stronger Culture of Compliance Through Targeted and Effective Training: Part 1- The Importance of Ongoing Communications

Welcome to a special 5 part blog post series on building a stronger culture of compliance through targeted and effective training, sponsored by Diligent. Over this series I will visit with Kunal Agrawal, Director of Customer Success at Diligent; Kevin McCoy, Customer Success Manager at Diligent; Jessica Czeczuga, a Principal Instructional Designer; Andrew Rincon, Global Accounts Management Advisor at Diligent; and David Greenberg, former CEO and Special Advisor at LRN and Director at International Seaways. Over this series, we will consider the importance of ongoing communications, the value of targeted training, training third-parties, and the role of the Board of Directors. In this Part 1, we consider the importance of ongoing communications with Kunal Agrawal.

Compliance professionals are often tasked with the challenge of keeping employees up-to-date with changing rules and regulations while also fostering a culture of accountability. To achieve this, it is essential to develop targeted ongoing communication strategies that resonate with diverse audiences and drive compliance. Through regular cadence of communication, utilizing various mediums, and taking into account cultural nuances, you can ensure that your organization stays ahead of compliance risks and fosters a culture of trust and integrity. Here are the steps to get improved compliance through effective ongoing communication.:

1. Establish a regular cadence for communications
2. Develop customized messages for diverse audiences
3. Utilize various communication mediums effectively

1. Establish a regular cadence for communications. Establishing a regular cadence for communications is a crucial step in achieving effective ongoing communication in compliance. With the ever-increasing complexity of regulations, compliance professionals need to ensure that employees are kept up-to-date on new developments and requirements. A predictable pattern and schedule for communications can help to instill the habit of ongoing communication among employees and stakeholders, ensuring that they are well-informed and prepared to adhere to necessary guidelines. This regularity allows audiences to anticipate and expect updates, making it more likely that they will engage in and retain the information being shared. By maintaining a consistent schedule, compliance professionals can create a conducive environment for the organization to thrive in terms of meeting regulatory guidelines and staying compliant with the latest rules and developments.

Agrawal emphasized the need to maintain regular ongoing communication, as this allows organizations to address the constantly evolving landscape of technology, data privacy, healthcare regulations, and trading compliance challenges. He suggested maintaining a consistent pattern for communications, such as sticking to a set schedule, to create a pattern and habit for employees to follow. Agrawal also acknowledged the importance of customizing these communications across different mediums and using visual aids when appropriate to cater to the needs of different geographical locations, diverse employee profiles, and varied cultural backgrounds. It is essential to establish a regular cadence for communications, as this fosters a culture of compliance and increases employees’ understanding of the guidelines, expectations, and best practices relating to their roles.

2. Develop customized messages for diverse audiences. Ongoing communication in compliance is essential for fostering a strong culture of adherence to regulatory guidelines and instilling the habit of continual learning among employees and stakeholders. With the ever-changing landscape of regulations in various sectors, it becomes increasingly important for compliance professionals to create well-formulated communication strategies that cater to the diverse needs of their audience. One crucial aspect of these strategies is developing customized messages that cater to the unique cultural nuances, roles, and learning preferences of the different members of the organization. By personalizing the content, compliance professionals can ensure that the information is more relevant, engaging and impactful, resulting in more effective communication and, ultimately, better compliance outcomes.

Agrawal focused on the importance of tailoring compliance communications to the specific needs and cultural contexts of diverse audiences. He noted that the ever-evolving nature of technology, data privacy, healthcare regulations, and trading compliance demands that compliance professionals consistently create and deliver content that truly resonates with their audiences. Agrawal highlighted the need to validate internal content with local audiences to guarantee the appropriateness and relevance of the materials.

3. Utilize various communication mediums effectively.  Utilizing various communication mediums effectively is a crucial step in creating an ongoing communication strategy for compliance professionals. With the rapidly changing landscape of regulations, particularly in industries such as technology, data privacy, and healthcare, it is essential to ensure that employees and stakeholders are aware of the latest requirements and guidelines. To achieve this, compliance professionals must adopt a diverse range of communication channels that cater to different audiences, geographical locations, and cultural sensitivities. This includes not only relying on traditional methods such as emails and newsletters, but also embracing newer technologies and platforms, such as instant messaging apps, internal document repositories, and video conferencing tools. By doing so, the compliance professionals can ensure that relevant and timely information is disseminated effectively and efficiently, thereby promoting a culture of compliance and reducing the risk of non-compliance.

Agrawal elaborated on the importance of identifying the right communication mediums to deliver compliance messages effectively. Promoting a culture of continuous communication, Agrawal stressed the need to maintain a regular cadence for communications to create a predictable pattern and habit. This enables the target audience to anticipate and be more receptive to the information shared. Agrawal emphasized the significance of tailoring communication to cultural nuances and appropriateness, particularly with regard to humor. He recommended validating content with a local audience, ensuring that humor is presented effectively and does not alienate or offend the intended recipients.

For compliance professionals striving to maintain a seamless flow of crucial regulatory information, a strategic and robust communication plan cannot be undermined. From our discussion with Kunal Agrawal, we distilled the essence of achieving improved compliance communications. Through regularly engaging with stakeholders in a tailored manner, leveraging multiple communication mediums, and staying attuned to feedback and cultural nuances, compliance officers can ensure that their messaging is accurate, relevant, and impactful. We encourage you to take these invaluable insights to heart, and empower yourself to craft and refine communication strategies that will drive your organization towards compliance excellence.

For more information go to http://diligent.com/compliancetraining.

Join us tomorrow where we consider the value of targeted training.