Due Diligence and Governance Considerations - 08, 15 & 22 October 2025 - Elective

ELAP Elective:
Due Diligence and Governance Considerations

This elective is delivered over three (3) partial days:

• Wednesday 08 October 2024, 12:00PM - 3:00PM AEST
• Wednesday 15 October 2024, 12:00PM - 3:00PM AEDT
• Wednesday 22 October 2024, 12:00PM - 3:00PM AEDT

Participants are required to attend all (3) sessions.

Target Audience:

The elective is intended for:

• Mid-senior level research management staff interested in developing a deep, practical understanding of the topics;
• Those currently enrolled in the Established Level Accreditation Program (ELAP); and
• Accredited Research Managers (Foundation or Advanced) seeking to broaden their practical understanding of the topics.

Presenter:

Mr Chris Thompson- BHlthSc, BBus (Accounting), CPA, GAICD

• For the past 5 years Chris was employed as the General Manager Business and Governance Services at the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CMA). As part of his role, he was responsible for the development, implementation and training around governance and integrity policy areas.
• Previously he was employed for 9 years as the Director-Research Operations and Finance at Deakin University and understand well the context of good governance and integrity and their growing importance in the management of research projects and programs. Chris saw many examples of where issues arose relating to governance and integrity matters in interactions with funding partners, administering research, PhD students and undertaking research. He also saw clearly where panels and steering committees could add enormous value to research projects and programs.
• Prior to Chris's time at Deakin University, he was employed as a CEO in the Health Industry and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors- Director’s Course.
• With over 15 years of experience as a senior executive and Certified Practicing Accountant, Chris has an excellent grounding in integrity and governance matters.

The author would like to acknowledge and thank Connie Killey, Director Research Finance at Deakin University for her review and input into the development of the body of knowledge.

Program Description:

This elective will explore good governance and due diligence considerations in research management. Maintaining the trust and confidence of the community, investors and the research organisation is crucial in the undertaken of research and in maintaining both the research organisation’s reputation and the individuals. Furthermore, establishing appropriate governance structures such as panels and steering committees can improve research outcomes by improved oversight, decision making and input. This module will cover off on the following topics:

1. Due diligence and good governance in research
2. The importance of a positive culture
3. Conflict of interest management
4. Fraud and Corruption
5. Foreign Interference
6. Gifts and Hospitality
7. Complaints Management
8. Risk Management
9. Due Diligence

Pre-requisites:

The elective has no formal pre-requisites. 

Pre-reading:

Each elective has a list of suggested pre-reading materials that are emailed to participants prior to the commencement of the workshop. The pre-reading list will also serve as a future resource list for participants.

Assessment:

At the end of the workshop, participants will be invited to complete a non-compulsory assessment; due two (2) weeks following the end of the elective, 05 November 2025, or advised by the presenter.

This assessment is compulsory for participants currently paticipating in the ELAP or those who will be registering in the ELAP within 12 months of completing this elective.

Accreditation Points:

Registered ELAP participants who successfully complete the assessment will receive ten (10) accreditation points.

Cost:

ARMS Members: $585 AUD per elective (GST inclusive) - Price discounted in the shopping cart.
Non-Members: $685 AUD per elective (GST inclusive)

Zoom meeting link:

Provided in email sent prior to commencement of the elective.    

Cancellation Policy:

Should your circumstances change, and you are unable to attend this workshop, you must contact ARMSAccreditation@researchmangement.org.au by no later than ten (10) working days prior to the commencement of the scheduled event. ARMS will refund the full registration fee minus any administrative fees.

Should you cancel less than ten (10) working days prior to the commencement of this workshop, no refund will be payable but instead you may wish to send a proxy.

ARMS reserve the right to cancel, postpone or re-schedule courses and events due to minimum numbers not being reached or for other unforeseen circumstances.  In the event of a cancellation, ARMS will aim to advise all participants in writing five (5) days prior to the scheduled event and will refund the full registration fee including administrative charges within 30 days after notification.

For ELAP Participants:

As per the Established Level Accreditation Program (ELAP) Terms and Conditions, Elective registrations are non-cancellable or refundable. You will however be allowed to transfer your enrolment for another scheduled session throughout your three-year enrolment OR transfer your registration to another eligible ARMS member. Any changes in enrolment circumstances must be made in writing to the ARMS Accreditation Program Administrator in the first instance, at least ten (10) working days prior to commencement of the Elective. Email to be sent to: ARMSAccreditation@researchmanagement.org.au.

Confidentiality and Privacy:

Please refer to our Privacy Policy for full details.

Enquiries:

Please contact the ARMS Accreditation and Member Engagement Coordinator  ARMSAccreditation@researchmanagement.org.au or +61 8 8201 5592.