Canadian Stewardship in Action
This program is comprised of nine introductory courses and focuses on the concept of stewardship, the factors that erode wealth over generations, the roles, and responsibilities of a beneficiary and trustees.
$310/month
- Access your courses anytime, anywhere, with a computer, tablet or smartphone
- Videos, quizzes and interactive content designed for a proven learning experience
- Unlimited access. Take your courses at your time and pace
- This program is designed to take 1-2 months with approximately 10-15 hours per week of study. If you put in more hours per week, you will finish sooner than the predicted 1-2 months
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Share This Learning Path
This program is ideal for those recently coming of age, those who are learning more about the family’s estate plan and intentions, and/or those who are ready to have beginning conversations on key principles around stewardship. Adults who may have little or no understanding of the family wealth will find this learning program a useful introduction to key stewardship concepts that are universal to beneficiaries in North America to those residing internationally. The courses are delivered in English, and there is no assumption that a beneficiary has knowledge about the family’s wealth or trust(s).
The learner will benefit from the applied nature of the content to start and enhance their relationship with the trustee. The courses provide guidance to beneficiaries about their role and responsibilities as well as clarifies that of the trustee. A deeper look at the evolving relationship of beneficiaries and trustees is explored, with suggested exercises and activities to foster the trustee/beneficiary relationship. Learning resources include activities, podcasts, articles, books, and learning case studies. Learners can test their knowledge at the end of each course.
Program Outline
Stewardship (Canadian)
The Stewardship course introduces the concept of stewardship and the role that stewarding principles play in beneficiary’s lives. Students explore values in terms of how they relate to stewardship and being a beneficiary.
Beneficiary Fundamentals - Module 1 (Canadian)
Beneficiary Fundamentals Module 1 introduces the four “M’s” that inspire beneficiary stewardship. The module reviews important stewardship concepts when it comes to beneficial ownership around
- meaning
- modeling
- mentoring
- motivation
Beneficiary Fundamentals - Module 2 (Canadian)
Beneficiary Fundamentals Module 2 focuses on the beneficiary and trustee relationships, including how the relationship evolves over time from the beneficiary’s childhood to adulthood. The types and nature of the fiduciary relationship are also explored. At the end of the module, learning checks challenge the student on their knowledge gained of the trustee/beneficiary relationship.
Beneficiary Fundamentals - Module 3 (Canadian)
Beneficiary Fundamentals Module 3 focuses on the core responsibilities of a beneficiary, exploring how this role is unique, the special characteristics, and the best practices of a successful beneficiary. The module then expands on the important duties of the beneficiary including education and empowerment, monitoring and management, and planning.
Beneficiary Fundamentals - Module 4 (Canadian)
Beneficiary Fundamentals Module 4 shares a fictionalized, anonymized case study that illustrates the relationship between trustees and their beneficiaries. The case provides insights about the beneficiary and trustee relationship and focuses on education and empowerment.
Trustee Basics - Module 1 (Canadian)
Trustee Basics Module 1 introduces the main parties to the trust – the settlor, the beneficiary, and the trustee. The module explores the "trustscape", an activity to look at the relationships among the different parties to the trust and feelings, emotions, opportunities, and questions that may exist. The module concludes with applied learning and a helpful resource and a concise summary of the trust concept, key terms, responsibilities, and duties of a trustee and beneficiary.
Trustee Basics - Module 2 (Canadian)
Trustee Basics Module 2 focuses on the core responsibilities and primary duties of the trustee. Four primary oversight areas of the trustee are explored including:
- administration and monitoring of the trust
- investment oversight
- distribution authority
- education and empowerment of the beneficiary
Trustee Basics - Module 3 (Canadian)
Trustee Basics Module 3 focuses on the types of trustees, exploring the role, responsibility, and differences between an individual trustee, a family member trustee, a non-family member trustee, and a corporate trustee. This module also utilizes a real-life case study to demonstrate the dynamics of a family in conflict involving family member trustees.
Trustee Basics - Module 4 (Canadian)
Trustee Basics Module 4 provides further guidance regarding the process of sourcing trustee candidates, including writing a job description, vetting, interviewing, and prioritizing the best candidates. This module also shares insights regarding trustee compensation and effective ways to transition trustee duties to a successor.
- What key criteria is important to identify when you need to fill particular trustee positions?
- How do you craft the position description and set the expectation for the type of trustee you hope to attract?
- Where do you find good trustee candidates?
- How do you set them up for success once selected?
