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.
Awarded in association with AMBS
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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 £2,100.00 + UK VAT if applicable. Please contact us if you wish to purchase both at the discounted rate.

 

View the Jan 2026 course timetable
View the Jun 2026 course timetable

 

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Course dates, fees and enrol now:

 

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

The tax applied to your purchase depends on your country’s local tax laws, which may treat digital education services differently. This means the final price can vary depending on where you're buying from. Learn more about tax rules.

Our courses can become oversubsribed quickly and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We advise that you book early to ensure you receive your requested workshop dates and to check the dates as soon as you receive your booking confirmation email. 

Please note: From 1 October 2025, you will need to become a STEP member before enrolling onto this course

Customised Pricing and Group Rates

Tailored pricing plans and group rate cards are available for firms seeking to train multiple team members or larger groups of employees. We are happy to work with you to design a cost-effective solution that aligns with your training goals and budget.

Enquire now via our Corporate Solutions team

Instalment Plans

You can pay for your course fees in instalments if you choose the interest-free instalment plans available for certain courses. Specifically, you can opt for three equal monthly instalments for Certificate and Advanced Certificate level courses that total over £800 (excluding VAT), or six equal monthly instalments for the Professional Postgraduate Diploma. Payments can be made using a credit or debit card.

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

Course format

This course is available for study twice a year and takes four months to complete. It is delivered online.

Enrolment onto this course will include access to an online learning platform containing:

  • bespoke course reading
  • self-assessment tools
  • supporting material

The course is assessed by way of a 3,500-4,000 word written assignment, based on a case study published two months before submission.

Once you have successfully completed this course, you will gain 30 Diploma Level credits towards STEP membership and be awarded the STEP Advanced Certificate in Family Business Governance  

Digital Certificates from April 2026

From April 6th 2026, printed certificates will no longer be issued. All certificates will be provided digitally via Diplomasafe.

This change supports our commitment to sustainability and modernisation. Digital certificates are:

  • Eco-friendly – reducing paper use and our carbon footprint
  • Secure – each certificate includes a QR code for instant verification
  • Convenient – easy to access, store, and share

Certificates are issued by our credentials partner, Diplomasafe. CLTI will securely share data with Diplomasafe in line with GDPR to enable digital credentialing. Learn more: https://diplomasafe.com

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