4.7 Ongoing development and continuing education

The Board of Directors attaches great importance to the ongoing development and continuing education of Board members. Each November, the members complete a self-assessment questionnaire on the performance of the Board and the Chair, as well as the composition, organisation and working methods of the Board, responsibilities under the Organisational Regulation, and the priorities and goals for the coming year. The Board of Directors discusses the results in February and sets goals and measures for the current year. In 2022, the Board of Directors commissioned a comprehensive external assessment to gain an objective view of the Board in itself and in comparison with its peers. The Chair has an annual one-on-one discussion with each member of the Board during which opportunities for further individual development are also discussed. The committees have a comparable annual self-assessment and goal-setting process.

Board meetings address training topics as required, and occasional study trips give Board members first-hand experience of companies as well as emerging technologies, innovations and business trends. Board members can also engage with new topics and upcoming challenges on ‘company experience days’, usually held three times a year. Most Board members take regular advantage of these opportunities. In addition, the members of the Board of Directors attend the Swisscom Group’s annual management meeting whenever possible. New Board members attend a two-day introductory course that provides an overview of the Group’s management and strategy, business and current challenges along with induction and training courses relevant to their roles.