Get on BoardFebruary 22, 2012 Would you like to develop a solid understanding of healthcare and learn about the role and governance principles of being a Hospital Board Director? The Board of Directors of Hanover & District Hospital is looking for new Directors. The Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated and devoted volunteers from our catchment area who are charged with the duty of managing the affairs of the Hospital in accordance with the Hospital's mission, vision and values so that it continues to provide quality healthcare close to home.
Over the past twenty years, the Hospital boardrooms have changed dramatically with increasing scrutiny of board activities and the executive teams. Throughout this evolution, boards have been encouraged to refocus their energy on diversity, innovation and integration. This has encouraged many organizations to make significant changes to the composition of their boards, including skillset audits to ensure expertise in all areas of business decision making. This type of recruitment encourages the recruitment of individuals with diverse opinions to openly discuss and allow for productive discussions, to address key healthcare issues facing the organization. Board Chair Brad Holman says “It is important to recruit community experts with diverse backgrounds on our Board, to be sure issues are openly discussed and sound decisions are made. New members bring views that challenge traditional thinking.” This type of diverse Board enables an atmosphere that prompts different thinking strategies, causes others to question assumptions that may implicitly guide their reasoning, and lead others to exchange and expand their thought processes toward solid decision making and clear outcome in the provision of programs and services to the community. Ultimately the decisions and information would be communicated to the catchment area through reports to the press, Town Council and website, building trust and confidence in their role as a Board Director.
The Nominating Committee has created a Board profile of the current board using a matrix to identify their key skill strengths and define gaps or sought-after expertise, knowledge, skills, and experience required. The gaps identified between the skills and knowledge needed on the board, and what board directors currently possess based on this analysis, set clear recruiting priorities for future board recruitment. Barbara Hicks Vice Chair agrees “Absolutely! Recruiting for diversity is a necessity and can be difficult! We have to recruit active individuals based on their skill sets. Everyone agrees that training and mentoring newly appointed board members is a big factor in successful board recruitment and retention.”
Should you feel you can offer the following skillsets/knowledge base such as Clinical insight , construction, legal, information technology, research, labour relations or health care advocacy please think seriously of applying for a seat on the Board. Applications are welcomed throughout the year but a submission deadline is generally published in March in order to allow for the necessary interviews and selection process to occur in advance of the annual general meeting which typically occur in June. A Nominating Committee evaluates the applicants on the basis of competencies, knowledge, past governance experience and interests in health care. The committee takes into consideration the specific qualities that the Boards will need over the next several years to fulfill the strategic directions and plans.
If you require further insight there is a written policy summarising Board Roles and Responsibilities, ask for Board policy 303 and Board Position Description policy 310. For the organization’s governance board to operate successfully each member must understand and accept the specific duties and responsibilities that come with board directorship. Key responsibilities include the following: consistent attendance at regular board meetings; active participation at the meetings; participation as an active member on at least one committee; openly support the fund-raising activities of the organization in a manner appropriate for that board director; and preparation in advance before regular board meetings by reading and studying materials sent in advance regarding key actions the board is expected to take at the next meeting; prepare in advance for decision-making and policy formation at board meetings; and, take responsibility for self-education on the major issues before the board. There are additional meetings and/or conferences to attend such as the annual board planning or education event sometimes held during an evening, or a weekend. In general, we need our Directors to utilize personal and professional skills, relationships and knowledge for the advancement and success of Hanover and District Hospital.
The Board meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month with the exception of July, August, and December. Hospital Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of meetings of committees and Board meetings specifically closed by the Board. The Board may, at its discretion, close a meeting for certain prescribed topics, including litigation, security, property acquisition or sale, personal matters about an identifiable individual, negotiations or any other matter as the Board determines.
“The board isn’t just looking for “people” it is seeking interested individuals to add to our diversity. As a Board of Directors our community and organization benefit the most when we listen to, and respond to, a wide range of viewpoints” added Brad Holman Chair of the Board.
For More Information Contact:
Katrina Wilson, President and CEO Phone: (519)364-2341 x 206
www.hanoverhospital.on.ca
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