Join the HDRN Canada Board of Directors

About the Opportunity

HDRN Canada is recruiting new members to join our volunteer Board of Directors and play a formative role in shaping the growth and evolution of the network. As HDRN Canada continues to grow, Directors contribute diverse perspectives and experience to the governance and strategic oversight of the network. This is a volunteer Board. Directors serve without remuneration, with necessary expenses reimbursed by HDRN Canada. New Directors are supported through mentorship opportunities as part of the Board’s approach to succession planning. Meet HDRN Canada’s current Board of Directors.

About HDRN Canada

Health Data Research Network Canada (HDRN Canada) is a pan-Canadian network of organizations and people working together to support transformative and world-leading health data use. Our network brings together provincial, territorial and pan-Canadian organizations, along with researchers, clinicians, decision-makers and members of the public. Our work is guided by public priorities, our commitments to inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility, and our commitment to support First Nations, Inuit and Métis data sovereignty. Our vision is that data across Canada drive improvements in health and health equity. Learn more about HDRN Canada.

About the Board of Directors

The role of HDRN Canada’s Board of Directors is to act in the best interests of the organization through the effective use of good governance practices. Day-to-day operations are led by the Scientific Director and CEO, alongside the Executive Committee, while the Board provides oversight of HDRN Canada’s overall direction and activities. Board members are expected to exercise their fiduciary duty and duty of care at all times by acting honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of HDRN Canada. The Board is responsible for strategic oversight for all HDRN Canada operations. HDRN Canada is funded through a combination of grants (including from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research) and contracts. HDRN Canada itself is not eligible to hold grants; these are held by a PI and managed by the PI’s home institution. Contracts are held and managed directly by HDRN Canada. The Board has direct oversight responsibility for the latter, and strategic responsibility for the former. 

Eligibility

To be eligible to serve as a Director, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the legal capacity to enter into contracts
• Not have bankrupt status
• Be an individual rather than a corporation, society or other organization

What to Expect

Term: Directors normally serve a three-year term and may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms. Directors are appointed by election or acclamation at the annual meeting of members. Appointments will take effect following the September 2027 Board of Directors meeting.

Meetings: The Board meets at least four times per year, with a combination of virtual and in-person meetings. 

• Meetings are generally held in February, May, September and November
• May and November meetings are held in person at different locations across Canada
• February and September meetings are held virtually

Languages: The Board has the capacity to conduct its work in English and French, including simultaneous interpretation to support the full participation of French-speaking Directors. 

Mentorship: HDRN Canada is committed to supporting Board succession and providing mentorship opportunities for new Directors

Learn more in the Board of Directors Reference Book in Governance Resources.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applicants who bring a range of experiences, perspectives and backgrounds to the Board. In this recruitment, HDRN Canada is particularly seeking Directors who reflect:

• Indigenous lived experience or experience in Indigenous health research environments, including research partnerships
• Diversity of geography, languages, culture, ethnicity, gender and other factors
• Francophone representation, fulfilling our commitment to have at least three members whose first language is French, including at least one residing outside Quebec

Responsibilities

Board Directors are expected to:

• Prepare for and actively participate in Board meetings
• Fulfill their fiduciary duty and duty of care, and comply with HDRN Canada’s bylaws and governance policies and procedures 
• Serve on a standing Board committee
• Act in the best interests of HDRN Canada and follow Board requirements related to matters such as confidentiality and conflicts of interest
• Participate in Board and committee evaluation and continuous improvement

See the Board of Directors Reference Book in Governance Resources for more information about Director responsibilities and governance policies. 

Committee Membership

Each incoming Board of Director will serve on one of the two standing Board committees: Finance Committee and the Governance and Nominations committee.

Finance Committee: Provides oversight related to HDRN Canada’s financial position, risk, audit or review processes, and financial reporting obligations. The Finance Committee meets virtually  on a quarterly basis.

Governance & Nominations Committee: Supports effective Board governance, evaluation and succession planning, including the recruitment and nomination of new Directors. Applicants will be invited to indicate their committee interest as part of the application process. The Governance and Nominations Committee will generally meet virtually three to five times a year (including interviews with candidates).

More information about Board committees is available in the Board of Directors Reference Book in Governance Resources. Interested in helping shape the future of health data use in Canada? We encourage you to apply!

APPLY HERE