Join Our Board of Trustees

It’s an exciting time to be a part of healthcare in Waterloo Region.
Help us build the future of care, together.

Our commitment to caring for those in need with compassion, dignity and respect has not changed in 100 years — it is our reason for serving — with our patients at the heart of all that we do.  

Our community is changing, and the needs of our patients are more complex than ever. We need strong leaders who bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences and who share our lived values of compassion, respect, inclusion, integrity, collaboration and innovation. We invite you to learn more and apply today to help lead us forward.

The next 10 years will be transformative for our hospital, our teams, our community partners and the patients we serve. As one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, we must plan for our own growth to ensure we can meet the needs of both current and future generations. Your leadership as a volunteer member of our Committees or our Board of Trustees will help to Build the Future of Care, Together.

About Our Board of Trustees & Board Committees

We are governed by a dedicated group of volunteers from our local community who share our commitment to compassionate care and live our shared values of compassion, respect, inclusion, integrity, collaboration and innovation.

While we share this in common, we represent different cultures, faith traditions, lived experiences, and bring unique and complementary expertise. We believe that diversity makes us stronger and it is important that we continue to actively seek voices from all communities so that we reflect the teams we work with and those we serve. 

Our Board is deeply committed to ensuring that we delivers high-quality care equitably to all members of the community we serve. We recognize the critical importance of providing a safe, open, and inclusive environment for everyone seeking care here.

To advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), we are actively engaged in several initiatives:

• Educational Efforts: We continuously educate ourselves about our changing community and the expanding healthcare needs of our diverse population. A Board education program and learning supports are provided to Board and Committee members.
• Truth and Reconciliation: Acknowledging the tragic history and ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities, we have defined specific actions toward truth and reconciliation.
• Community Outreach: We actively seek to understand historic and systemic racism and marginalization experienced by many community members. Building trust within these communities is essential.

We recognize that this journey toward a more inclusive and equitable health-care system will take time, but you can help us get there. 

Skillsets

Some of the skillsets that we are seeking to recruit include individuals with the following experiences and interests:

• Redevelopment and partnerships
• Clinical and post-acute care
• Catholic and/or mission-based care leadership
• Lived experience or leadership in supporting disadvantaged or marginalized communities

Expectations for Board of Trustee and Committee Members

Our Board of Trustees, four formal Board Committees and one ad-hoc Board Committee members each serve for one three-year term, renewable for a total of three terms. Committee and Board members must reside in the area that we serve.

• Board of Trustees Members:
  • ~10 hours per month for Board & Committee meetings and preparation (no meetings in July, Aug or Dec)
  • Meetings are a mix of in-person and hybrid meetings
  • In addition to sitting on the Board of Trustees, each member must also sit on one committee
  • Board members have a fiduciary responsibility and need to be independent thinkers with diverse and knowledgeable perspectives. They need strong communication skills to participate fully in discussions and debates on complex issues of governance, mission and strategy, human resources, quality, finance and risk.
  • Board Meeting Schedule 
  • Board Resources
• Board Committee Member:
  • ~3 hours per month for committee meetings and preparation
  • Committee Structures

Training, Mentorship & Onboarding

• Training & Mentorship: To support our Board of Trustees and Committee members, Waterloo Regional Health Network provides training at no cost and a mentorship program for new members.
• Onboarding: New terms begin July 1, 2024 and will serve for one three-year term, renewable for a total of three terms. Orientation for new members takes place in August.

Learn More

If you’re interested in learning more about the specific skills we’re seeking, our vision for the future and our Strategic Priorities, we have resources to support you and the requirements for joining.

• Mission, Vision, Values & History
• Celebrating a Century of Care
• Strategic Plan
• Building the Future of Care Together
• General Information About the WRHN Board for Potential Applicants

Apply Today

If you would like to become a leader and volunteer your time and talents as a member of our dynamic and talented Committees and Board of Trustees, please apply in writing no later than Friday, March 29, 2024.  

We ask that you please include your qualifications, experience and three personal references and send your application to:

Janine Barry, Chair - Nominating Committee

911 Queen’s Boulevard, Kitchener ON N2M 1B2

Email:  clammers@smgh.ca

Let’s work together towards a healthier future for all.