The Women in Occupational Health & Safety Society (WOHSS) is seeking qualified and passionate individuals to serve on the Board of Directors for a three-year term: starting May 1, 2025 and ending April 30, 2028.
Accountabilities
The Board of Directors is responsible for setting strategic direction and providing stewardship to the Society.
As a member of the Board, you will apply your knowledge, skills, and experience to advance our vision of building a better future for women working in OH&S.
Members of the Board will:
- Support and advocate for women working in OH&S;
- Participate in regular Board meetings (4-6 per year);
- Lead working committees and other initiatives, as assigned;
- Provide complete and timely updates to the Board on committee initiatives/activities;
- Respond in a timely manner to Board motions and requests for feedback/information;
- Support and promote WOHSS events, communications, programs, and services;
- Leverage professional networks to recruit members, and engage sponsors and strategic partners;
- Represent the Board at conferences and events; and
- Comply with the Society’s core values, policies and procedures, and code of conduct.
WOHSS values diversity and inclusion and is commitment to identifying Board candidates that best represent our membership.
Time Commitment and Expectations
See Appendix A below for a description of the competencies and Appendix B below for a description of the Board Member Position Description.
- The Board term will be three years; starting May 1, 2025 and ending April 30, 2028.
- The time commitment will vary and is expected to be up to six (6) to ten (10) hours per month to attend meetings, lead committee work, review documents and complete assigned duties.
Nominations Process
- The Nominations Committee will evaluate each expression of interest and assess the female and male candidates to identify the best fit based on the current needs of the WOHSS Board of Directors.
- Shortlisted candidates will be selected for virtual interviews, and will be assessed on the interview.
- All individuals who submit an expression of interest will be contacted directly regarding the outcome of the process.
- The Nominations Committee will submit a slate of candidates, based on the assessment of the written submission and interview, to the Board of Directors for approval.
- The slate of candidates will be recommended to the WOHSS membership for a vote at the Annual General Meeting in April.
Submitting an Expression of Interest
If you are interested in joining the WOHSS Board of Directors, please complete the Expression of Interest Application Form and attach a copy of your resume by February 15, 2025. If you have any questions, you can email info@wohss.com and place “Nominations Committee” in the subject line.
Expression of Interest Board Application 2025
Appendix A: WOHSS Board of Director Competencies
| Required Competencies | |
| Board Governance | Applied knowledge of board roles and responsibilities, function of sub-committees and governance processes. Governance knowledge acquired through prior board service or working with a board as an employee. |
| Not-For-Profit Organizations | Applied knowledge of the role for NFP organizations, applicable legislation, funding models and accountabilities to stakeholders. |
| Strategic Planning | Applied knowledge of strategy formulation and execution, short and long-term planning/prioritization, identification and assessment of opportunities and risks, and performance stewardship. |
| Business Essentials | Applied knowledge of sound business practices including budgeting and forecasting, operations management, business planning, resource allocation, risk management, performance management, project management, legal systems, human resource management, and information technology. |
| OH&S Expertise | Applied knowledge of OH&S principles, systems, legislation, trends and emerging paradigms. |
| Team Leadership | Ability to work effectively within a team and to recognize/value the contributions of others. Ability to inspire, motivate and provide direction. |
| Critical Thinking | Ability to apply critical thinking to assess situations and proactively generate innovative solutions to challenges. |
| Independent Self-Starter | Ability to work independently and draw on internal motivation to accomplish work. |
| Adaptability and Flexibility | Ability to adapt to change, willingness to modify style and approach and ability to see others’ points of view or to achieve a specific objective. |
| Diversity and Inclusion | Understand and embrace group differences, welcome diverse perspectives and seek opportunities for inclusion to maximize organizational effectiveness. |
Desired Competencies | |
| Stakeholder/Government Relations | Applied knowledge of building stakeholder relationships. Ability to identify, establish and foster strategic partnerships with aligned people and organizations. |
| Fund Development | Strategic positioning of an organization to sustain and grow its resources by building relationships with those who understand and care about the organization’s mission and relevance to the community. |
| Communications and Marketing | Applied knowledge of systems to support effective communication with stakeholders including communication plan development, website design, social medial fundamentals, and marketing strategies. |
| Events Management | Applied knowledge of events management including planning, budget, stakeholder engagement, communication, and event execution. |
| Legal Expertise | Applied knowledge of legal principles and process of NFP organizations. Ability to interpret and apply legislation, consider impact to organization and provide guidance on organizational issues. |
Appendix B: Position Description – Board Member
Role description
Board members are part of a team that provides oversight and strategic direction to the organization.
Board members are volunteers who are dedicated to forwarding the vision and commitment of the organization within industry and various communities.
WOHSS strives towards having a board of approximately 12 members. Members of the board are appointed by the board on recommendation of the nominations committee. Each member of the board is usually appointed to at least one committee, either as the committee chair or a committee member.
Board Members are generally expected to:
- Attend regular board meetings (4-6 per year) and strategic planning sessions (1-2 per year);
- Participate in committee work;
- Participate in special projects, if needed;
- Ensure effective governance of the organization;
- Work collaboratively with members of the board;
- Assist in setting the priorities and strategic direction of the organization; and
- Represent the board on occasions when requested/able to do so.
Board members should have strong business or organizational acumen to ensure they can understand and contribute to the various facets of the organization such as financial, marketing, events, and governance. Board members are expected to be able to devote up to 6 to 10 hours per month for board business and projects. This would include committee and project work.
Board members serve for a term of three years and are eligible for reappointment.