Roles and Responsibilities of Institute Advisory Board Members

1. Purpose

The purpose of an Institute Advisory Board (IAB) is to provide strategic advice to the Scientific Director of the Institute on the full range of Institute activities undertaken to achieve the Institute's mandate.  IAB members may also be asked to provide advice to CIHR's Executive Management, Science Council and Governing Council, through the Scientific Director.

2. Appointment

IAB members are appointed by Governing Council, on the advice of its Nominating and Governance Committee, in consultation with the Scientific Director and IAB Chair.  Members shall be invited to serve initial terms of up to three years and may be reappointed for a second term of up to three years for a maximum of six consecutive years of service.

3. IAB Member Expectations: Role

Advice

  1. Provides advice to the Scientific Director and Institute staff in the development and implementation of the Institute's Strategic Plan, annual activity plans and strategic initiative budget. The Board's focus is on broad research, policy and program issues and not the detailed management and operations of the Institute;
  2. Provides advice to guide regular performance measurement and evaluation activities of the Institute in meeting the objectives outlined in the Institute's strategic plan as well as those of CIHR, and addressing relevant international review panel recommendations;
  3. Works collaboratively with the Scientific Director to apply an ethical framework to all Institute activities;
  4. The Ethics Designate, appointed by the Scientific Director and the IAB Chair  will ensure that the Scientific Director and the IAB Chair receive the best possible advice on ethics matters;

Stakeholder Relations and Communications

  1. Acts as a key link between the Institute and stakeholder communities by engaging researchers, policy makers, partners, stakeholders with an interest in health research, and the public to work together to build an integrated, innovative, interdisciplinary Institute that is responsive to Canadian health needs and research and knowledge translation opportunities;
  2. Facilitates interactions and communication between CIHR, the Institute and the broader community of researchers, non-governmental organizations and provincial and territorial ministries and regional health authorities;
  3. Is a source of informed insight from the public, private or non-profit sectors, including the research community and health practitioners, introducing knowledge, expertise, creativity, and innovation to Institute discussions and activities;

Understanding and Promotion of CIHR and Institute

  1. Understands the Board's key responsibilities and policies, the Institute's and CIHR strategic priorities;
  2. Champions health research that is interdisciplinary and crosses the full range of biomedical research, clinical research and research respecting health systems, health services, the health of populations, societal and cultural dimensions of health and environmental influences on health;

Active Contribution to CIHR and Institute

  1. May serve on cross-Institute or Ad hoc committees, working groups, and peer review panels, as well as IAB Subcommittees and taskforces to further the work of the Institute.

4. IAB Member Expectations: Participation, Contribution and Accountability

  1. Attends board meetings on a regular basis and prepares in advance of meeting;
  2. Contributes to the Board's perspective and wisdom by sharing knowledge and experience;
  3. Participates in the appointment of an IAB Vice-Chair, who assumes the role of Chair when the Chair is in conflict of interest or is absent;
  4. Listens and considers the opinions of others;
  5. Treats Board matters confidentially;
  6. Participates on Board committees, subgroups or task forces;
  7. Is an ambassador and representative of the Institute and CIHR;
  8. Recommends qualified individuals to assist with Institute and CIHR's activities (peer review, speakers, etc.).

5. IAB Member Expectations:  Conflict of Interest

  1. Submits annually, and in writing, a disclosure of potential conflicts of interest form that includes an acknowledgement of, and undertaking to comply with, the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Policy (CCIP) and CIHR's Code of Conduct.
  2. Declares conflict of interest as required at the start of each advisory board meeting.

6. Time Requirement and Meeting Procedures

  1. Meetings are held at least two to three times annually at the call of the Chair, following consultation with the Scientific Director;
  2. IABs meetings will generally operate through an agreed upon consensus decision-making process.
  3. Meetings are chaired by the IAB Chair, assisted by a Vice-Chair and supported by the Scientific Director, Assistant Director and other staff (as required). Other guests will be present, as needed and appropriate;
  4. Prior to, or during, the formal portion of the meeting, the Chair, Scientific Director and/or members of the IAB may request an in-camera session.

7. Compensation

  1. IAB members serve in a volunteer capacity.
  2. Travel and other eligible costs are paid by Institutes according to host institute policies.

Attachment

Competency Profile

Competency-based Profile for Institute Advisory Board Members

Demographics Profile

  • Gender
  • Language
  • Cultural diversity
  • Provincial representation
  • Institution (e.g. university, research institute, hospital, NGO)
  • Career Stage

Scientific Profile

  • Research Themes (biomedical, clinical research, health services and policy, health population)
    • Expertise/Keywords

Scientific Excellence

  • Awards/Distinctions/Honours

Sector

  • Research
  • Public Policy
  • Health Care Delivery
  • Communications
  • Education
  • Ethics
  • Knowledge Translation
  • Patient/Health Care User
  • Voluntary Sector/NGOs
  • Industry/Business
  • Government (federal, provincial, municipal)

Skills/Experience

  • Demonstrated leadership in various sectors
  • Served on one or more boards of complex organizations
  • Strategic decision making experience
  • Analytical skills
  • Informed judgment
  • Risk identification
  • Evaluation

Personal attributes/competencies

  • Integrity and accountability
  • Visionary
  • Demonstrated leadership
  • Strategic thinker with high level advice
  • Innovator
  • High ethical standards
  • Abilities and linkages with the public, private and voluntary sectors