The Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB Nova Scotia) is seeking its next Chair of the Board of Directors to provide strong governance and stewardship as the organization completes its transformational Protect More Strategic Plan 2024-2030.
WCB is the province’s provider of workplace injury insurance. It works to prevent workplace injury, but when injury occurs, WCB supports safe and timely return to work. When that is not possible, WCB protects Nova Scotia's workers and families from the long-term impact of injury and tragedy.
The next Chair will join WCB at the midpoint of its strategic journey, as WCB continues to improve how it protects the workforce our province is counting on. Under Protect More, WCB has made significant progress. The workplace injury rate is the lowest it has ever been, return-to-work outcomes are improving, and WCB is in its strongest financial position ever. In 2027, employers will see the first rate reduction in a generation and workers will see benefit increases.
The guidance of the Board of Directors is key to continued success. With equal employer and worker representation, together with the Chair and Deputy Chair, the Board sets the vision and policy direction of the workers' compensation system and oversees the organization and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
The Chair leads the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities and ensures the organization remains accountable for its results. They foster collaboration among Board members and facilitate thoughtful, informed discussions, drawing out different perspectives and helping the Board navigate complex issues and reach collective decisions. Central to the role is a strong partnership with the CEO, grounded in trust, clarity of roles, and the appropriate distinction between governance and operations. The Chair also serves as an important link between WCB, government and key stakeholders.
The successful candidate will bring significant senior leadership and governance experience, with demonstrated experience contributing effectively at the Board level. Experience within a complex, regulated, public-interest and/or multi-stakeholder environment is important, together with strong strategic judgement and an understanding of organizational performance, financial stewardship, risk and reputation. The successful candidate will have the credibility to work effectively with a CEO, Board members, government and diverse stakeholders, and the ability to lead deliberations and build consensus across differing perspectives. Governance education or a designation such as ICD.D is considered an asset, as is knowledge of workers’ compensation, occupational health and safety, insurance or other legislated systems.
The Chair is appointed by the Governor in Council for a five-year term and may be reappointed for a second term.
To learn more about WCB, please visit: https://www.wcb.ns.ca
Please submit a combined resume and cover letter online by clicking “Apply.” For further information about this opportunity, please contact Amy Reid, areid@royerthompson.com or Kathleen Soder, ksoder@royerthompson.com in confidence.
WCB Nova Scotia is an equal opportunity organization, committed to an inclusive workplace culture and an accessible environment where diversity thrives. We welcome interest from individuals with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. This commitment extends to an inclusive, accessible and accommodating recruitment process. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment and selection process and will be provided confidentially upon request.
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