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Queen’s Board of Trustees voted this month to approve its revised Board Diversity Statement, as recommended by the body’s Governance and Nominating Committee (GNC). Board diversity is crucial to effectively governing the university, and the statement furthers its commitment to achieve a broad membership equipped with a wide set of perspectives.

“The board has considered diversity in its appointments for many years but we want to be transparent and clear about our commitment to diversity as a critical aspect of good governance,” says Kelley McKinnon, GNC Chair. “Our action plan and our education program for trustees will also ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity are integrated into our strategic thinking at the board.”

Skills remain the most important consideration for appointment to the Board of Trustees. At the same time, the statement affirms the board’s commitment to actively seek out and promote potential candidates who reflect the diversity of Canadian society, particularly those from designated groups, such as those who identify as women, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+.

The board’s diversity statement also commits it to providing members with regular opportunities to increase their individual and collective understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and Indigeneity.

“Improving our perspectives and understanding of diversity viewed broadly is an important aspect of board thinking,” says David Allgood, GNC Vice-Chair. “Specific planned learning opportunities will support us in this regard.”

The diversity statement is part of a broader effort, entitled the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Indigenization Action Plan. Also created by the GNC, the overarching plan focuses on advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity at the board level in four key areas: representation; role and mandate; policies, procedures, and practices; and education and development.

Together, the plan seeks to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and Indigeneity in the board’s membership composition — as well as that of its committees, subcommittees, and working groups — in its deliberative discussions and processes, and in advancing the body’s collective knowledge.

The approved Board Diversity Statement and information on its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan can be found on the Queen’s Secretariat website.