1. What is the purpose of the DiverseCity onBoard program?

The program works to ensure that the governance bodies of public agencies, boards and commissions as well as voluntary organizations reflect the diversity of people who live and work in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

2. What is the make-up of individuals who are on the DiverseCity onBoard roster who are looking for board opportunities?

• The individuals on the DiverseCity onBoard roster are highly skilled and trained professionals including lawyers, doctors, accountants, entrepreneurs, social workers, administrators and marketers.
• They come from every municipality in the GTA and reflect the diversity in the region’s communities.
• More than 60% has board governance experience
• More than 60% operates at the senior management level
• 70% has business experience
• 100% is committed to volunteering their time and expertise to serve on boards

3. What are some of the boards to which DiverseCity onBoard roster members have been placed?

• To date the program has facilitated 570 appointments to agencies, boards and commissions across the Greater Toronto Area.
• Some of these appointments include Ontario Science Centre, Women’s College Hospital, United Way York Region, Toronto Arts Council, Birchmount Bluffs, Oakville Distress Center, Big Brother and Sisters of Ajax Pickering, Mississauga Heritage Foundation, Ontario Human Rights Commission, Evergreen Brickworks, Habitat for Humanity, Brampton Health Board, Town of Richmond Hill Library Board

4. What is the fee for using DiverseCity onBoard?

This is a free service. We ask only that you spread the word about the program.

5. How does the matching process work?

• Individuals registered on the roster complete a detailed profile specifying their areas of expertise and experience, skills, and training; they also submit a detailed resume. Organizations identify the skills and competencies they require for their board position under recruitment. Our matching algorithm then finds the candidates that best meet the requirements of the board position. Organizations are also able to view the profiles and résumés of the candidates.
• Organizations can also search the database for candidates by the skills and competencies required for the board opportunity.

6. Once I have selected individuals that match the requirements I am looking for, what are the next steps?

You then follow your own selection process for board recruitment. Please let us know if you have selected a DiverseCity onBoard roster member for your board.

7. Can roster members apply to the board opportunity directly?

Yes, candidates are able to view vacancies the day after they are posted, and can apply to you directly per the application process and instructions noted on your posting.

8. Do I have to register my organization every time I wish to post a board vacancy?

You only need to register your organization once. After you have registered, you may post as many board vacancies as you need, specifying the areas of expertise you require for each vacancy. For example, you may require financial skills for one vacancy, and marketing and public speaking competencies for another.

9. Does DiverseCity onBoard provide any training to organizations seeking to diversify their boards?

For organizations registered on its roster, DiverseCity onBoard provides:

• workshops on DiverseCity in Governance
• training on Boards of Directors’ Roles and Legal Responsibilities
• toolkits and resources on its website