09 Oct
South Calgary Primary Care Network
Calgary
LOCATION: Calgary AB
TYPE: Volunteer
Company Overview
Primary Care Networks (PCNs) are a made-in-Alberta approach for improving access to family physicians and other frontline health providers in Alberta. Each network acts as a hub to develop programs and services that meet the local health needs of patients in its area. PCNs are established within the framework set by Alberta Health, the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS). There are currently 39 PCNs in Alberta, representing more than 3,800 doctors and serving close to 3.6m Albertans.
Established in February 2006, the South Calgary Primary Care Network (SCPCN) includes the areas south of Anderson Road to the southern, western,
and eastern city limits. This is the fastest growing area in Calgary. Today, SCPCN has 296 member doctors at 67 clinics.
SCPCN programming is developed and delivered in partnership with community family doctors and wellness partners to offer patients sustainable accessible timely primary health care via the Medical Home. Research shows that people who are connected to a family doctor and visit them regularly have better health outcomes. In addition, they receive better chronic disease care, make fewer visits to the emergency room, and are hospitalized less often.
Our Vision
Together leading optimal personal and community wellness.
Our Mission
To build healthier communities in south Calgary through the evolution and transformation of primary care in collaboration with our wellness partners.
Governance Overview
SCPCN is a publicly funded, not‐for‐profit corporation governed by a nine-person Board of Directors.
The Board has broad governance oversight.
Work of the Board includes stewardship of corporate strategy via the strategic plan, financial oversight, approval of annual operating budgets, the management of key leadership positions, and the approval of long term and/or high value contracts, amongst other responsibilities.
Position Overview
SCPCN is seeking and Independent Director with a strong governance background and experience to serve on its Board of Directors.
Independent Directors are elected by the membership, and are to bring their unique skills, expertise, experience, and judgment to this key role in the organization.
The role is accountable to the Board of Directors and, through the Board, to the wider membership of the SCPCN.
Accountability also extends to the Minister of Health and the taxpayers of Alberta as a publicly funded organization.
In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, the Independent Director is also expected to serve as a member of one Board Committee.
Independent Directors are required to commit to approximately 6 meetings of the full board and 4 - 6 Committee Meetings per year. The Independent Director position is a non compensated, volunteer role. An exception is made to mileage and other travel related expenses as per Alberta Health guidelines and are compensable.
Educational opportunities will be presented annually to ensure Directors are equipped to fulfill the role.
Key Responsibilities
LEADERSHIP
- To hold and sustain the SCPCN’s Mission, Vision and Values;
- To work with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director and Medical Director to chart and implement SCPCN’s strategic vision in response to the changing needs of south Calgary;
- To act on behalf of all SCPCN members and in the best interest of the PCN;
- To represent and promote the SCPCN by maintaining a working knowledge of the PCN’s operations and services;
- To provide strong governance oversight and business acumen;
- Providing advice and oversight to the Board, the Executive Director and the Medical Director on key issues and matters arising;
- Leverage other professional strengths to advance efficiency and productivity of SCPCN governance.
GOVERNANCE
- The Independent Director is responsible for acting in the best long-term interests of the SCPCN and the community of south Calgary;
- To bring forward deliberations and broad knowledge, a long-range view and openness to learning;
- To provide information, ideas and suggestions from the community to the Board and, if asked, communicate the activities and ideas of the Board to the community;
- To serve, where available, on Board Committees or on special task forces of the Board;
- To review the Articles of Association (A of A) and Governance Policy Manual, with recommendations for changes as required;
- To review the Board’s structure, approval of changes thereto, and preparation of necessary amendments as required;
- To assist in the development and maintenance of good working relations between Board, Committees, and the community;
- Work to gain an understanding of the following:
- Economics of healthcare, SCPCN’s strategic plan and budgets required to achieve the organization’s mission;
- Demographics and needs of south Calgary;
- SCPCN’s financial position;
- Medical information, technology, risks and trends;
- Complexity of SCPCN’s challenges.
KEY STRENGTHS
- Significant understanding of Corporate Governance, workforce planning, strategic Human Resources (HR) and compensation, including:
- Understanding of Fiduciary Duties
- HR and HR practices.
- Ability to Assess Skill, Experience and Knowledge of Potential Board Members
- Succession Planning for Board Directors and Executives
- Ability to Conduct and Review Robust Board and Committee Assessments
- Understanding the Linkages between Performance, Risk and Remuneration
Essential Soft Skills
- Can work to build consensus and can work with diverse groups and ideas in a constructive way;
- Can work with and be supportive of administrative leadership and clinical staff;
- Is adept at outlining long range strategy and/or strategic planning;
- Has strong communication skills;
- Feels that collaboration is necessary for success;
- High personal and professional standards; values and possesses openness, transparency, and honesty;
- Subscribes to and practices high ethical and moral standards;
- Values personal growth and learning, particularly covering matters confronting the Board and the PCN;
- Can be decisive and comfortable with participating in large-scale decisions;
- Sees social/volunteer service as a responsibility of citizenship.
Term
Independent Directors are elected for a term of one (1) year; terms are renewed annually up to three (3) years with a maximum of two successive three-year terms