St. Leonard’s Community Services (Board Member)

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over

Board of Directors Recruitment For over 55 years, St. Leonard’s Community Services, London and Region has been dedicated to a community where everyone feels safe, valued and supported. Our mission is to support and advocate with individuals who are, or who are at risk of being, justice-involved. All that we do is grounded in our core values of inclusion, collaboration, compassion, and accountability. Please visit our website to learn more about St. Leonard’s and the work we do! The St. Leonard’s Community Services Board of Directors is a volunteer governance-focused board who works closely with the full-time Executive Director providing strategic guidance and direction to the organization. The Board of Directors dedicate their skill and time to the agency ensuring that our mission and goals remain the focus of the agency and strengthen our connection to the community. Duties & Responsibilities St. Leonard’s Community Services (SLCS) goal is to build a Board that has a broad skillset, experience, and depth and one that represents the diversity of our community by: Understanding and demonstrating your commitment to the SLCS mission, vision, and values to provide governance excellence to this dynamic organization. Keeping up to date with issues and trends that affect SLSC, the various sectors within which we work, and our region. Preparing for Board meetings by reviewing agendas, minutes, and other reports and documentation and proactively seeking additional information when needed. Contributing your skills and knowledge by actively participating in monthly board meetings and committee meetings with a commitment to engage in activities related to the success of SLCS. Developing an understanding of SLCS’s financial statements, quarterly reports, and budget. Demonstrating the highest quality stewardship through disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, understanding and maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. Qualifications & Requirements Prior experience as a Board member is not required but is considered an asset. There is currently one vacancy on the board. We are currently looking for individuals living in the geographical area that SLCS serves which can include the City of London, Middlesex, Oxford, or Elgin counties and who represent the individuals and diverse communities served by SLCS. Our Board strives to expand the diversity of voices contributing to governance leadership: persons with lived or living experience in the justice system, members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, individuals from First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, members of diverse ethnocultural communities, and persons with dis/abilities are welcome to apply. Individuals with the ability to communicate in both official languages are welcome. SLCS is committed to and adheres to the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and all other applicable legislation. Knowledge of, or interest in, community development in the justice, homelessness, and mental health & addictions sectors. A commitment to the SLCS mission, vision and values and strategic plan. A commitment of time, focus and engagement related to the leadership of the organization as outlined above. An openness to learning and to contributing to an organization providing services to sometimes marginalized or underserved populations. Our Board is particularly interested in individuals who may bring expertise in the realms of legal knowledge/lawyer and court systems, criminal justice & law enforcement, and building/property management and real estate. Term & Commitment As a member of the board, we ask you to bring your energy and insight to monthly board meetings, typically the last Tuesday of each month and with duration of approximately 1 to 2 hours each, plus the ability to participate in committee work. Directors can serve up to 3 consecutive 3-year terms. Benefits of St. Leonard’s Community Services Board Membership The satisfaction of making a difference in our community. The opportunity to engage with those from diverse backgrounds and build an inclusive and welcoming organization where belonging is paramount. Development of effective decision-making, communication, and leadership skills Growth in understanding group dynamics and interpersonal working relationships Interested candidates should submit a resume and a letter of interest to our Governance and Board Development Committee, care of Michael Oates, Executive Director, by March 31, 2025. A police records check will be required. Please include your contact information and answer the following questions: Why are you interested in serving as a member of the St. Leonard’s Board? As a Board director, how can you represent the interests of the individuals and diverse communities we serve? Briefly describe your experience with Boards, Committees, or other non-profit organizations. What skills, experience, or perspective would you bring to Board discussions and decisions? SLCS recognizes that a diverse workforce and board of directors is critical to realizing our vision and accomplishing our mission. Accordingly, we strive to attract, develop, and retain highly-talented employees and board members from diverse backgrounds to meaningfully engage and support the priority communities we connect with and serve. We strongly encourage members of First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities, members of Black and other racialized communities, members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, people living with disability/disabilities, and people with diverse lived/living experiences (including, but not limited to: with substance use, addiction, mental health, and/or incarceration) to apply. We welcome and encourage you to introduce yourself, your story and your lived/living experiences to your level of comfort in your application.