The First of Its Kind, Inclusive Board Training
Designed for current and aspiring Board Directors, this 2-hour self-paced online program helps participants build equity and inclusion into governance, strategic planning, policy development, and board practices.
Enrol as an individual or as a board to earn a Certificate of Completion and begin your pathway to Inclusive Board Certification.
Program Overview
Build More Inclusive and Effective Boards
The Equitable and Inclusive Boards Program equips current and aspiring board members with practical strategies to strengthen inclusive governance and decision-making.
Designed specifically for Boards of Directors, this self-paced program explores how equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging can be integrated into board recruitment, governance, strategic planning, policy development, and oversight.
Participants leave with practical tools they can immediately apply around the board table.
Why Inclusive Governance Matters
Today’s boards are expected to navigate increasingly complex challenges while representing diverse communities and stakeholders.
Inclusive governance helps boards:
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- Make stronger, more informed decisions
- Reduce bias in board discussions and recruitment
- Strengthen trust and accountability
- Improve board effectiveness and collaboration
- Better serve employees, members, clients, and communities
Who It’s For
This program is ideal for:
- Current Board Directors
- Board Chairs and Vice-Chairs
- Governance Professionals
- Aspiring Board Members
- Non-profit, public sector, association, cooperative, and private sector boards
Program Curriculum
DEI Foundations for Boards
Learn the core concepts that support equitable and inclusive governance.
Topics include:
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility
- Intersectionality
- Privilege and Power
- Gender Diversity
- Building Inclusive Boards
Unconscious Bias & Bias Awareness for Boards
Explore how bias influences board recruitment, discussions, and decision-making.
Topics include:
- Understanding unconscious bias
- Types of bias
- Bias mitigation strategies
- Microaggressions
- Board case studies and practical exercises
Inclusive Leadership on Boards
Develop leadership behaviours that strengthen collaboration, accountability, and belonging.
Topics include:
- Inclusive leadership characteristics
- Psychological safety
- Leadership values
- Liberatory leadership
Leading inclusive conversations
Allyship on Boards
Learn practical ways to create more equitable board cultures.
Topics include:
- Allyship in governance
- Speaking up effectively
- Inclusive decision-making
- Everyday allyship actions
- Reflection and action planning
Learning Objectives
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Understand key equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging concepts in governance
- Recognize and reduce unconscious bias in board decision-making
- Apply inclusive leadership practices at the board table
- Build stronger governance through allyship and inclusive behaviours
- Integrate inclusive practices into board recruitment, policies, strategic planning, and oversight
- Make more equitable, transparent, and evidence-informed governance decisions
Your Certification Path
Program Benefits
Practical and Action-Oriented
- Designed specifically for board governance
- Real-world board scenarios and case studies
- Practical tools you can use immediately
- Reflection activities that encourage meaningful learning
Flexible Learning
- Self-paced online learning
- Complete individually or as a board
- Learn anytime, anywhere
- Mobile-friendly access
Support for Boards
- Optional facilitated discussions
- Ideal for board retreats and professional development
- Helps create shared language and understanding across the board
Learn Together and Become a Recognized Inclusive Board
While the program can be completed individually, many organizations choose to enroll their entire Board to build a shared understanding of inclusive governance and strengthen board decision-making. Boards can also enhance their learning with facilitated discussion sessions led by a Canadian Equality Consulting expert, focused on applying the concepts to real governance challenges.
Earn Your Inclusive Board Certification
Boards that complete the program together can earn recognition for their commitment to inclusive governance.
| Tiers | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Certified Inclusive Board | 100% of current Board members complete the Equitable and Inclusive Boards Program. |
| Certified Inclusive Board Advanced | Meet the Certified Inclusive Board requirements plus participate in facilitated discussion sessions and develop an Inclusive Governance Action Plan with measurable commitments. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The program is designed for both individual learners and entire Boards. Individual participants receive a Certificate of Completion upon successfully completing the program.
Absolutely. Many organizations choose to have their entire Board complete the program together to build a shared understanding of inclusive governance and strengthen board discussions and decision-making.
The Inclusive Board designation recognizes Boards of Directors whose current members have successfully completed the Equitable and Inclusive Boards Program, demonstrating a shared commitment to inclusive governance.
Inclusive Board Advanced builds on this foundation by adding facilitated discussion sessions led by a Canadian Equality Consulting expert and the development of an Inclusive Governance Action Plan with measurable commitments. It recognizes boards that are actively putting inclusive governance into practice.
Yes. Organizations can purchase facilitated debrief sessions led by a Canadian Equality Consulting consultant. Sessions can be delivered virtually or in person and provide an opportunity to discuss key concepts, apply learning to your Board, and develop practical action plans.
Yes. Each participant who successfully completes the program receives an individual Certificate of Completion.
Boards that meet the recognition requirements may also earn Inclusive Board or Inclusive Board Plus recognition.
Yes. We can tailor facilitated discussions, governance case studies, examples, and action planning activities to reflect your organization's sector, governance structure, and priorities.
Yes. Facilitated sessions are available virtually or in person across Canada.
Yes. We offer organizational and non-profit pricing for Boards and groups. Please contact us for a customized quote based on the size of your Board and the learning experience you're looking to create.