The FPSC is committed to supporting Divisions to build capacity to operate at a level of organizational maturity reflective of their critical contribution in supporting local communities, advancing the strategic priorities of the FPSC and strengthening primary health care. The FPSC has taken steps to clarify governance expectations and supports for Divisions to promote the development and maintenance of governance capacity. In 2023, the FPSC implemented a broad set of Division governance requirements and paired these with centrally provided FPSC supports that are available to all Divisions.
Please see below the current Division governance requirements as listed in the FY2025/26 FTA:
Board Self-Assessment
The Division will confirm an annual board self-assessment is complete, by no later than March 31, 2026.
Board Orientation Training
The Division will confirm that board members who joined the board during FY2025/26 have completed FPSC board orientation training.
FPSC board orientation training consists of watching the 2023 Division Board Governance Fundamentals webinar recording
ED Performance Review
The Division will confirm all required performance reviews for the Division’s senior leader or Executive Director are complete, including:
- an annual performance review by no later than March 31, 2026, and
- a mechanism for the Division's board to receive the perspective of key partners on their relationship with the Division and Executive Director every three (3) years by March 31, 2027.
These expectations are not intended to be an exhaustive list of governance responsibilities. Division board chairs or treasurers confirm that these requirements are met by signing the annual infrastructure funding renewal letter; however, how each Division chooses to conduct the board self-assessment and Executive Director performance review is at their discretion.
Governance Resources
These are centrally provided FPSC supports including tools, templates and training opportunities for conducting meaningful reviews available to all Divisions.
- Governance Webinar Recordings
Building a Culture of Succession Webinar
(October 29th, 2025)Please find Maria Turnbull’s slide deck linked here, the Building a Culture of Succession workbook linked here and optional templates for you to use below:
- ED Transition and Onboarding Plan - Vantage Point created template.
- Board Matrix - Vantage Point created template.
Board Self-Assessments Webinar
(February 26th, 2024)Please find Maria Turnbull’s slide deck here, the Board Self-Assessments workbook here and the pre-work videos that were circulated to webinar registrants below:
- Five Governance Responsibilities (4:32 minutes)
- Individual Director Responsibilities (2:07 minutes)
Supporting your Executive Director: Performance Reviews and Beyond Webinar
(December 7th, 2023)Please find Maria Turnbull’s slide deck here, the Board Fundamentals: Supporting Your Executive Director workbook linked here and optional templates for you to use below:
- ED Self-Reflection – Vantage Point created template.
- Board Survey – Vantage Point created template.
- Staff Survey – Vantage Point created template.
- Division of Family Practice Executive Director Job Description Template – FPSC staff developed template.
Division Board Governance Fundamentals Webinar
(November 22nd, 2023)View the recording (no passcode required).
Please find Maria Turnbull’s slide deck linked here, the Board Fundamentals Roles and Responsibilities workbook linked here and the pre-work videos that were circulated to webinar registrants below:
- Division Board Governance Webinars Q&A
Read the Division Board Governance Webinars Q&A document.
We have combined the questions and answers from the webinars for your reference.
The FPSC also hosts an optional Divisions Board Governance Fundamentals virtual drop-in Q&A session each fiscal year. The Q&A sessions provide new and long-standing board members with the opportunity to interact with an expert in non-profit governance and to ask questions based on the content of the 2023 recording. Drop-in sessions are typically held in November or December, and dates are communicated with Division Board members and EDs in advance.
Please note that the above resources are intended to complement your board’s current activities, not replace any templates or processes you have developed or used locally.
- Access the Governance Fundamentals Guidebook
Browse or read the complete Governance Fundamentals Guidebook(PDF) to learn more.
Please note: This guidebook was created in 2021 and some of the content may be out of date. A review is currently underway. For the most up-to-date resources, please review the Governance Resources page.
The Governance Fundamentals Guidebook is a “Governance 101” resource that was developed to support the leadership of the Divisions and medical staff associations across the province. The Guidebook explains the fundamentals of governance and lays out the essentials for participating at the governance table.
