Board Advisory & Governance
Building Inclusive, High-Performing Boards for the Future
Effective governance begins with effective leadership. At Phelps, our Board Advisory Practice supports organizations across Canada in building diverse, skilled, and forward-thinking governance structures. Whether board composition and renewal, committee composition, CEO succession, or recruitment of new directors, we work closely with Boards, Indigenous Councils, and Executive Committees to ensure leadership alignment at the highest level.
We bring deep experience in:
Recruiting Board and Committee Chairs
Governance renewal and succession planning
Evaluating board competencies and identifying gaps
Designing inclusive, skills-based strategies for board composition
Recruitment of corporate, public, Indigenous, and not-for-profit board directorsAs governance expectations evolve, boards face greater scrutiny, increased complexity, and a call for authentic inclusion and broader lived experience. We support clients in addressing these demands with clarity and confidence.
Grounded in our IGNITE values, our Board Advisory practice is tailored, discreet, and impact-driven — ensuring that board leadership is aligned, future-focused, and trusted by the communities it serves.
Our Services
Our Board Search Services
Board Chair, Committee Chair & > Independent Director Recruitment Succession Planning for Board and CEO Governance Role Searches in Public, Not-for-Profit & Education Sectors Board Composition & Skills Matrix Development Inclusive Outreach Strategies to Advance Equity and Representation“Phelps doesn't just find qualified candidates—they find the right leaders who align with our mission and reflect the communities we serve.”
— Board Chair, Municipal Client
Supporting Effective Board Leadership
While our primary focus is recruitment, we offer additional support to help boards build resilience, cohesion, and strategic foresight.
Chair Succession & Onboarding
We support smooth leadership transitions with curated plans that align legacy, vision, and performance expectations. Individual coaching, peer alignment, and facilitated onboarding help ensure continuity and confidence in board leadership.
Board Coaching & Workshops
Through facilitated sessions and ongoing advisory, we help boards build psychological safety, navigate complex dynamics, and improve decision-making as a cohesive unit.
98%
remain in role 3+ years.
> 80%
of our clients partner with us repeatedly
95%
hired from our initial shortlist.
Our approach includes
Confidential 1:1 debriefs with each director Strategic workshops on culture, strategy & oversight Inclusive governance and Indigenous engagement training Custom board retreats and reset planningLet’s Co-Create a Stronger Future
Our mission is to empower individuals and teams to lead with courage, clarity, and compassion. If you’re ready to strengthen your organization through world-class leadership development—we’d love to talk.
