Board of Directors

About St. Albert Family Resource Centre
St. Albert Family Resource Centre (SAFRC) is a community‑based nonprofit organization that provides education, support, and preventive programming to strengthen families in St. Albert and surrounding communities. SAFRC works alongside families, community partners, and funders to promote well‑being, resilience, and connection across the lifespan.

Governance Role of the Board
The Board of Directors is the legal, fiduciary, and strategic governing body of SAFRC, with authority derived from the Alberta Societies Act, the organization’s bylaws, and accepted nonprofit governance best practices.

The Board governs by:
•	Setting strategic direction and governance‑level policy
•	Ensuring financial stewardship and organizational sustainability
•	Supporting, evaluating, and supervising the Executive Director
•	Acting in the best interests of the organization and the community it serves

Individual Directors do not exercise authority on their own; authority is exercised collectively through Board resolutions. Core Responsibilities of a Board Director
1. Fiduciary and Legal Responsibilities
Board Directors are expected to:
•	Act in accordance with the duty of care, duty of loyalty, and duty of obedience
•	Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, and ethical standards
•	Safeguard SAFRC’s assets and ensure responsible financial management
•	Review and approve the annual budget and monitor financial statements
•	Participate in the identification and oversight of organizational risks

2. Strategic Governance
Board Directors:
•	Contribute to the development, approval, and monitoring of SAFRC’s strategic plan
•	Focus on long‑term sustainability, community impact, and mission alignment
•	Develop, review, and maintain governance‑level policies, avoiding operational micromanagement
•	Participate in regular Board self‑evaluation and governance improvement activities

3. Executive Director Oversight and Support
Board Directors:
•	Participate in the hiring and, when required, the release of the Executive Director
•	Support and participate in the Executive Director’s annual performance evaluation
•	Maintain a respectful, professional, and role‑appropriate relationship with the Executive Director
•	Act as a source of strategic guidance and accountability, not operational direction

4. Advocacy, Ambassadorship, and Community Connection
Each Director:
•	Serves as an ambassador for SAFRC and its mission
•	Promotes public trust and confidence in the organization
•	Builds and leverages networks, relationships, and community knowledge to advance SAFRC’s work
•	Supports fundraising, partnerships, and community engagement efforts appropriate to capacity and role

5. Participation and Commitment
Board Directors are expected to:
•	Prepare for, attend, and actively participate in monthly Board meetings
•	Serve on at least one Board committee or ad hoc working group
•	Attend and participate in the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
•	Support special events, fundraising activities, and strategic initiatives
•	Review Board materials, policies, and financial information in a timely and informed manner

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Commitment
SAFRC is committed to fostering a Board that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and creates inclusive spaces where all voices are valued.
The Board of Directors:
•	Is committed to equity‑informed and anti‑oppressive governance practices
•	Recognizes the impact of systemic barriers on families and communities
•	Strives to ensure diverse perspectives are present in decision‑making
•	Commits to ongoing learning related to EDI, reconciliation, and accessibility

Lived Experience Representation
SAFRC values lived experience as a form of expertise. The Board actively seeks representation from individuals who have personal or caregiving experience related to:
•	Parenting and caregiving
•	Accessing community or family support services
•	Disability, neurodiversity, or mental health systems
•	Cultural, linguistic, or newcomer experiences
•	Economic or social barriers impacting families

Lived experience is considered alongside professional skills and governance competencies and is recognized as strengthening the Board’s insight, relevance, and responsiveness.

Desired Skills and Experience
Board Directors bring a combination of commitment, perspective, and skills. Experience in one or more of the following areas is beneficial:

•	Nonprofit governance or policy development
•	Finance, accounting, or financial oversight
•	Human resources, organizational leadership, or personnel management
•	Program development, evaluation, or community services
•	Advocacy, public relations, or government relations
•	Equity, diversity, inclusion, or community engagement

Governance experience is an asset but not required—training and orientation are provided.