Board Advisory & Governance

Untitled design 28

Building Inclusive, High-Performing Boards for the Future

Effective governance begins with effective leadership. At Phelps, our Board Advisory and Governance 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:

Path 14 Recruiting Board and Committee Chairs
Path 14 Governance renewal and succession planning
Path 14 Evaluating board competencies and identifying gaps
Path 14 Designing inclusive, skills-based strategies for board composition
Path 14 Recruitment of corporate, public, Indigenous, and not-for-profit board directors

As 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
Path 14 Board Chair, Committee Chair & > Independent Director Recruitment
Path 14 Succession Planning for Board and CEO
Path 14 Governance Role Searches in Public, Not-for-Profit & Education Sectors
Path 14 Board Composition & Skills Matrix Development
Path 14 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.
Phelps Website AD About pic1

98%

remain in role 3+ years. 

> 80%

of our clients partner with us repeatedly

95%

hired from our initial shortlist.

Trusted Executive Search Firm in Canada

Our approach includes

Path 14 Confidential 1:1 debriefs with each director
Path 14 Strategic workshops on culture, strategy & oversight
Path 14 Inclusive governance and Indigenous engagement training
Path 14 Custom board retreats and reset planning

Let’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.

Call Us: (416) 364-6229
Phelps Website AD Home Phelps – 4