Our governance structure ensures the Ombudsman and OBSI’s staff are independent and impartial, and have the necessary resources to carry out their jobs.

A non-profit and independent organization, OBSI is overseen by a Board of Directors. A majority of the directors are independent, and have not been part of industry or government for at least five years. A minority of the directors are appointed by industry bodies. The directors also comprise the voting membership of the organization.

Beyond the composition of the Board, further important safeguards of OBSI’s independence are in place. In addition to having at least a two-thirds majority on the board, the Independent Directors control the hiring and firing of the Ombudsman, the budget process, the Terms of Reference and the nomination of Independent Directors.

The Independent Directors search for new independent board members, balancing diversity, geography and a variety of backgrounds and skills. Collectively, the directors have experience in business, law, consumer affairs, economics, community organizations, dispute resolution and public service.

The Board of Directors meets at least quarterly, and in addition has an annual strategic planning session. The Independent Directors also conduct performance reviews with the Chair every two years.

Rules prohibit the Board or individual directors from being involved with individual complaints. The final decision concerning complaints rests with the Ombudsman. There is no appeal to the Board, nor can the Board influence the decisions of the Ombudsman. However, on behalf of the Board the Chair does consider complaints from OBSI clients who believe that their case has not been handled fairly.

Board Committees

The OBSI Board of Directors has four committees: Audit, Pension,Standards and  Independent Directors. There is also a Compensation sub-committee.

• The Audit Committee meets quarterly and reviews the financial statements of the organization, as well as receiving the report of the external auditor of OBSI.
• The Pension committee oversees the defined contribution pension plan for OBS, includingreviewing fund performance.
• The Standards Committee recommends and monitors OBSI’s quality and performance standards, independent reviews and the Code of Conduct, as well as overseeing any revisions to the Terms of Reference.
• The Independent Directors Committee has several duties, including overseeing the hiring and firing of the Ombudsman, the budget process and director nominations.
• The Compensation sub-committee, which reports to the Independent Directors Committee, oversees the performance management of the Ombudsman and his compensation.
  
  All members of the committees and sub-committee are Independent Directors.
  

Director Compensation

Independent Directors receive a $10,000 annual honorarium and $1,800 for each meeting day. The Chair receives an additional honorarium of $4,000 and committee chairs receive an additional $2,000. Industry directors do not receive compensation from OBSI.

Corporate Bylaws

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