2009 Best in Class: Board Diversity - Nonprofit/Government
Fifty percent (seven of 14) of Kaiser Permanente’s Board Directors are minority individuals. The average minority board percentage for the Commission’s nonprofit and government membership was 20 percent. Reaching this high level of board diversity is indicative of Kaiser’s organization-wide strategy which permeates each functional area and is communicated to patients, employees, board directors and the public alike. Employee policies, recruitment strategies, and internal and external communications all reflect the value of diversity as it relates to member service and culturally competent patient care. Effective strategies include:
- The Board ties diversity goals to the overall strategic plan for Kaiser Permanente through the National Diversity Agenda, approved as policy fifteen years ago, which contains the cornerstones of quality care, membership growth, and workforce – each of which are central components of the strategic plan.
- Board search firms are explicitly informed not only of the need for diversity among the candidate pool, but at times, specifically of the requirement that the opening be filled by diverse candidates only.
- Board members present each year at Kaiser Permanente’s annual National Diversity Conference for all stakeholders. Presentations capitalize on the specific diversity expertise of Board members. Experts such as The Diversity Best Practices organization have recognized Kaiser’s effectiveness in creating the “next generation diversity governance and trend setting advocacy.”
- The board’s policy on diversity is mirrored by a similar policy for employees. The board’s Principles of Responsibility (POR), Board of Directors Code of Ethics, contains key guidance for directors and addresses “workforce diversity” and “member and patient diversity.”
- Two standing board committees support diversity issues—the Quality and Health Improvement committee supports initiatives that aim to improve cultural competency and linguistic programs. The Community Benefit Committee approves grants and donations that support research and education initiatives focused on diversity issues. This committee also presents annual community service awards related to diversity and inclusion.
“Kaiser Permanente takes a holistic approach to incorporating diversity and inclusion, starting with the composition of our governing board. Ensuring that our leaders and decision makers incorporate a wide range of perspectives, opinions and experiences enables Kaiser to successfully drive culturally competent medical care to our increasing diverse membership.”
Patricia D. Kennedy Scott, president, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Ohio