The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) invites firms to submit a Proposal for the following: The WCB is seeking Proposals from qualified Vendors to deliver annual governance training for its board of directors. The Contractor may also be requested to provide optional governance advisory services and board of directors' material reviews.
Description of Services
The WCB requires the Contractor to perform the following:
a) Annual Board Training [One (1) Day Session] – Required
The Contractor shall deliver annual one (1) day, in-person training sessions for the Board. The first session is scheduled for January 14, 2026, at WCB's offices located at 363 Broadway, Winnipeg, with sessions in 2027 and 2028 also expected to occur in January.
The training will enhance the Board's understanding of governance best practices, director responsibilities, and relevant legal and regulatory requirements. Before each session, the Contractor will consult with the WCB to review objectives, identify Board-specific priorities or challenges, and tailor the content accordingly. The Contractor will also recommend emerging governance topics based on current trends and issues affecting public sector boards.
Topics for the January 14, 2026 session may include, but not be limited to:
-Preparation and Participation in Board/Committee Meetings: Guidance on effective preparation and engagement to support sound decision-making.
-Risk Management: The Board's role in overseeing risk management processes and identifying operational risks.
-Compliance: The Board's accountability regarding adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies.
Deliverables for each session:
-Customized training materials developed in consultation with WCB.
-Post-training summary report, submitted within ten (10) Business Days, outlining key insights, any feedback, and follow-up recommendations.
All training materials developed for the Board shall be the property of the WCB.
b) Review of Board Materials and Recommendations for Improvement- Optional (time and materials via SOWs)
At its discretion, the WCB may engage the Contractor to review existing Board materials, including meeting agendas, information packages, and supporting documents. The purpose of this review is to identify opportunities to improve format, clarity, and alignment with governance best practices.
This optional service will be provided on a time and materials basis, governed by mutually agreed upon subsequent Statements of Work (collectively the "SOWs"). The Contractor will work closely with the WCB to define the scope, deliverables, and timelines before beginning any of this work.
c) Advisory Services on Governance Issues - Optional (time and materials via SOWs)
At its discretion, the WCB may request governance advisory services from the Contractor on a time and materials basis to provide expert advice and support throughout the term of the Agreement. Areas of support may include interpretation and application of governance best practices, guidance on public sector compliance and regulatory matters, review or refinement of the Board's policies, terms of reference, by-laws, or governance processes, director development and onboarding support, confidential advice on the Board's dynamics, and recommendations for tools or frameworks to enhance the Board's ongoing effectiveness.
This optional service will be provided on a time and materials basis, governed by mutually agreed upon subsequent SOWs. The Contractor will work closely with the WCB to define the scope, deliverables, and timelines before beginning any of this work.
The Services shall normally be performed during Business Hours. However, the WCB may request some of the Services to be performed outside Business Hours from time to time, as deemed necessary, in the unfettered discretion of the WCB. The Contractor shall not be entitled to charge overtime rates unless specified in the Fee Schedule.
The Vendor must demonstrate the following:
a) Experience providing governance training and advisory services to Canadian boards of directors, including public sector or statutory organizations;
b) Knowledge of governance best practices relevant to public sector boards of directors, including regulatory and legal compliance;
c) Ability to design and deliver governance training tailored for the Board's members;
d) Experience customizing training content to address specific boards of directors' priorities and operational environments; and
e) Familiarity with applicable federal and provincial governance legislation, policies, and standards impacting public sector boards of directors operating in Canada.
The Vendor should demonstrate the following (which may be considered an asset when evaluating):
a) Experience identifying and addressing emerging governance trends, challenges, and innovations relevant to public sector or statutory boards of directors;
b) A proven track record in assessing and improving boards of directors' materials, including agendas, information packages, and governance documents, with evidence of increased clarity, usability, or alignment with governance best practices;
c) Ability to recommend and/or implement governance tools, frameworks, or processes that support ongoing boards of directors' development, performance evaluation, or decision-making effectiveness;
d) Experience delivering advisory services on boards of directors' dynamics, including support for director onboarding, individual development, facilitation of confidential counsel, or interpersonal governance issues;
e) Responsive and flexible advisory support throughout the term of the Services, including availability for on-demand consultation as required; and
f) Strong client references from public sector boards of directors or similar organizations that speak to service quality, impact, and overall client satisfaction.
The Proposal should include an overview of the proposed resource(s) being offered, including profiles of work, which highlight their experience performing similar Services.
The Contractor will not be required to have and maintain workers compensation coverage for its workers who will be providing the Services, unless required pursuant to The Workers Compensation Act.
The Services shall be provided onsite at the WCB's facilities and from the Contractor's facilities located in Canada, as applicable, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
It is expected the Services will be required for an initial period of three (3) years with a preferred start date of January 1, 2026. The WCB shall have an irrevocable option to further extend the Services on the same terms and conditions and fees for one (1) additional period of up to two (2) years.
The Services will be structured with an Agreement that will require the parties to enter into subsequent SOWs if the WCB requests the optional Services.
The optional Services shall be requested by the WCB on an "as needed" basis and the WCB makes no representation to guarantee any minimum amount of work will be assigned to the Contractor via the SOWs.
