The Centre’s work is guided by a 21-member international Board of Governors.

The IDRC Act stipulates that a majority of members, including the chair and vice-chair, must be Canadian. By tradition, 10 governors come from other countries: eight from developing and two from donor countries.

The chair of IDRC’s Board of Governors reports to the Parliament of Canada through the Minister of Foreign Affairs. As chief executive officer and a member of the board, the president manages and directs the work and staff of the Centre with the support of the Senior Management Committee

• Members of the Board
• Role of the Board
• Senior Management Committee 

Appointment to IDRC's Board of Governors 2008-04
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, has announced the appointment of Frieda Granot to IDRC’s Board of Governors.

Barbara McDougall Named Chair of IDRC's Board 2007-12
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, has announced the appointment of the Honourable Barbara J. McDougall as Chair of IDRC's Board of Governors.

UN appoints IDRC Board Member to Environment Post 2007-11
IDRC Governor Angela Cropper has been appointed as the Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director for the United Nations Environment Programme.

Gordon Smith Steps Down as Chairman of IDRC’s Board of Governors 2007-09
"Under his leadership, the Centre has evolved immensely," said IDRC President Maureen O’Neil. "I know that I speak for everyone at IDRC when I say that he will be missed."