IFPBM Gender Equality Plan
1: lntroduction
The International Foundation for Patient Blood Management (IFPBM) is a non-profit organization based in Basel, Switzerland, dedicated to advancing the implementation and dissemination of Patient Blood Management (PBM) worldwide.
The Foundation recognizes gender equality as an important element of good governance and scientific integrity. As part of this commitment, it adopts this Gender Equality Plan (GEP). The plan reflects the size, structure, and operational model of the organization, which is governed exclusively by a pro-bono Board without employed staff.
2: Governance and Responsibility
The Foundation is managed solely by its Board (Stiftungsrat), whose members carry out all legal, strategic, and operational responsibilities on a voluntary basis.
Responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of this GEP lies with the Board as a whole. One Board member is designated as the GEP contact person, responsible for:
- Ensuring periodic review of this plan
- Serving as a contact point for gender equality matters
3: Current Situation
The Board consists of seven members:
- 6 male members
- 1 female member
The Foundation acknowledges that this distribution does not reflect an optimal gender balance.
This situation is influenced by structural characteristics of the field of Patient Blood Management (PBM), where:
- The pool of internationally recognized senior experts is limited
- Many highly qualified female experts are currently committed to leadership roles in other PBM-related organizations
The Foundation remains committed to improving gender balance over time, within the constraints of expertise availability and governance needs.
4: Objectives
1 The Foundation:
- Promotes gender equality within its governance structures
- Considers gender balance in Board appointments where feasible
- Supports gender equality principles in its scientific and collaborative activities
5: Measures
5.1 Work-Life Balance and Organisational Culture
- The Foundation promotes a respectful, inclusive, and collegial working culture
- Meetings are scheduled with consideration for members’ professional and personal commitments
5.2 Gender Balance in Leadership and Decision-Making
- Gender balance is considered in Board nominations and appointments
- The Foundation seeks to identify and engage qualified female candidates as they become available
5.3 Recruitment and Appointment Processes
- Board member selection follows transparent and merit-based criteria
- Gender diversity is considered as one of several factors in nomination processes
5.4 Integration of the Gender Dimension in Activities
- In its research participation and collaborations, the Foundation: o Encourages consideration of sex and gender aspects where relevant o Promotes balanced participation in project teams where possible
5.5 Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment
- The Foundation maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate conduct
- Concerns may be raised confidentially to the designated GEP contact person or any Board member
6: Data Collection and Monitoring
Given the absence of employees, monitoring is limited to governance structures.
The Foundation:
- Reviews the gen der composition of the Board periodically
- Documents developments and progress toward improved balance
- Reviews this GEP at appropriate intervals
7: Resources
As a pro-bono organization without staff or dedicated funding, the Foundation integrates GEP responsibilities into existing governance processes.
Implementation is ensured through the commitment of the Board.
8: Publication
This Gender Equality Plan of the Board.
- Has been formally adopted by the Board of the International Foundation for Patient Blood Management
- ls published on the Foundation’s website
- ls reviewed and updated periodically as appropriate
Review cycle: Periodic review
Adopted by resolution of the Board (Stiftungsrat)
Basel, March 31, 2026
Prof. Dr. Christoph Zenger President
Prof. Dr. Axel Hofmann GEP Contact Person/ Vice President