Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Group

Please note that the DEI Task Group no longer exists and transitioned into the EDI Committee in 2022.

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers has selected a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Group to assist us in moving forward on our commitment to increase diversity, equity and inclusion – a key priority in the College’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan.

The Task Group is co-chaired by Sanjay Govindaraj, RSW, Council member, and Brian Seng-Low, RSSW, non-Council member.

In accordance with its Terms of Reference, the Task Group will provide recommendations and advise Council on:

  • the potential for, and/or existence of, systemic and structural racism, discrimination and/or bias within the College’s statutory, regulatory and governance policies and processes;
  • strategies, including bylaw and policy amendments, standards, guidelines and other tools to address any identified issues;
  • an approach to the development of partnerships with Indigenous communities to begin to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action within the regulatory sector; and
  • the engagement of community groups and leaders in the activities of the Task Group.

On this page

Task Group updates

Task Group selection process

In considering its selection of five non-Council members of the College from among the 112 expressions of interest received, the Executive Committee faced an extremely difficult task.

The Committee carefully reviewed members’:

  • powerful personal accounts of their lived experience;
  • descriptions showing a range of social work and social service work experience; and
  • thoughtful statements reflecting members’ deep desire to contribute to the College’s work in this important area.

The following criteria were considered in the selection process:

  • a demonstrated commitment to advancing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion;
  • lived experience, with priority being given to members who are Black, Indigenous or people of colour, and/or from other equity-seeking groups;
  • relevant work and/or volunteer experience; and
  • an understanding of, and support for, the role and the public protection mandate of the College.

While it was not possible to fully represent the diversity of the Ontario public and of College members, the Task Group includes representation from Black, East/Southeast Asian, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, South Asian, and Muslim communities, as well as persons living with a disability.

Consideration was also given to geographical and sector (social work and social service work) representation, and to balancing the current diversity among Council members.

For more information about the DEI Task Group, please contact the Office of the Registrar at oor@ocswssw.org.