Equity and Inclusion Data

The Equity and Inclusion Questions are taken from existing validated data sources (where such data sources exist), for example the Canadian Census and the Anti-Racism Data Standards – as set out in the Anti-Racism Act. Although some of these data sources are not wholly inclusive, using existing questions allows for the data collected by the College to be measured and compared to a degree with the broader Ontario public.

As the provincial regulator of social workers and social service workers, we are  the only organization that is in the position to collect demographic data on Ontario social workers and social service workers. We are committed to collecting this data in a respectful, responsible and equitable way.

We acknowledge that the data will not provide a complete or perfect picture of the demographics of all social workers and social service workers, since registrants can choose whether or not to answer the Equity and Inclusion questions – it is simply a starting point. We will continue to engage with registrants and other engagement groups as part of our commitment to continual improvement.

Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, the College is legally authorized and has a legal responsibility to collect this data. Additionally, we are committed to contributing to meeting the calls to action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, especially the call to collect data so that progress towards truth and reconciliation can be effectively measured.

Seeking multiple perspectives and embedding lived experiences in our initiatives is important to us and to our goal of authentic inclusion. Throughout the development of this initiative, we sought guidance, consultation and direction from a wide range of communities and organizations, as well as from registrants.

Registrants are invited to share demographic information on a voluntary basis when they renew their registration each year.

• The Equity and Inclusion Questions are completely voluntary; registrants who choose not to answer any of these questions will still be able to complete the renewal process.
• We will invite registrants to share only as much as is comfortable. They can choose to answer some, all or none of the questions.
• No program, service or benefit will be withheld if registrants do not answer the questions.
• Data will be stored in a secure system will be kept confidential.
• Registrants can withdraw their consent and request that the College remove or stop using their information at any time.
• The College will analyze and report on the collected data only in the aggregate – registrants will not be able to be identified by the data they choose to submit.

We recognize there are limitations within our regulatory role to fully address systemic barriers and are committed to engaging, partnering and collaborating with other organizations dedicated to actioning changes for better outcomes.

Within our role as a regulator, we can use the data collected to action initiatives such as:

• Developing practice supports and programs that will assist registrants in better serving communities.
• Expanding our government relations efforts to include recommendations that will promote equity at the educational level.

We will also have the opportunity to engage, partner and collaborate with other organizations who can advocate for changes that are beyond our organizational limitations. We are excited to:

• Partner with organizations, such as the Ontario Association of Social Workers and the Ontario Social Service Worker Association who can advocate for more diverse representation within the professions.
• Collaborate with employers to assist them in identifying strategies around better serving their communities, as well as addressing the disparities within their organizations.
• Collaborate with educators to assist them in identifying strategies to attract students from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

We recognize there is an inherent vulnerability that exists in sharing personal information. We are committed to the safety, protection and privacy of each person and the information shared with us. We will never:

• Use or report the data in any way that could identify an individual registrant.
• Use the data for purposes with intention to impact, harm or discriminate against a registrant. For example, the data will never be used in any complaints or discipline processes or be checked against a registrant’s safe practice registration requirement.
• Use or report the data to perpetuate stereotypes of specific groups.