Chair: Sanjay Govindaraj, RSW
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee was created in 2022, following the dissolution of the DEI Task Group. The mandate of the DEI Committee is to consider and make recommendations to 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 revisions to bylaws, standards, guidelines and policies) to address any identified issues.
- An approach to meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s calls to action within the regulatory sector.
- The enhancement of educational resources to support College registrants in practising ethically and professionally, with a focus on considerations related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
In 2023, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee:
- Provided oversight of Recommendation 16 of the College’s Governance Report which considered approaching DEI as three separate challenges within three areas needing action: within Council, within the professions and for and on behalf of clients.
- Considered opportunities to engage with First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals and communities to seek their input in the work of the College around truth and reconciliation and cultural safety.
- Implemented a voluntary equity and inclusion self-disclosure form for Council members, non-Council committee members and community appointees.