DIVERSITY SUPPORT SERVICES

Progressive employers recognize the benefits of diversity. They are engaged in continuous learning about how to develop and utilize the skills and productivity of all human resources, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, Aboriginal status, sexual orientation or any characteristic other than the employees' ability to contribute to the organization.

Our consulting services include:

• Analysis of gaps and barriers
• Impact analysis
• Identification of inclusive policies and practices
• Information about best practices
• Development of action plans and timetables
• Development of success indicators
• Development and implementation of proactive responses to harassment and discrimination
• Problem-solving regarding specific equity issues.

Recent Diversity-Related Accomplishments:

• For the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), we advised and worked with the TDSB to conduct an equity self-identification survey of all employees. The survey was successful in obtaining a high rate of return across this large, complex, unionized workforce. We have conducted or consulted on similar surveys for the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, GE Canada Nuclear Products, Johnson Controls and ThyssenKrupp Elevators (Canada), all of which resulted in high (80% – 100%) return rates.
• For the City of Ottawa, we designed and conducted an ESR of the Fire Service to identify and suggest strategies to eliminate barriers to the hiring and effective deployment of women fire fighters. The report was influential in the subsequent hiring of the City's first women fire fighters. Since that time, we have worked with the City to implement some of the most critical of the recommendations. We conducted a similar review for the City of Winnipeg Fire and Emergency Services Department.
• For the Government of Nunavut, we designed and conducted an ESR of the Nunavut Public Service to identify barriers to Inuit employees and thus barriers to complying with terms of the Nunavut Land Claim Agreement (Section 23). Our team, which included Inuit and Aboriginal consultants, provided important recommendations as an ongoing blueprint for change for the Nunavut Public Service.
• We have conducted similar studies for the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, the Ontario Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg.

• For Centennial College, we prepared one-hundred page procedures manual for use with Centennial College's Dispute Resolution Policy. This technical manual provides the step by step procedures to be followed in a variety of possible disputes including complaints related to human rights or other harassment, criminal behaviour, academic dishonesty and other behaviour unacceptable to the college.

  Dr. Herring also prepared a simplified "Guide to the Dispute Resolution Policy" for Centennial students and one for staff.