Sharmeen Shahidullah and Seb Monsalve of KPMG presented Recommendations with respect to increasing awareness and facilitating Workforce Diversity and Inclusion.
The Committee members provided in response to the presentation the following:
- That a review of hiring in regards to diversity be reviewed from past to present to provide a history and track progress;
- Concern that the graphics and icons do not reflect people with disabilities which is required to reflect inclusion and equity;
- Members discussed census results provided and requested clarity on the numbers and who is identified in the census results;
- Discussion regarding employment standards and progression in recruitment of persons with disabilities both visible and hidden;
- Creating training awareness for employers to facilitate promotion of persons with disabilities; and
- Impact of the pandemic on the $500 accommodation contribution to employers for persons with disabilities to facilitate fulfillment of their needs.
Seb Monsalve and Sharmeen Shahidullah of KPMG and City staff responded as follows:
- That they would look into the accuracy of the statistics discussed which were high level and ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities going forward;
- That the workforce survey did include people who identified with a disability and that this statistic will be tracked over time;
- That the survey does include defining factors regarding disability as well as the ability for persons taking the survey to mention any disabilities not included both visible and invisible;
- That there was an overwhelming response to participation in the focus groups;
- That the survey provides the City hard facts from those who participated and that going forward each time the survey is conducted, it will provide the ability to see a change in the number and that any information provided is kept confidential from the application process and that the questions are voluntary;
- Acknowledgement that over time individuals may feel more comfortable and safe in declaring disability and/or identity;
- Staff reviewing leadership training curriculum and taking this in house and that staff partner together with other sections to work on training and recruitment.