What We Heard Report: How the Defence Community Support and Resource Centre (DCSRC) should consult with the wider Defence community

On this page

• Introduction
• What we heard
• What we have done
• Next steps
• Acknowledgement
• Contact us

Introduction

In October and November 2023, the Defence Community Support and Resource Centre (DCSRC) held consultations with individuals affected by sexual misconduct from across the wider Defence Community, with the goal of refining the consultation approach to be trauma-informed, client centered, and culturally humble.

Virtual group consultation sessions were held, drawing a diverse group of participants from across the country and the wider Defence Community. This included current and former CAF members, DND employees, supporters and service providers.

Consultation questions were developed by the DCSRC Partnerships Team and reviewed by advisors specializing in research, communications, trauma-informed approaches and Gender-based Analysis Plus.

Participants provided guidance on how the DCSRC could enhance participants' sense of safety and establish effective engagement tools and guidelines.

Below are the key themes highlighted throughout the consultation sessions.

What we heard

Preferred consultation methods

Participants expressed a strong preference to be consulted using direct communication methods such as email, telephone, and group sessions. They appreciated receiving preparatory materials before sessions and the ability to follow-up after.

They also suggested having other options, such as surveys with clear instructions and a mix of open-ended and multiple-choice questions.

Offering multiple consultation methods would help ensure that all participants can engage in ways that meet their needs, leading to enhanced quality and more diverse feedback.

Consultations frequency and timing

Participants expressed a preference for regular, consistent consultations aligned with significant policy or legislative changes to ensure that they are responsive to the community.

Regular, well-timed consultations would allow the DCSRC to adapt to evolving needs without causing consultation fatigue.

Support and safety considerations

Participants highlighted the importance of having clear time commitments, privacy protocols, and the option to bring a support person for added comfort.

Transparent communications and support mechanisms would help create a safe and empowering environment where participants feel valued and able to share openly.

Consultation documentation and accountability

Participants expressed a preference for having a formal Terms of Reference (ToR) document to define roles, responsibilities and a code of conduct to encourage respectful and safe interactions for participants.

Having a well-defined ToR document would help foster accountability, trust and clear expectations for all participants.

What we have done

The DCSRC has taken key steps to address the feedback received. For example, we have:

• revised communication processes for the Community Consultations, including providing more detailed information when scheduling sessions
• drafted the Terms of Reference document to outline roles and responsibilities for participants and DCSRC staff
• simplified the Expression of Interest Form to make it easier for participants to join the initiative and to specify their preferred communication method
• introduced an anonymous survey to allow participants to suggest consultation topics confidentially
• reviewed and updated privacy measures, including using enhanced measures for MS Teams invitations and meetings
• updated emergency contact processes
• introduced the option for participants to bring a support person

Next steps

Moving forward the DCSRC will:

• finalize and share the Terms of Reference to establish clear consultation processes and foster transparency
• develop a flexible consultation schedule, aligning sessions with significant policy changes or emerging community issues
• clearly outline time commitments and expectations at the start of each consultation

Acknowledgement

Thank you to all participants for your time, insights, and expertise. Your input is invaluable in shaping DCSRC’s approach and will continue to guide our programs. We are dedicated to keeping the Defence community informed about how your feedback is shaping the development of our initiatives.

Contact us

For questions about this session, contact us at SMSRC.Partnerships-Partenariats.CSRIS@forces.gc.ca.

You can also contact DND.SMSRC-CSRIS.MDN@forces.gc.ca or the DCSRC confidential 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648.

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