Summary of the Evaluation of the Centre on Diversity and Inclusion
About the program
CDI was established in August 2020 as a temporary, standalone entity within the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer. CDI’s goal was to create a diverse and inclusive public service through focused and accelerated implementation of initiatives across the public service.
We evaluated CDI’s progress toward its outcomes since its inception to March 2023.
Highlights
- CDI somewhat improved horizontal coordination and coherence primarily through the Designated Senior Officials on Employment Equity, Diversity and Inclusion community of practice and the Mentorship Plus Affinity group.
- There is an ongoing need for an organization that focuses on diversity and inclusion in the federal public service that is supported by strong governance, a targeted vision, and a strategic framework which aligns with best practices.
- Departments need access to timely, centralized advice and guidance.
- Temporary funding, combined with a lack of strategic direction and governance, heavy work loads, and high turnover at all levels made it difficult to implement CDI efficiently.
- CDI’s immediate outcomes could not be reasonably achieved in 3 years.
- CDI has not noticeably increased departmental ability for inclusive people management.
- Questions remain around what ‘inclusive management’ means.
Recommendations
- CDI/OCHRO support the public service to fulfill the need for timely, coherent and coordinated policy advice and guidance on equity, diversity and inclusion by operating a policy-focused body with governance mechanisms and defined roles and responsibilities.
- CDI/OCHRO, while maintaining a focus on the program’s mandate, review the resources needed to meet the program’s strategic outcomes, considering the capabilities and competencies required.
- For new diversity and inclusion programs, or changes to existing programs, OCHRO include a change management strategy that acknowledges the role of consistent, sustained leadership as a requirement for systemic change.
- OCHRO increase the likelihood of reaching its outcomes by reviewing governance and risk drivers of new and short-term initiatives.