Policy and EDI Work

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EDI Work

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Bettering Equity, Diversion, & Inclusion Practices

Updating Policies

Choices for Youth’s (CFY) Human Resources (HR) team began the process of reviewing and updating CFY Personnel Policies in October 2022. We secured the services of an outside consultant with experience in non-profit policy development to conduct a comprehensive review of our existing HR policies to identify areas for improvement.

The policy update project started with a literature review and an analysis of best practices. The consultant studied the HR policies of two local organizations – a non-profit and a municipality – and performed a gap analysis which identified additions and changes to be made to CFY HR policies.

The consultant then engaged one-on-one with CFY Senior Leadership, bringing these gaps to their attention. The next step was completed by offering a survey to the leadership team aimed at assessing the most high-priority items that must be included in the updated policy. With this information in hand, the consultant created a framework for developing a new CFY HR policy manual.

The policy update is still ongoing as we are looking to dive into updating and editing CFY policies in the coming year. This project will culminate in the creation of a brand-new HR manual which will be available to all CFY staff.

16%

of staff identified as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community
(88% response rate)

of staff identified as a
person with disability
(100% response rate)

of staff identified as
being indigenous

(92% response rate)

of staff identified as part
of the visible minority
(94% response rate)

As part of our ongoing Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) work, CFY conducted a survey with staff during October 2022 and January 2023, which had an overall response rate of 63%.

Bettering Equity, Diversion,
& Inclusion Practices

CFY is committed to incorporating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) practices into its HR policies and day-to-day actions.

EDI policies and practices create a more diverse workforce where people from different backgrounds and experiences can collaborate and share their perspectives, leading to a happier work environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable being themselves. In 2022, we went through a comprehensive process of reviewing and updating our commitment to EDI. This process included engagement with youth, staff, and marginalized communities. CFY is pleased to share our updated EDI statement, which will be included on all CFY job ads and other public materials. Furthermore, EDI will be a major focus of our Strategic Plan as we solidify our commitments to prioritizing and supporting diverse staff, youth, and community partners in everything we do.

Choices for Youth (CFY) strives towards a culture of inclusion and empowerment, one where there’s a sense of belonging and safety while prioritizing diversity across the organization, including in its Board of Directors composition, employment practices, staff, policies, programming, and services. CFY actively works to support program participants, staff, and volunteers who identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized and/or as members of other equity-seeking and/or religious, cultural and other communities; members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community; people with disabilities; and people from a variety of social and economic backgrounds. CFY is committed to providing support and accommodations to all involved with the organization, including employees, program participants, and volunteers. Should you require support or accommodation(s) to enable your participation within CFY’s programs, and/or during the hiring, selection, or employment process please let us know at any point.