Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding MarComms' 2023-25 IDEA Strategic Framework and action plans.
Not familiar with some of the terms used? Visit this glossary for a better understanding.
An IDEA Strategic Framework is a comprehensive plan that outlines our department's commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment. It encompasses our strategies, goals, and actions to promote an atmosphere where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.
MarComms recognizes the importance of creating an inclusive and equitable workplace that celebrates diversity and accessibility. Aligned with CBC/Radio-Canada's national 2022-25 EDI Plan and 2023-25 Accessibility Plan, the framework serves as a roadmap to ensure that our values align with our actions, leading to a more diverse workforce, a culture of inclusion, and enhanced accessibility for all.
The framework includes several key components:
Inclusion: Fostering a sense of belonging for all employees (regardless of their background) through policies, programs, and initiatives.
Diversity: Encouraging a variety of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to enrich our organization's culture and innovation.
Equity: Ensuring fairness and impartiality in all aspects, from hiring and promotions to resource allocation and decision-making.
Accessibility: Making our physical spaces, digital resources, and communication channels accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities.
The IDEA Action Plans are comprehensive strategies that outline our organization's commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment. These plans detail specific initiatives, goals, and steps that will be taken to create a workplace that values diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all. Each team developed an action plan aligned with their areas of expertise and challenges.
Please note that this is the first year MarComms has built an IDEA strategy with concrete action plans. As a result, the department might only achieve some of the projects by the end of the fiscal year. However, this work is ongoing and is expected that these action plans will evolve over time. Please share any suggestions, questions or concerns with the EDI Lead or the leadership team.
MarComms IDEA Action Plans encompass a range of focus areas, including but not limited to:
Recruitment and Hiring: Strategies for attracting diverse talent and ensuring equitable hiring processes.
Professional Development: Initiatives to promote career growth and skill development for all employees.
Accessible Infrastructure: Enhancing physical spaces and digital platforms for maximum accessibility.
Training and Education: Providing education on inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility to all employees.
Community Engagement: Collaborating with external organizations to foster inclusivity beyond the workplace.
Each action plan was based on the pillars covered in the EDI's national plan "Progress in Progress".
The development of MarComms action plans involved a thorough process:
Data Collection: Gathering relevant data on diversity, equity, and accessibility within the department.
Stakeholder Input: Engaging employees at all levels to provide insights, suggestions, and concerns.
Leader Engagement: Collaborating with the EDI Lead and the leadership team to implement accountability and ensure comprehensive strategies.
Goal Setting: Establishing clear and measurable goals aligned with the organization's values.
The implementation involves a multi-phase approach:
Assessment: Conducting a comprehensive assessment of the department's current state of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
Strategy Development: Crafting a detailed action plan per team that includes specific goals, timelines, and measurable indicators.
Execution: Implementing action plans through various initiatives, such as training opportunities, tools development, awareness campaigns and more.
Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly tracking progress, collecting feedback, and making necessary adjustments to ensure the framework's effectiveness.
Yes, each initiative within MarComms IDEA Action Plans will have specific timelines and milestones to ensure a structured and steady implementation process. However, these timelines and milestones might be subject to change since as a pilot year, it is probable that these action plans will evolve and the department will only achieve some of the projects by the end of the fiscal year.
Yes, since this is the first year MarComms has built an IDEA strategy with concrete action plans, this is a pilot year where plans will be reviewed periodically to assess their effectiveness, make necessary adjustments, and address evolving needs.
Employees can participate in various ways:
Advocating: Share insights, experiences, and suggestions to shape the framework's implementation with the EDI Lead and leaders of your team.
Training: Engage in workshops and training sessions to foster understanding and awareness.
Project Opportunities: Contribute time and expertise to support initiatives aligned with the framework.
Accountability will be maintained through regular progress tracking, designated responsible parties for each initiative, reporting mechanisms, and transparent communication about milestones achieved and challenges faced.
Success will be measured using a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics, such as increased representation of underrepresented groups, enhanced employee satisfaction and engagement, improved accessibility ratings, and reduced disparities in opportunities.
Sustainability will be achieved through continuous monitoring, regular updates to the framework, accountability mechanisms, leadership commitment, and integration of IDEA principles into the department's overall strategy.
Regular updates will be shared through internal communications (i.e. MarComms Connect’s newsletter), all-team meetings, this dedicated IDEA webpage, and other relevant channels. Transparency is a key aspect of this initiative.