Employment Equity & Diversity - Objectives

 

The University strives to create and maintain an equitable employment system on the exclusive basis of merit, regardless of race, gender or disabilities. Western has identified the following employment equity and diversity objectives:

1) Attract the best talent available in an increasingly diverse workforce, ensuring that members of the designated groups are fairly represented in Western’s workforce

  • Assess diversity at Western – This is achieved by means of the employment equity survey. This survey is essential to identify those areas where members of the designated groups (women, visible minorities, Aboriginal persons and persons with disabilities) are under-represented in the workforce. It is an essential tool to determine whether diversity initiatives are working and will allow us to measure success over time.
  • Initiate measures to address under-representation of designated groups in the workforce
    • Ensure that Western’s hiring is supportive of applicants from diverse backgrounds for faculty and staff.
    • Perform proactive outreach recruitment in order to reach qualified people from under-represented groups.

2) Promote a working environment supportive of a diverse workforce

  • Promote an equitable employment system that is fair for all, operates on merit and is free from systemic barriers that might have an adverse effect on the hiring or promotion of any group of people.
  • Ensure that the working environment is free from harassment and discrimination.
  • Promote all necessary ‘reasonable accommodations’ that contribute to removing any barriers which may hinder the career development of members of designated groups.
  • Ensure that individuals in positions to make or influence decisions regarding the status or working conditions of current or prospective employees are aware of our employment equity policies, have received adequate training and implement its core values in all decisions.
  • Raise awareness about employment equity and diversity in Western’s community.