Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Registrant Reference Group

Introduction to the EDI RRG, Diversifying the Board, and Truth and Reconciliation

The purpose of the meeting was to explain the scope and focus of this group. The group confirmed the Terms of Reference, were provided with an update of work to date, and the resulting EDI strategy objectives. The group also discussed ideas for how the College could further diversify the Board, options for achieving the EDI strategy, and the path towards meeting the relevant calls to action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Report.

Agenda items included

• Terms of Reference review
• Diversity on the Board
• Reconciliation and EDI Strategy

Advice to Staff

• Consider collecting Board member demographics to support any diversification efforts
• If the Board considers steps towards diversification, it is important that intersectional identities be understood
• If an allocated seat is considered as part of diversification efforts, it should be prioritized for a registrant who self-identifies as Indigenous
• Move forward with truth and reconciliation as a key focus for the College’s EDI strategy

The College’s Practice-Based Risk Approach and Expanding Registrant Demographics Data Collection 

The purpose of the meeting was to finalize the Terms of Reference, discuss RRG practices including presence on website, meeting frequency and summaries. Staff provided context regarding the College’s focus on evidence and research as a key part of the practice-based risk approach. Members discussed expanding demographic collection from registrants to include some of the protected characteristics as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Agenda items included

• Approval of Terms of Reference
• RRG practices: meeting summaries and meeting frequency
• Situating the EDI Framework into the College’s practice-based risk approach
• Expanding demographic data collection

Advice to Staff

• To adopt the Terms of Reference
• Consider expanding registrant demographic data collection to support analysis of systemic barriers experienced by pharmacy professionals

Facilitated Discussion: Understanding how the College can support registrants in respectful and non-discriminatory interactions with patients 

The purpose of the meeting was to update RRG members on relevant Board motions and to provide a road map of 2024 topics that will be brought to the RRG for feedback. Members were also led through a facilitated conversation to discuss key considerations for how to support pharmacy professionals interacting with diverse populations in a way that is respectful and non-discriminatory. Members shared information based on their personal and professional experiences that staff will aggregate into case studies. Any identifying characteristics of cases were not recorded.

Agenda items included

• Review of 2023 RRG activities
• Board updates
• 2024 RRG meeting roadmap
• In Focus: Registrant Workstream (facilitated discussion)

Advice to Staff

• None

Development of case studies to support registrants in respectful and non-discriminatory interactions with patients and College Communication’s Audit Focus Group  

The purpose of the meeting was to review the draft case studies that were developed based on the facilitated conversations from March 4, 2024. Members provided feedback on the case studies and will review the case study responses during the next meeting. The group was also joined by a member of the Communications and Knowledge Mobilization Department who facilitated a focus group related to the College’s communications audit.

Agenda items included

• Case studies: Supporting registrants in respectful and non-discriminatory interactions with patients
• Communications audit

Advice to Staff

• None

Policy Consultation and Implementation Considerations – Supervision of Pharmacy Personal Policy and Human Rights Policy

The purpose of the meeting was to update RRG members on the use of the case studies they developed. Members were led through a facilitated conversation as part of the consultation process relating to the Supervision of Pharmacy Personnel Policy. Members participated in a discussion on how to support registrants understanding the College’s Human Rights Policy. Members provided feedback on the data fields for expanded sociodemographic data collection.

Agenda items included

• Case Studies
• Supervision of Pharmacy Personnel​ – New policy and practice resources
• Human Rights Policy – Registrant supports and other implementations considerations
• Expansion of Demographics Collection – Review Questions

Recommendations

• None

Year in Review and Thinking Ahead

The purpose of the meeting was to update RRG members on the work that had been discussed over the course of 2024. Items included Human Rights Policy, expanded sociodemographic data collection, internal training, policy consultation process, and expanded scope. Members provided feedback on updates and considerations as work unfolds. Members reviewed and approved webpage content. Members had an opportunity to discuss key issues that the College might consider for 2025, examples include AI in pharmacy, addressing stereotypes around substance use, and prescription delivery. Members also provided feedback that the structure and content of meetings continues to be a good use of their time

Agenda items included

• Review Webpage
• Year in Review: Human Rights Policy, Sociodemographics Data Collection, Governance and Board, Policy Consultation, Expanded Scope
• By-Law Review
• Thinking Ahead – Recommended Areas of Focus for 2025

Recommendations

• None