Culture of Resilience 2025/26
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Gathering
On September 30, 2025, Surrey Place hosted its first organization-wide National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gathering, creating a dedicated space for staff to reflect, learn, and share responsibility in advancing reconciliation. Developed by the EDIA Innovation team in collaboration with Indigenous partners and organizational leaders, the gathering encouraged staff to deepen their understanding of the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools and consider how the principles of truth and reconciliation can inform their everyday work. By fostering learning, reflection, and meaningful dialogue, Surrey Place continues to strengthen a workplace culture grounded in respect, accountability, and a commitment to reconciliation.
Sharing Knowledge Across the Sector
In Spring 2026, Surrey Place shared its expertise at the Inclusion Symposium’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Community of Practice (EDI CoP), presenting Strengthening Our Organization with Intention: A Process for Gathering Socio-Demographic Data Using an EDIA Approach.
The presentation highlighted Surrey Place’s approach to ethical socio-demographic data collection, including staff engagement, privacy considerations, and building trust throughout the process. By sharing its experience and lessons learned, Surrey Place contributed to sector-wide conversations on advancing equity through thoughtful, evidence-informed organizational practices.
Employment Equity Data Collection
This year, Surrey Place strengthened its commitment to equity by launching its first organization-wide Employment Equity questionnaire. By integrating equity data collection into its People Services systems, Surrey Place is building its capacity to identify systemic barriers, measure progress, and inform equitable recruitment, retention, and advancement practices.
Developed with transparency, privacy, and staff trust at its core, this initiative provides a stronger foundation for evidence-informed decision-making and supports Surrey Place's ongoing commitment to fostering a more inclusive workplace that reflects the communities it serves.
Building Leadership Capacity
In October 2025, Surrey Place launched its Leadership Foundations program, bringing together 16 leaders representing multiple levels of management and departments across the organization. Through this five-week intensive program, participants explored the foundational skills needed to lead effectively at Surrey Place and provided feedback to help shape future delivery. The program was designed to strengthen leadership capability, support ongoing professional growth, and build a shared foundation for leadership across the organization. As Surrey Place continues to evolve, investments in leadership development help create the conditions for stronger teams, greater organizational capacity, and future growth.
Supporting Career Growth Through Mentorship
This year, Surrey Place strengthened its mentorship program to provide more targeted opportunities for staff growth and development. Enhancements included focused support on interview preparation, navigating career pathways within Surrey Place, and building effective networking skills. The impact of the program was reflected in staff advancement: following the February to August 2025 cohort, three participants moved into management positions and 11 participants transitioned into new roles through promotions or lateral career moves. These outcomes included both mentors and mentees and demonstrate Surrey Place’s commitment to developing talent from within.
Advancing Accessible Hiring and Onboarding
Surrey Place continued to strengthen accessibility across the employee experience through its Accessible Hiring and Onboarding Project. Working in partnership with Lived Experience Associates (LEAs), the organization updated key recruitment and onboarding materials—including job postings, interview guides, and onboarding resources to align with principles of universal design and accessibility. This work helps create a more inclusive and equitable experience for current and future employees while supporting Surrey Place’s commitment to reducing barriers across every stage of the employee journey.
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