Data Insights: First Findings from the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative
Launched during the 2024 renewal period, the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative invites registrants to share demographic information on a voluntary basis. The initiative is based on the fundamental principle that only what is measured can be effectively understood and improved.
We were extremely pleased with the participation rate in the initiative’s inaugural year and are happy to share that approximately 66.5% of registrants chose to take part in the initiative. The following insights highlight the key findings and trends from collected data. We acknowledge that these insights do not provide a complete or perfect picture of the demographics of all social workers and social service workers, since participation is voluntary. They serve as an important starting point in understanding the diversity within the professions.
66
.5%
66.5% of registrants chose to take part in the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative’s inaugural year.
Our First Year in Numbers: What the Data Reveals
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The number of registrants who consented to share their data with the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative is 18,551.
Age of registrants by generation
INDIGENOUS IDENTITY: ONTARIO COMPARISON
4.4% of participants identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit
In comparison to the 2.9% Indigenous population of Ontario (based on the 2021 Canadian Census).
RACIAL IDENTITY
RACIAL IDENTITY: ONTARIO COMPARISON
34.4% of participants identify as racialized.
In comparison to the 26.5% of Ontarians who identify as racialized (based on the 2021 Canadian Census).
ETHNIC IDENTITY: TOP 50
Religious and spiritual affiliation
Languages spoken, other than English or French
Persons with a disability
DISABILITY TYPES: ONTARIO COMPARISON
28% of participants identify as living with a disability.
In comparison to the 21% of Ontarians who identify as living with a disability (based on the 2022 Canadian Survey of Disabilities).
Types of disabilities
Gender identity
Transgender identity
Sexual Orientation
From Insights to Impact: What’s Next for the Initiative
With this initial data, we can begin to collaborate with our engagement groups to address systemic barriers and inform equity initiatives to better serve the Ontario public. Moving forward, the College will:
• Present findings to social work and social service work educators for potential trend analysis between the College’s registrant base and their student population;
• Share key findings with our government partners;
• Collaborate with the professional associations, who can advocate for more diverse representation within the professions;
• Seek feedback from registrants as part of our commitment to continuous improvement; and
• Continue to collaborate with Council and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee to advance meaningful action.
We express our sincere gratitude to all registrants who chose to take part in the Equity and Inclusion Data Initiative. Your data will support the College in evidence-based decision-making and will provide valuable insights into the degree to which the diversity of the Ontario public is reflected in College registration. As we continue this journey, we remain committed to meaningful engagement and collaboration, using this data to better serve the Ontario public.
