CPAWSB Self-Identification Survey Results
In 2022, CPAWSB introduced its Statement of Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). This step is a significant part of our overarching strategy that underlines our efforts to synchronize our operations, governance, and organizational culture with our deeply held values. This Statement recognizes the continuously changing EDI landscape and underscores our commitment to adaptively engage with our employees, learners, contractors, partners, and the community at large.
Survey Administration
In our pursuit of a deeper understanding of EDI within our organization, we collaborated with an independent research firm, Prairie Research Associates (PRA) to conduct an EDI survey among our learners. The survey was designed to gain better insight into our learners' diversity and their experiences and perceptions related to equity and inclusion at the School. The survey aims to inform the creation and implementation of data-driven programming. The findings will directly contribute to shaping CPAWSB’s EDI strategy and action plan.
With over three decades of expertise in conducting research for various sectors, including government, non-profit organizations, the private sector, and post-secondary institutions, PRA ensures reliable and unbiased survey administration.
Methodology
All active learners in the CPA preparatory courses and CPA PEP were approached with an email invitation from our CEO, encouraging their participation in the EDI survey. Following this, PRA dispatched emails to these learners containing a distinct link to the survey, ensuring their confidentiality and anonymity. The data collection commenced on June 14 and concluded on July 9, 2023, using PRA's secure online platform. It's crucial to highlight that only aggregate data was presented to CPAWSB, with no means to trace responses to individual participants. The sanctity of personal privacy remains uncompromised.
Limitation
As is often the case in most surveys, there was the risk of a self-selection bias. Since the survey was voluntary, it is possible that those who took part in the survey may differ from those who did not (e.g., in terms of demographics or motivation to participate). Nevertheless, the response rate was 20.70%, with an error rate of +/-1.6% (based on a 95% confidence interval). While recognizing this limitation, the data still represents the insights and experiences of 3,127 CPAWSB learners.
Next Steps
Information from the survey will provide our staff, leadership, and partners with a framework to prioritize and develop strategies, goals and actions to realize the commitments toward EDI as reflected in our Statement of Commitment. The principles of equity, diversity and inclusion must be embedded in all our objectives and endeavours as an organization and learning institution. Thus, ownership and responsibility over EDI efforts must be shared among the different teams and partners.
