Our commitment and values
Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are core principles at PRA. We value our employees’ unique perspectives and believe in the immense value that a diverse workforce brings. We understand the importance of ensuring an inclusive workplace, focussed on principles of equity and fairness, for creating a safe and supportive work culture that brings out the best in people. We are committed to providing a working environment that is free of discrimination, and continuously work to understand and address systemic barriers and inequities that impact our employees in the workplace.
At PRA, we recognize that researchers have a role to play in addressing systemic issues affecting people’s lives and dismantling systematic and structural oppression. As research consultants, we are in a position to support and influence decisions made by our clients. We take this position seriously and are committed to placing EDI principles at the heart of all of our work.
PRA strongly believes that continued development, celebration, and promotion of EDI will result not only in a stronger work culture where all employees are empowered to live as their most authentic selves and realize their full potential, but will also result in better, more impactful research.
Our approach
PRA staff and management work continuously to act on our EDI commitments and values.
EDI principles are reflected in our company-wide policies and practices; we review all internal policies and procedures to ensure that they continually reflect our commitment to EDI. PRA is an equal opportunity employer; we embrace the various identities, abilities, cultures, skills, perspectives, and experiences that our staff bring. Recognizing differences, we strive to achieve substantive equality for all staff in their work life. PRA promotes and supports staff training in anti-racism, unconscious bias, and various other EDI-related topics. We facilitate employee efforts to continuously develop awareness and understanding of EDI principles by undertaking both general and research-specific training on a regular basis.
PRA staff promote the integration of EDI-related considerations into our research design and practice in various ways. We engage in active listening to understand our clients’ needs and the needs of those participating in our research. We work to understand, address, and remove systemic barriers to participation of individuals from equity-deserving and underrepresented groups, and create safe and trusting spaces for participation. We engage diverse voices in our research, ensuring that all participants can participate in a way they are comfortable with, and which works best for them.
PRA’s internal EDI Committee has an explicit mandate to support the incorporation of the principles of EDI into all of PRA’s internal policies and practices and external research activities. We view this EDI statement as a “living” policy that will continue to evolve as we continue to learn, reflect, and grow.
Our understanding: Defining equity, diversity, and inclusion
PRA recognizes that equity, diversity, and inclusion are complex concepts that have been defined in various ways. PRA considers the following definitions as a starting point for our understanding of these principles:
Equity
The principle of considering people’s unique experiences and differing situations, and ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities that are necessary for them to attain just outcomes. Equity aims to eliminate disparities and disproportions that are rooted in historical and contemporary injustices and oppression.
Diversity
The variety of identities found within an organization, group or society. Diversity is expressed through factors such as culture, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, language, education, physical abilities and disabilities, family status or socioeconomic status.
Inclusion
The practice of using proactive measures to create an environment where people feel welcomed, respected and valued, and to foster a sense of belonging and engagement. This practice involves changing the environment by removing barriers so that each person has equal access to opportunities and resources and can achieve their full potential.
Source: Government of Canada. Guide on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Terminology. https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/en/publications/equite-diversite-inclusion-equity-diversity-inclusion-eng