Equity, diversity and inclusion

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Dimensions

Handbook

The handbook is intended to help institutions complete their application to receive Dimensions recognition. It can also inform institutions who want advice on how to address inequity, exclusion and a lack of diversity even if they are not quite ready to apply for recognition. It provides comprehensive information and tips for institutions that aim to achieve research cultures and practices that are equitable, diverse, and inclusive.

If you wish to receive a digital copy of the complete handbook, please send an email to dimensionsedi@nserc-crsng.gc.ca.

Chapter 1 – Inclusive assessment

This chapter outlines the approach to conducting an assessment of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in a postsecondary institution - an assessment that is, itself, inclusive of many voices. The chapter outlines foundational principles, types of evidence and tools. It also provides a high-level guide to the four stages of recognition and the cyclic process to achieve recognition and, hence, to improve EDI. The chapter provides a discussion of EDI in the research ecosystem, with references to other literature for those interested in the theoretical foundation of EDI.

Chapter 2 – Self-assessment team

In this chapter, institutions will receive guidance on creating and managing a self-assessment team (SAT), which will play a critical role in the Dimensions application. This chapter will introduce the role, membership composition, and structure of the SAT, and will help to navigate questions around compensation, distribution of the work, and training. It also includes information on how to report on the SAT in the final application.

Chapter 3 – Engagement strategy

This chapter lays out the groundwork for culturally accessible, respectful and safe engagement with the individuals and groups that make up the institution’s research ecosystem. This chapter provides an approach for recognizing the local and broader social contexts that impact the institution’s communities, building trust and reciprocal relationships, and engagement with the specific equity-deserving groups named in the Dimensions process.

Chapter 4 – Environmental scan

In this chapter, the focus is on generating a scan of the policies, structures and systems that inform day-to-day life in the research community. It provides details regarding the scope of this scan and the collection process, including a look at how an institution’s internal context and the geographic and cultural context in which it is situated inform its EDI work.

Chapter 5 – Data collection and analysis

In this chapter, there is further elaboration of the scope of the research community as it relates to drawing out and listening to community members’ stories. The chapter describes the quantitative and qualitative data-related expectations for the Dimensions application and provides resources for benchmarking and setting targets.

Chapter 6 – Action plan

This chapter provides direction for the development of the evidence-informed, context-appropriate five-year action plan that will form the core of the Dimensions application and future work.