The Self-Identification Survey is a voluntary survey designed to collect demographic and identity-based information about prospective candidates (job applicants) as part of SickKids’ ongoing commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion. The questions are intended to help us learn more about our talent pool and how applicants may reflect groups who have been historically marginalized and underrepresented in the workforce. 

Further informing the purpose of this data collection is the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s guide Count me in! Collecting human rights-based data, which identifies the value of collecting identity-based data when used for the purposes of dismantling systemic barriers and improving equality for persons with identities that are protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Efforts regarding the collection and use of survey data are informed by Ontario’s Anti-Racism Data Standards through the Anti-Racism Directorate. 

This survey is designed to support the priorities outlined in the SickKids Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: to “achieve a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community” though the development of data-driven recruitment tools and removal of systemic barriers that deny equitable career opportunities. 

Our goal is to use the aggregated information to: 

• assess the diversity of our current talent pool; 
• recognize and address potential systemic barriers to equitable recruitment; and 
• design new measures to achieve greater equity, diversity and inclusion related to the recruitment and selection process. 

During the job application process in the Careers portal (known as PeopleSoft), applicants will be prompted to complete the Self-Identification Survey. If you would prefer not to provide a response or do not feel comfortable answering a particular question, you may select “Prefer not to answer” for any or all of the questions. 

To learn more, ask questions or provide any feedback about the Self-Identification Survey, please contact ask.hr@sickkids.ca. 

Self-identification is the voluntary disclosure of a person's identity, which can be understood as a state of being, becoming and/or actively under construction. The survey asks individuals to select if they self-identify as a member of one or more of the designated equity priority groups, which can include the sharing of personal details considered protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.  

For the purposes of this survey, identity-based questions included are those that ask applicants to indicate gender identity, racial and ethnic background, sexual orientation, if they identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, if they identify as Indigenous, or if they identify as a person with a non-apparent or apparent disability. 

In this survey, Indigenous Peoples are understood as being distinctly unique from equity priority groups as the original stewards of this land. Equity priority groups are to be understood as all other identity communities experiencing or who have experienced historical or current-day systemic oppressions resulting in barriers to access to opportunity. 

The Self-Identification Survey recognizes the intersectional nature of identities as both unique and complex to the lived experience of candidates. The process of self-identification also acknowledges that overlapping identities can play a critical role in further limiting access to opportunity. This survey aims to support candidates in using self-determination to provide responses where they feel comfortable doing so.  

The Self-Identification Survey was developed collaboratively by the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office, Human Resources and Data Office at SickKids. 

Great care and review was taken to ensure survey wording balances inclusion, reportability and respect for privacy, and the design of the survey is based on research of current approaches to self-identification as well as a series of feedback sessions with invested parties at SickKids.  

The selection of equity priority groups and questions related to those groups was informed by the Government of Canada’s Employment Equity Act and the Ontario Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism Framework. In addition, recognizing that other groups experience marginalization, this survey also includes a question focused on the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. 

Further informing the purpose of this data collection is the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s guide Count me in! Collecting human rights-based data, which identifies the value of collecting identity-based data when used for the purposes of dismantling systemic barriers and improving equality for persons with identities that are protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Efforts regarding the collection and use of survey data are informed by Ontario’s Anti-Racism Data Standards through the Anti-Racism Directorate. 

Our equity, diversity and inclusion efforts are always evolving. We commit to improving the survey over time, based on feedback and research on industry best practices and progress related to self-identification.  

No, this is a voluntary survey. All job applicants are asked to complete the Self-Identification Survey as part of the job application process; however, if you would prefer not to provide a response, you may select “Prefer not to answer" for any or all of the questions. 

We know and recognize providing this information may be sensitive for applicants. We welcome and encourage your participation in the survey and sincerely thank you for your contribution to our inclusive recruitment efforts. 

No, your individual responses will be kept confidential and will not be used as a basis for any employment decision affecting you and will not be visible to hiring managers. All reports based on this information will be aggregated so no individual can be identified. 

Self-identification responses will not be seen by anyone. The data will be kept confidential and will adhere to applicable privacy legislation. All reports developed by the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office and Decision Support will be based on aggregated information so no individual responses can be identified. 

Working with our information management technology, legal, data and privacy offices, we will follow necessary precautions to ensure that survey response integrity is maintained and is protected with restricted access, are used only for intended purposes as supported by Ontario’s Anti-Racism Data Standards and the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and that the survey is improved over time based on feedback and research on industry best practices and progress related to self-identification. 

The survey has identity-based questions that ask applicants to indicate gender identity, racial and ethnic background, sexual orientation, if they identify as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, if they identify as Indigenous, or if they identify as a person with a non-apparent or apparent disability. 

Language on diversity and identity is always evolving. We recognize that terms used to describe identity and the categories offered in the survey may not feel reflective for all individuals and how you identify. A definition document is available in the survey to provide clarity on categories. 

Please select the responses that best reflect you, or if you are uncomfortable doing so, select "Prefer not to answer" for any or all questions. 

Yes, we ask all applicants complete the survey and provide responses for as many questions as you feel comfortable; this is essential to providing a complete picture of the diversity of our talent pool. 

No, the survey is a tool that aims to support data-driven measures to make hiring more equitable and inclusive for all applicants. It aims to include, rather than exclude, and help ensure all individuals have equal access to employment opportunities and accommodations in the recruitment and hiring process.  

While we acknowledge that the survey may evoke feelings of discomfort or uncertainty, SickKids will use the information from the survey to address conditions that may have led to disadvantages in employment for historically marginalized and equity priority groups, in line with our organizational commitment to advance equity, diversity and inclusion. 

No, you don’t have to self-identify every time you apply; however, as an applicant, you have access to review and update your information in My Account Information page in the Careers portal (known as PeopleSoft) at any time. We encourage applicants to review the information each time they apply for a job and update the information as needed. 

To learn more, ask questions or provide any feedback about the Self-Identification Survey, please contact ask.hr@sickkids.ca.