Request for Proposals - Diversity Equity and Inclusion Organizational Audit 

Background

CCEDNet is a values-based, non-profit association committed to connecting people and ideas for action that builds local economies, strengthens communities, and benefits everyone. We have members throughout Canada, including organizations, networks, and individuals who are strengthening sustainable and equitable local economies. Members are active across many sectors such as community development, social enterprise, rural development, co-operative development, employment development, and housing.

We are committed to the values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Dignity, Self-Determination, Solidarity, and Local Control. Together, we are working towards sustainable and inclusive communities directing their own social, environmental, and economic futures through our Theory of Change.

About the Opportunity

CCEDNet is seeking the services of a Canadian consulting firm or individual(s) to complete an organization-wide audit through a lens of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The consultant will conduct an analysis of CCEDNet’s organizational policies and practices and recommend changes to address internal gaps or misalignment with DEI principles. 

It is understood that the contracted consultant(s) may need to subcontract other individuals to 
ensure the audit team includes expertise from Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, 
persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and/or religious minorities perspectives. The consultant(s) will work closely with members of the Leadership Team and staff from a variety of teams and positions in CCEDNet’s organizational structure. 
 

Project Scope

We expect this project to improve organizational policies and practices around anti-oppression and co-liberation from perspectives of intersectional lived experience. Ensuring we meet the needs of our members, employees, partners and volunteers.

Our goals include

• Developing a baseline assessment of our current organization policies and practices in relation to diversity, equity and inclusion. 
• Having actionable steps to address gaps and/or misalignments. 

Deliverables and Desired Outcomes

• Conduct a baseline assessment of CCEDNet’s current organizational practices and level of DEI awareness and competency (Literature review, data and document review, interviews, consultation, etc.) to develop a portrait of our organizational climate in relation to our goal of practicing our values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Dignity, Self-Determination, Solidarity and Local Control. 
• Written report detailing key themes including an analysis of the gaps and disconnect between our current policies and practices and the future/desired state.
• Recommendations for changes to implement (including specific new policies or changes to current policies), and actions. 
• Presentations (virtual) of the finding and recommendations to the Leadership Team, Board and all staff.

Budget and Timeline

Our current budget for the project is $40,000 plus applicable taxes. Our desired timeline is a completed project by December 2022. 

Proposal Requirements

• Company name (including GST number and incorporation number if applicable), and contact information (address, email, phone number, and website). 
• Name and position of individual who will oversee the project, as well as project team members (if applicable) including brief professional biographies and an explanation of interest in this work. 
• Outline of previous experience:
• Providing consulting services, including organizational policy audits or assessments to diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Working with organizations in the non-profit sector. 
• Utilizing a variety of in-person and online facilitation techniques and platforms to meet deliverables. 
• Sample list of past and current clients including any relevant commentary on outcomes and impact of this work. 
• Description of your approach to this work: 
• Identification of which deliverables you can address. 
• Your consultation approach to centering the experiences of Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and religious minorities. 
• Work plan describing methodologies, approaches, timelines, and roles and responsibilities for how the work will be accomplished. 
• Description of anticipated risks and difficulties, and proposed strategies to address them. 
• Confirmation of willingness to work alongside other consulting firms or individuals to achieve the deliverables, if applicable. 
• Expected compensation and other estimated costs including a breakdown of the proposed budget by deliverable. 
• Confirmation that you hold General Liability Insurance in an amount of not less than $2,000,000 

Interested proponents are invited to review our parallel RFP for Anti-oppression & Co-liberation Training and Development and are welcome to submit a proposal for both, leveraging each mandate in mutually supportive ways, where relevant.   

Please submit proposals by 5pm Pacific on September 7, 2022 to hr-rh@ccednet-rcdec.ca with “DEI Audit RFP Response” in the subject line. 

We thank all interested parties and look forward to reviewing your proposal. 

Contacts:

Mike Toye
Executive Director
mtoye@ccednet-rcdec.ca

Donna Hall
Director, Human Resources
d.hall@ccednet-rcdec.ca