Previously we relied on one-off surveys to produce information on the EDI data of our members. But we have little accurate information about the protected characteristics of our members and the profession. We know age and sex but we do not know ethnicity for example. Or whether ours is a profession that has people from all socioeconomic backgrounds or accommodates people with disabilities.
With our new member portal all members can now enter their data securely as well as change it whenever you need to - similar to your HCPC registration. This information will be used to provide statistical and analytical information and anonymised reports.
How will the data be used?
We need a baseline so we can target our activities to encourage a better representation and ensure inclusion for all groups in the future. If we accurately know (rather than guess) that there are groups who are underrepresented than we can do something about that.
For example we can:
- Establish whether our membership is representative of society as a whole and a more specific STEM community in particular.
- Establish we have diverse representation at all levels of the organisation and on all committees or whether we need to identify areas of improvement as there is a consistent bias.
- Ensure we provide appropriate resources and equal opportunities for all members to access
- Investigate whether characteristics change as members move up the career ladder
- Evaluate if our grants and awards are awarded fairly or whether certain groups access them disproportionately
- Ensure our practices, events and processes consider everyone’s needs (access, religious customs, caring responsibilities etc)
- Focus outreach activities on schools with lower socioeconomic background and higher levels of different ethnicities.
- Supply accurate (anonymised!) workforce data to help with wider NHS and government planning and activities.
Do I have to provide this information?
Every question we ask has a “prefer not to say” option so even though we ask everyone to work through the survey what you share is based on your consent.
I already completed this a survey before, why again?
The way we collect this data is changing. We now have a system which uses the members’ portal rather than a standalone survey and that means you can change them on your record (for example to note a disability you did not have previously).
If you have any questions please contact Eva McClean, EDI and Member Networks Manager eva@ipem.ac.uk