In support of the Clerk’s Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion, key findings from Many Voices One Mind as well as the Dr. Zellar’s Study on the Black Executive Community in the Federal Public Service, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has adapted the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Mentorship Plus initiative.
ESDC’s adaptation, titled “From Mentorship to Sponsorship”, aims to leverage mentoring group sessions led by a DM level sponsor (or other identified lead) and facilitated by the Contractor, as well as sponsorship relationships with senior ESDC executives to:
- Help navigate the system for upward career mobility;
- Facilitate increased visibility in informal networks; and,
- Provide access to developmental opportunities to build skills necessary for the executive cadre.
The program hosts different cohorts of executives at the EX01 to EX03 levels who are members of employment equity (EE) and equity seeking groups. Currently, two cohorts exist: Black executives and Indigenous executives. Additional cohorts of executives with Disabilities, from the Visible Minority community, Women and executives who are members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community may be initiated in the coming years to address the needs of additional EE and equity seeking groups.
Leadership development consultant services are required to provide support, on an as and when requested basis, in the preparation and facilitation of group mentoring sessions led by the Deputy Minister (DM) (or other identified lead), who will be the Departmental sponsor for this Initiative.
