In November of 2011, the ESC entered into a collaborative partnership with the Knowledge Management Institute of Canada (KMIC) and together conducted an industry stakeholder needs analysis (SNA) which concluded in January 2012. The study was undertaken to help us better understand our current value proposition in relation to the priorities and needs of the sector. Are we effectively addressing the needs of our various stakeholder groups? Are stakeholders utilizing our products and services? Are they realizing tangible benefits from their use? And most importantly, what could we be doing better?

 

Throughout the process we reached out to constituent groups from across Canada for their perspective and input. These groups include Large Utilities, Local Distribution Centres, Trade Unions, Colleges and Universities, Regulators, and Industry Associations.

 

 

• ESC is recognized for producing high quality research studies, particularly our labour market research and succession planning best practices and tools. The majority of you who have used ESC products indicated these products met or exceeded your expectations.

• However, some of you noted that our material was not easily accessible via our website and in certain cases not actionable.

• While there is a general awareness of our research and our website there is also is a level of confusion about the scope of our mandate as well as what differentiates the ESC from other industry associations.

• The ESC is one of the few industry organizations without an advocacy mandate and our efforts to be inclusive and objective in serving the broader needs of the sector is considered to be a key strength to be built upon.

• The biggest challenges facing the sector over the next decade are protecting against the loss of critical knowledge and attracting and retaining key talent.

• Better mechanisms for sharing best practices and for capturing and transferring knowledge between organizations to address industry wide challenges.

• Common metrics and assessment tools in support of regulatory requirements to improve operational effectiveness.

• Just in time, on the job professional development programs, delivered via the Web, which supports the need for workers to continuously upgrade their skills and knowledge to reflect the evolving needs of the industry and the introduction of new technologies.

• The ESC could add value as a "knowledge transfer agent", providing timely access to quality industry research and best practices both from within the industry as well as from other comparable industries facing similar challenges.

• Develop occupational standards and competencies for existing and future roles within the sector to offset the loss of critical knowledge and expertise and to aid in attracting the right talent to the sector.

• Provide opportunities to participate in industry benchmarking studies designed to measure and improve operational effectiveness, knowledge transfer and human and organizational performance.

• Develop workshops, learning programs and assessment tools focused on improving knowledge management, succession planning, attraction and retention and on-boarding practices.

 

We wish to thank all of you who participated in this process and for taking the time to share thoughts, ideas and insights with us. Your feedback and support is essential in helping to ensure the ESC continues to support the needs of stakeholders and the industry in the years ahead.

 

Over the coming months we will be working with our Board as well as our partners to develop and evolve our organization. We look forward to continuing our conversation with you, our industry, as we work towards providing solutions to meet your needs.

 

 

Michelle Branigan

Executive Director

 

Website: www.brightfutures.ca