Terms of Reference
Purpose and Scope:
Improving the
employment situation for persons with disabilities in British Columbia
requires the engagement of all partners, particularly businesses who
hire and employ persons with disabilities.
To this end, a Minister's Council on Employment for Persons with Disabilities has been established, with representation from the business, community,
government, and education/training sectors.
The principal
goal of the Council is to advise the Minister of Employment and Income Assistance on
solutions and strategies for increasing the employment, employability
and independence of persons with disabilities, particularly through
partnerships with business and industry throughout British Columbia.
Leadership, partnership
and action by employers, persons with disabilities, governments, community-based
organizations, and other stakeholders are key to the success of the Employment Strategy for Persons With Disabilities.
The Council will
serve as a
"call to action," and as a positive challenge
to the BC business community.
Objectives:
- To identify
barriers, opportunities and best practices for improving employment
outcomes for persons with disabilities.
- To improve
linkages among persons with disabilities and the business community,
businesses and community-based job placement agencies, and major
disability income and service providers.
- To identify
high skill demand sectors and skill shortage areas that could provide
the best opportunities for persons with disabilities.
- To stimulate
the formation of a province-wide business leadership network to
promote the employment of persons with disabilities and to promote
action and solutions.
- To make recommendations
for coordinating and focusing government programs on where they
can be most effective for improving employment outcomes.
Council
Approach:
The Minister will
chair the Council, and will select a Co-Chair from amongst the employers
on the Council. The Council will:
- meet three times
per year to discuss issues and opportunities aimed at improving
employment outcomes for persons with disabilities;
- establish its
own goals and an annual workplan within the context of the above
objectives and direction from the Minister;
- make recommendations
to government representatives for consideration and follow-up;
- invite organizations
and businesses to attend Council meetings and make presentations,
as appropriate;
- report on its
activities through a published annual report; and
- establish sub-committees
or working groups as needed, and be supported by a Ministry staff
secretariat.
Council
Membership:
Members will be
selected based on the following criteria:
- A senior executive
of a BC company or relevant organization.
- Wherever possible,
broad provincial geographic representation through their organization.
- The sector
or employer they represent reflects an employment growth area.
- A commitment
to improving employment outcomes for persons with disabilities.
- Experience
and/or interest in recruiting and employing persons with disabilities.
- An understanding
of, or willingness to learn about barriers to employment faced by
persons with disabilities, and of the BC economy and job market.
Collectively, the
Council membership will represent a variety of industry growth sectors.
Member
Commitment:
By
agreeing to participate, Council members will commit to the following:
- Working
for the improvement of employment outcomes for persons with disabilities.
- Contributing
to government, community, private sector partnerships aimed at
improving employment outcomes for persons with disabilities.
- Building
awareness and creating opportunity within their industry, sector
or region.
- Bringing
forward issues affecting the employment of persons with disabilities
for discussion and resolution.
- Leading
by example and sharing experiences and effective practices for
the employment of persons with disabilities from their own organizations
and sectors.
- Attending
three meetings per year.
- A one, two, or three year term.
|
