OSPE - The Voice - Winter 2021 - 19

NEWS & EVENTS
WHAT YOU TOLD US
The consultation process revealed several rich insights related
to what is working well with OSPE, what needs to improve, and
what constituents would like to see included among the direction
and priorities of the organization going forward. Some highlights
include the following:
1
Advocacy Continues to be a Primary Strategic Focus
for OSPE and is a Strength to Build Upon
* Operating from a strong position regarding its advocacy.
The organization should continue to expand its highprofile
advocacy efforts on key issues where engineers and
engineering add value.
* There is an opportunity to improve communication and
messaging to members about its advocacy activities - and
importantly - how this work impacts the profession.
* Looking ahead, OSPE should play a greater role on advocacy
initiatives that advance the professional interests of
professional engineers, particularly with the regulator
(PEO), employers, and the public.
* OSPE needs to hold the regulator (PEO) accountable and be
more assertive in speaking out where the regulator
2
Continued Focus on Membership Growth, Value and
Engagement Critical to OSPE's Sustainability and
Success
* Despite efforts to boost membership growth, the association
represents just ~10% of the profession in Ontario, creating
challenges for the association in its role as a credible
advocate for professional engineers. Growing membership
is an important focus for OSPE over the next few years.
* OSPE has made good headway in efforts to engage
students, young professionals and internationally educated
professionals, efforts that must continue and be enhanced
going forward.
* A strategic focus on student engagement - OSPE's 'future'
members - is a must going forward. OSPE has additional
opportunities to support these individuals as they enter the
profession and must focus on establishing a strong and 'early'
connection via student groups, mentorship programs, career
advice and support, as well a facilitating access to financial
grants and supports.
* The onset of mandatory continuing education presents an
opportunity for OSPE to offer more technical courses and
training, as well as to continue growing its online offerings.
* Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) was a strong theme
throughout the consultation process. Stakeholders
acknowledge the efforts OSPE has made to foster a more
inclusive and diverse environment across the profession.
They are pushing OSPE to do even more to lead both the
organization and the broader engineering sector in Ontario to
become truly inclusive and representative of the population
3
Organizational Considerations
* OSPE is 'small but mighty' and achieves great results for
an organization with limited resources. Discussion may be
warranted on re-evaluating some services and initiatives
that aren't delivering value relative to the resources
required. Focusing on doing a few things well is an important
consideration.
* There are opportunities for OSPE to partner more with
other organizations across areas that contribute to the value
proposition for members. For example:
» Partnership with specialist technical associations could
lead to stronger advocacy on technical issues.
» Education could be enhanced through partnership with
institutions and associations with a focus on education
delivery.
» Partnership with post-secondary institutions and faculties
could result in better student engagement.
* Perceptions remain about attracting thought-leaders to
the OSPE board of directors who understand the role of a
professional advocacy association.
* There are opportunities to work more collaboratively with
PEO. For example, OSPE advocates on policy to government
and may consult PEO to see where interests align.
NEXT STEPS
A fulsome research report was developed summarizing the research
findings and strategic considerations for OSPE going forward. This
report will be used to inform the strategic planning process, which
will include a Portage Group-facilitated virtual workshop and a
strategic planning workshop with the OSPE Board of Directors.
Following the development of the draft strategy, members will have
further opportunity to provide input into the refinement of the plan
through a series of input and feedback sessions in early 2022. Thank
you for your continued input and support into this critical process!
If you have any questions or would like to get involved in providing
input, please email ambassadors@ospe.on.ca.
December 2021 THE VOICE
19
OSPE - The Voice - Winter 2021

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