Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI-B) | Brant Community Healthcare System

A Message from Erin Sleeth, Vice President, People, Culture & Corporate Infrastructure

As someone who has been a part of Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) for over 20 years, I am excited and optimistic about the transformation we are undergoing. At BCHS, we are committed to embedding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI-B) into everything we do. It’s not just a goal—it’s our ongoing commitment to weave DEI-B into the very fabric of our organization.

We intentionally chose to emphasize Belonging alongside our commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, setting us apart from the standard approach. In short, belonging makes DEI initiatives more meaningful because it ensures that inclusion isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a lived experience. When individuals feel they truly belong, they can show up as their authentic selves, leading to deeper engagement, stronger connections, and a more cohesive team. Belonging fosters connection, trust, and a sense of security among staff and the community we serve. It’s what turns diversity and inclusion into a culture that empowers people to feel fully seen, heard, and valued in our workplace.

Our "Celebrate, Educate, and Engage" initiatives have strengthened connections with staff and the community, but our next steps are clear. Guided by our strategic plan and DEI-B vision, we are focused on addressing systemic issues and building lasting change. We remain committed to fostering authentic relationships and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Our next step is to focus on the structural changes needed to create a more inclusive workplace where our employees and community feel welcomed and valued. This will take sustained effort, clear goals, and ongoing accountability, but I am confident that with strong leadership and a shared commitment, we will continue to build an organization that truly reflects and serves the diverse communities we care for.

Definitions of DEI-B

Reflecting on our ongoing journey in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI-B) initiatives at BCHS, this current state report encapsulates our progress and challenges in fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Through comprehensive data collection, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and community insights, we've gained valuable perspectives that shape our organizational approach towards DEI-B.

Marking one of our largest engagement efforts, the quantitative survey data reveals a diverse demographic landscape with significant linguistic and ethnic variety. This is further supported by over 100 hours of informative interviews, focus groups, and meetings that have provided valuable insights into qualitative data and lived experiences. These considerations highlight the strategic importance of inclusivity, psychological safety, and integrating DEI-B into our organizational culture. Addressing systemic issues and microaggressions remains crucial for fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.

This report will guide BCHS's DEI-B priorities, and the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Key Behavioral Insights (KBIs) aligned with the Ontario Health Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Anti-Racism Framework, aiming to close perception gaps and strengthen leadership commitment to create a valued and empowered workplace.

Click here to read an executive summary of the 2024 Current State Report.

Over the past 18 months, BCHS has made significant progress in embedding Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI-B) into our culture. This work is not a one-time initiative. It is an ongoing commitment to transforming how we operate, how we provide care, and how we lead.

Diversity is a fact, equity is the goal, inclusion is the practice, and belonging is the outcome. By placing belonging at the centre, we make DEI-B not only aspirational but lived. When people feel they belong, they engage more fully, collaborate more meaningfully, and thrive.

This roadmap builds on the Current State Report and is grounded in more than 100 hours of staff and community input through surveys, focus groups, and leadership priorities. It aligns with the BCHS 2025–2030 Strategic Plan and the Ontario Health Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Anti-Racism Framework. In January 2025, the Senior Leadership Team confirmed the key focus areas that will guide the next phase of this strategy.

Click here to read the full 2025-2030 DEI-B Roadmap.

Work Being Done at BCHS

At BCHS, we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable organization. Our goals are not just principles, but integral parts of our culture, leadership, and community engagement efforts. Over the past two years we have made significant progress across six key pillars: DEI-B Leadership and Governance, Data Gathering and Insights, Training and Education, Inclusive Practices and Cultural Awareness, Community Engagement and Allyship, and Accountability and Transparency. These pillars serve as the foundation of our efforts to drive meaningful change. The graphic below illustrates the milestones we’ve achieved in these areas, reflecting our ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at BCHS.

We also want to acknowledge that Indigenous reconciliation differs from DEI-B, as it involves fostering a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples based on respect and partnership. For more information in Indigenous Health Services, click here.

"I Belong" Campaign

Aligned with our 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, equity has been a central focus at Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS). As part of our ongoing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI-B) initiatives, we are proud to launch the “I Belong” campaign.

As part of the “I Belong” campaign, BCHS employees, professional staff, and volunteers are given the opportunity to share their personal stories, strengthening a culture of belonging that empowers each individual and deepens our collective mission to provide exceptional care. Together, we’re creating a more inclusive, connected, and empowered BCHS.

Celebrate, Educate and Engage

Our "Celebrate, Educate, Engage" model is a strategic approach to fostering DEI-B at BCHS. It reinforces our commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment, making DEI-B a core part of our culture. By regularly incorporating these elements, we build awareness, promote understanding, and create a sense of belonging.

For more information on our other initiatives, click on the icons below: