A. Following the 2007 HR Council forum in Halifax, questions were raised about the non-profit and voluntary sector in Nova Scotia. Traditionally, the province has been included in block information with the rest of the Maritimes or Atlantic Canada and little data is available specific to Nova Scotia and the human resource issues facing our own non-profit agencies. One of the goals of the research is to help the non-profit sector understand itself as well as situating our work within the broader labour context of the province.

Q2. What will this project hope to accomplish?

A. The proposed survey will provide a comprehensive review of paid employment in the non-profit sector across Nova Scotia. In turn, this will lead to the development of up-to-date information, sources of good practice on human resource and labour market issues together with potential for improved action and cross-sector relationships. By actively involving key stakeholders at all stages of activities, it will specifically address gaps in knowledge in the following areas:

• Size and scope of the sector in Nova Scotia in relation to economic contribution;
• Educational and training experience, employment history and salary levels of frontline workers, middle managers, senior managers and executive directors;
• Rates of staff turnover as well as push and pull factors associated with staff turnover;
• Identification of short-term and longer-term knowledge, skills and expertise needs for the sector;
• Identification of specific challenges in attracting and retaining �talent� in Nova Scotia voluntary organizations;
• Exploration of current (and possible future) staff retention strategies with a view to future needs.

Q3. Why did the Federation of Community Organizations and Phoenix Youth Programs partner for this study?

A. Given labour market trends in the province generally and in the non-profit sector specifically, both FOCO and Phoenix felt that there was a need for leadership to realize this type of research and that a partnership would be the best way to move forward.

Both agencies have specific and valuable contributions to make for a study on how the non-profit sector in Nova Scotia can attract and retain the very best of talent. As a membership-based umbrella organization, part of FOCO's mandate is to represent the interests of non-profits, including their human resource needs. Phoenix, as an on-the-ground non-profit agency providing programs and services to homeless and at risk youth in Halifax, brings to the table its experience in hiring and retaining staff. In addition, with 75 staff, eight locations in HRM and more than 22 years in operation, Phoenix provides the administrative oversight with the funder, Service Canada.

Q4. Who sets the direction of the research?

A. The project management is conducted by the Federation of Community Organizations and Phoenix Youth Programs. Both the Advisory Group and the Sector Reference Group (membership for both groups is available on this website) were part of formulating the research question. The Advisory Group is responsible for overseeing the research direction and for setting protocols for the consultant. The Sector Reference Group is comprised of representative agencies from across the province and is consulted at various stages of the research to ensure we are staying on track and that our responses reflect their lived reality.

Q5. Why has an outside consulting company been hired to conduct the research?

A. Neither FOCO nor Phoenix is a labour market research organization. By employing an outside agency, we are able to purchase the requisite skills and ensure the confidentiality of participants, as well as allowing for appropriate data analysis. In response to a call for proposals in which applicants submitted research proposals and made presentations to a subcommittee of the Advisory Group, Gardner Pinfold was contracted to conduct the research for this study. Gardner Pinfold has experience in conducting labour market studies and, located in Halifax, has an understanding of the province overall.

Q6. How do I know the research will represent the interests of my organization?

A. Many measures have been taken to collect as wide a range of interests as possible. The composition of the Advisory Group and the Sector Reference Group, the regional focus groups and the one-on-one interviews with agencies are all intended to ensure diversity of organizations and interests so that none are left behind.

Q7. When do you expect the results of the study?

A. The design of the study has been geared to ensure the fullest involvement of organizations across the province. As such, in addition to an online survey, data collection will also involve one-on-one interviews, focus groups and meetings of the Advisory Group and the Sector Reference Group. The goal is to have final results available in the fall of 2010 with the completion of the project by December 2010.

Q8. Will there be a chance for everyone involved to discuss the results?

A. Yes. A conference has been scheduled for October 2010 for all those wanting to discuss the results of the research. At the conference, the research consultants, the Advisory Group and the Sector Reference Group will be on hand to answer any questions. In addition, there will be an opportunity for participants to work together to discuss recommendations and next steps to ensure the long-term health of the non-profit sector in Nova Scotia.

Q9. What parts of the research will be made available to the general public?

A. The commitment of those involved in the research is to ensure transparency and accountability. As such, aggregate data that does not compromise the confidentiality of participants will be made available online on this website. Similarly, the research findings overall will be on this website as well as those of the Federation of Community Organizations, Phoenix Youth Programs and the HR Council.

Q10. Is participating in the research confidential? Will my information be shared with others?

A. The confidence of participants is a sacred trust and their confidentiality is of the utmost importance. No identifying information of agencies will be made available, including to the Co-Chairs and the Advisory Group. The presentation of findings will be done in such a manner that no persons or agencies can be identified and data presentations will always be done as aggregates.

Q11. Who can participate in the research?

A. All registered charities and non-profit agencies (including incorporated and unincorporated NFPs) with paid staff in Nova Scotia. However, the following are excluded from the survey: government agencies, credit unions, business and professional associations, trade unions, public school boards, hospitals, universities and colleges.

Q12. How were the eligibility criteria determined?

A. The purpose of the research is to understand the opportunities and challenges facing non-profit organizations in Nova Scotia to attract and retain the best of talent. As such, only those with paid staff are relevant to a study of this type. Although there is a high degree of diversity in the sector, it was felt that by not focusing on larger institutions such as municipalities, universities, schools and hospitals, the needs of the non-profit sector as it is traditionally known could be best met.

Q13. How were research participants selected?

A. Using a number of databases, including membership in the Federation of Community Organizations and assistance from Dalhousie University's Non-Profit Leadership Program, an initial list of potential participants was made. The invitation to participate was then circulated on a variety of list-serves and published in the Chronicle Herald for eligible organizations. Word of mouth was also a key element in locating research participants.