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New research project to address non-profit labour challenges in Nova Scotia

April 15, 2009

The Federation of Community Organizations (FOCO), in partnership with Phoenix Youth Programs (Phoenix), has been awarded funding by the Government of Canada to undertake research on the labour needs of the non-profit sector in Nova Scotia. FOCO, a coalition of over sixty member organizations and Phoenix, a non-profit organization with more than 20 years of experience working with homeless and marginalized youth, will co-chair the project.

The research project aims to address gaps in knowledge in the following areas:

• The size and scope of the sector in Nova Scotia in relation to economic contribution

• Educational and training experience, employment history and salary levels of varying staff levels

• Rates of staff turnover as well as push and pull factors associated with staff turnover

• Identification of specific challenges in attracting and retaining talent in non-profit organizations

• Exploration of staff retention strategies with a view to future needs.

The research will actively involve key stakeholders at all stages of the project, including in the development and consultation of sector reference groups throughout the province.

Non-profit organizations based in Nova Scotia that are interested in participating in the research and community members seeking to know more are invited to contact Margaret Fraser, Executive Director of the Federation of Community Organizations for more information by telephone at 902.461.3065 or by e-mail at info@foco.ca.

 

Related information

In September 2007, FOCO and the HR Council for the Voluntary & Non-profit Sector co-hosted an HR Forum with more than 100 participants from non-profit organizations from across the Nova Scotia. Forum participants identified a range of issues that are affecting the sector's long-term sustainability including attracting, recruiting and retaining experienced and skilled employees. You can download the Report Back to Participants (PDF) to review the key themes, existing challenges and recommended solutions that were expressed by Forum participants.