Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is the Human Rights Maturity Model?
      The Human Rights Maturity Model (the Model) is a management tool to guide organizations as they develop a culture of human rights. The Model helps them assess their organizational “maturity” by looking at their own human rights processes, practices, and capacity. It provides guidance in creating a self-sustaining and mature human rights culture.


    1. Why was the Maturity Model developed?
      In 2005, in order to affect systemic and organizational change, the Canadian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) shifted its focus to work proactively with employers, through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). The Commission’s success with the MOUs showed us that there was an appetite for real change in workplaces in Canada. In concert with employers, employees, unions and management from a cross-section of Canadian workplaces, the Commission developed the Human Rights Maturity Model. The Commission’s goal is to provide tools and guidance to a wider range of organizations.


    1. How can my organization benefit from the Maturity Model?
      There is a strong ethical and business case for building a corporate culture of human rights. Fostering human rights can attract and retain employees, improve an organization’s image and reputation, and save time and money. The Model is a process-oriented tool that helps an organization achieve an integrated human rights culture. It uses a step-by-step approach that builds over time from a basic foundation to a solid structure.


    1. We are already a busy organization. Will undertaking the Maturity Model process involve a lot of additional work?
      Developing a mature culture of human rights is a sound investment that can save organizations significant time and costs in the long run. For some, substantial effort may be required in the beginning. The good news is that most organizations have already done a significant amount of the work. The Model is designed to fine-tune and formalize existing processes, while providing simple, concrete steps toward strengthening the overall structure. It assists organizations in developing a plan that can be budgeted for and implemented in sequences. The road to Level 5 may take some time, but the journey will benefit the organization every step of the way.


      1. Does the Maturity Model apply to smaller organizations?
        Yes. The Maturity Model is flexible and applicable to a wide range of organizations of all sizes.


    1. How was the Maturity Model developed?
      The Maturity Model was developed by the Canadian Human Rights Commission through a consultative process, involving stakeholders.See the section on the Steering Committee for more details.


      1. Is there a cost to participating in the Maturity Model?
        The Model is available free of charge to anyone and can be adapted to different organizational needs.


    1. If I adopt the Maturity Model, what kind of support can I expect from the Commission?
      The Model was designed to allow organizations to create their own self-sustaining human rights culture. The Commission is available to provide guidance to federally regulated organizations.


    1. How do I get started?
      Your first step is to go to the registration section of our Website and fill in the registration form. An agent will then contact you with a secure access to our online assessment tool. On this site, you will find all of the information you need to get started.


    1. How long will it take us to assess our human rights maturity?
      This will depend on a variety of factors such as the size of the organization, management support and availability of resources.


    1. Who is eligible to use this Model?
      Any organization interested in improving their workplace and becoming an employer of choice may use the Model, but it has been designed for federally regulated organizations.


    1. Will I need a specialist to get me started?
      Most organizations will find they have the required expertise within their organizations; smaller organizations with no human resources structure may need some assistance.


  1. How many employees will I need to implement the Model?
    This will vary depending on the size of the organization and its needs.