Research Strategy
Research That Informs Action
At the Durham Workforce Authority (DWA), research is at the core of everything we do.
For 30 years, DWA has provided trusted labour market intelligence to support informed decision-making across Durham Region. Our research helps employers, educators, workforce partners, community organizations, economic development, and job seekers better understand labour market trends, opportunities, and challenges.
Our approach is guided by a commitment to transparency, integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We believe that strong evidence leads to better decisions, stronger partnerships, and more effective workforce development strategies.
DWA conducts research that is responsive to community needs, grounded in accepted research practices, and informed by the voices of those most affected by labour market change. Through surveys, data analysis, community engagement, and knowledge sharing, we strive to generate insights that are relevant, actionable, and impactful.
We are committed to advancing a fair, inclusive, and evidence-based labour market. This includes ensuring that our research reflects the diversity of Durham Region’s communities, reduces barriers to participation, and supports equitable outcomes for all residents.
By connecting data with action, DWA helps communities, organizations, and decision-makers respond to emerging workforce challenges and opportunities with confidence.
Our Mission
To improve Durham Region’s labour market intelligence, knowledge sharing, and workforce decision-making through research, collaboration, and education.
Our Research Vision
To be a trusted leader in labour market intelligence, helping people, businesses, and communities thrive in a changing economy.
Our Research Principles
The DWA’s research activities are guided by the following principles:
Evidence-Based Decision Making
We are committed to collecting, analyzing, and sharing reliable information that supports informed decision-making across the workforce system.
Community Responsiveness
Our research priorities are shaped by community needs, labour market conditions, stakeholder feedback, and emerging workforce trends.
Collaboration
We believe the most meaningful research is developed in partnership with employers, educators, workforce organizations, governments, and community members.
Transparency and Accountability
We strive to conduct and communicate research openly, ethically, and responsibly.
Accessibility
We work to ensure labour market information is understandable, relevant, and accessible to diverse audiences.
Continuous Improvement
We continually evaluate and refine our research methods, tools, and approaches to maintain high standards of quality and relevance.
Research Priorities
The DWA undertakes research that supports workforce planning and labour market development in Durham Region. Research priorities may evolve over time in response to changing economic conditions and community needs.
Areas of focus include:
- Workforce supply and demand
- Labour shortages and skills gaps
- Workforce participation and retention
- Industry and sector trends
- Workforce inclusion and accessibility
- Education, training, and career pathways
- Apprenticeship and skilled trades development
- Technology, innovation, and the future of work
- Economic and demographic change
- Community and regional workforce challenges
- Emerging labour market issues identified through stakeholder engagement
Research Excellence and Integrity
The DWA is committed to maintaining high standards of research excellence and professional practice.
Our research activities are designed to be:
- Ethical
- Objective
- Transparent
- Methodologically sound
- Respectful of participants and communities
We follow accepted research practices and continuously improve our methods to ensure our findings are credible, useful, and actionable.
The DWA supports the responsible conduct of research and is guided by principles adapted from leading Canadian research organizations and frameworks.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Research
The DWA is committed to advancing a fair, inclusive, and evidence-based labour market. We recognize that labour market experiences are not the same for all individuals and that barriers continue to exist for many communities.
We are committed to conducting research that reflects the diversity of Durham Region and supports equitable workforce outcomes.
Our research seeks to:
- Reduce barriers to participation
- Ensure diverse perspectives are represented
- Improve understanding of workforce experiences across communities
- Support equitable access to opportunities
- Identify and address gaps in labour market information
- Promote inclusive workforce development practices
When appropriate, DWA research incorporates an equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) lens to better understand the experiences of:
- Indigenous Peoples
- Racialized communities
- Newcomers and immigrants
- Persons with disabilities
- Women
- 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
- Youth
- Older workers
- Other underrepresented groups
We recognize that diversity strengthens research and leads to more meaningful, relevant, and impactful outcomes.
Knowledge Sharing and Community Impact
Research creates real value for communities when it is shared and applied.
The DWA is committed to making labour market information available to the community through reports, presentations, data tools, public engagement activities, and collaborative initiatives.
We strive to ensure our research findings are:
- Timely
- Relevant
- Accessible
- Actionable
- Responsive to community needs
By sharing knowledge openly, we help strengthen workforce planning, support evidence-based decision-making, and foster collaboration across Durham Region.
Research Services
The DWA provides labour market intelligence, workforce analysis, and research support to organizations across Durham Region.
Our services may include:
- Labour market reports
- Workforce surveys
- Industry and sector analysis
- Community consultations
- Labour market presentations
- Data interpretation and knowledge mobilization
- Custom fee-for-service workforce research projects
These activities help organizations better understand workforce challenges and opportunities and support the development of informed strategies and solutions.
Research Feedback and Complaints
The Durham Workforce Authority is committed to conducting research in a transparent, respectful, and accountable manner. We welcome feedback regarding our research activities, reports, surveys, and community engagement processes.
All DWA surveys include information about the purpose of the research, participation options, and contact information for individuals wishing to ask questions or express concerns.
Any individual, survey participant, or research respondent who wishes to submit a complaint related to DWA research activities may do so in writing to the Executive Director within five business days of the matter giving rise to the complaint.
The Executive Director will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and will endeavour to provide a written response within three business days.
If the matter remains unresolved, the complainant may submit a written appeal to the Chair of the Board of Directors within five business days of receiving the Executive Director’s response. The Board of Directors will review the matter, consult with the Executive Director as appropriate, and endeavour to provide a written response within ten business days.
The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final.
The DWA is committed to addressing concerns in a fair, respectful, and timely manner while maintaining the integrity of its research activities.