As an association, our primary goal is to serve you, our members. Are we meeting this goal? We ask you to let us know each year in the form of an annual member value survey. The responses, both accolades and criticisms, shape the future of your association.

This year, BC HRMA designed the member value survey in partnership with a professional research company – Insights West. This provides more in-depth analysis, results cross-tabulated across a variety of demographic factors and a better understanding of how we can apply your feedback.

And that feedback was significant. We had a record-breaking response with 1458 members completing the survey. While there were many new ideas, suggestions and comments to help us provide better service, introduce relevant programs and ensure the appropriate allocation of membership dollars, there was strong confirmation for much of our existing services.

The association scored seven out of 10 for overall satisfaction and eight out of ten members would recommend a BC HRMA membership to a colleague.

The Benefits of BC HRMA
Results indicate members would like to see the following services maintained:

1. Government Relations
   In 2013, BC HRMA deepened its relationship with the provincial government, various provincial MLAs and members of the opposition. The association continues to host its Government Relations Roundtable with special guests from various levels within the provincial government. BC HRMA will build upon this government outreach and offer these roundtables directly in each MLA’s riding. You can expect to hear more as dates, locations and ministers are confirmed.
2. Job Postings
   BC HRMA’s job posting service is BC’s only HR career site and is a valuable resource for employers and job seekers alike. To better serve members, the association recently enhanced the board’s search functionality and reduced the cost of posting a position. We are currently reviewing additional ways to enhance the service.
3. CHRP
   The designation continues to grow and evolve with the introduction of the experience assessment in place of the National Professional Practice Assessment (NPPA) exam. The business community is increasingly recognizing the value of the CHRP as initiatives to raise the profile of the designation take hold. These initiatives include multi-week radio and print campaigns featuring CHRP holders who are driving organizational success at major BC employers.
4. Networking Opportunities
   BC HRMA provides hundreds of opportunities throughout the province for members to make meaningful connections. Events, which vary from region to region, may include monthly mixers, roundtables, and special social events.

We are Listening
According to the survey, there are three key areas of growth where members would like BC HRMA to focus efforts:

1. Voice of HR Profession
   BC HRMA is making a concerted effort to provide the news media with information about employment issues that impact almost every worker in the region. The association is now on the contact list of some of the province’s most influential public affairs and news outlets. The association is currently building its plan to increase these efforts and raise the profile of the value of HR. This will include utilizing the expertise we have throughout our membership with opportunities for members to share their experiences in our efforts to raise the profile of the profession and the association.
2. Practices, Trends & Statistics
   BC HRMA members have exclusive access to the HR Metrics Service’s Member Quarterly Dashboard. This provides access to several core metrics for both public and private sectors. The association conducts an annual trends survey and is currently working to grow the Research Briefings which aim to make it easy for HR professionals to find and apply best practices in their workplaces. In addition, articles detailing case studies and best practices can be found in PeopleTalk magazine and on HRVoice.org. BC HRMA is also partnering with groups such as Immigrant Employment Council of BC and various academic institutions to provide additional resources and information to our membership.
3. Professional Development Pricing
   BC HRMA is developing a comprehensive professional development suite at a wide range of prices to fit the development and budgeting needs of our membership. While our core programming remains solid and relevant, keep an eye out for partnerships with a variety of organizations designed to meet the wide range of needs of our diverse membership.

Thank You
BC HRMA is grateful to those who took part in the member value survey. The association values the opinions of its membership and continues to learn from your feedback.

Congratulations to the survey prize winners. Jennifer Lowe, human resources manager for Canstar Restorations, won a $500 spa gift card. Joanna Jagger, human resources manager at the Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside, won an iPad mini. Wendy Demosten, senior HR advisor at Noble, won an iPad.

For more information on BC HRMA’s success over the past year, please review the AGM Report.