Coming Soon: HRPA’s Chapter Redesign
We're excited to announce HRPA's new Chapter structure, launching in September 2024. With Vision 2027, we aim to drive collaboration, impact, and success. At HRPA, we're committed to supporting HR professionals and evolving workplace needs. Our focus is on enhancing the member experience with new products and services, while optimizing resources for greater value. Through reimagining the chapter structure, we aim to deepen connectivity, innovate with modern technology, and provide high-quality experiences for our members.
Restructuring our Chapters was a carefully considered decision. HRPA conducted thorough analyses of Chapter engagement and member experience, including 12 Focus Group discussions with diverse members. Data was reviewed by the Chapter Redesign Working Group (CRWG), consisting of 9 dedicated volunteers, to establish a plan for optimizing the Chapter structure.
Ultimately, with support from our CRWG and Focus Group members, HRPA decided that moving to a 7 Chapter model would optimize the resources available to provide the best overall member experience. To maintain accessibility for members to attend in-person programs, events will rotate in location within the new regions. In addition, Chapter events starting in December 2024 will be offered in a hybrid format to allow members to connect from home when travel doesn’t work with their schedule.
In addition to the complimentary quarterly hybrid Chapter events and twice monthly Power Lunch Webinars, the HRPA will now offer 3 annual Micro Conferences valued at over $510 to members without charge. We will also be hosting our signature event – the HRPA Summit -- in 4 locations across the province in 2024. This event previously only took place in Toronto, but to improve accessibility for members, we have added 3 new venues this year for members to attend this exciting event.
HRPA is confident that the new Chapter structure will provide a local sense of community, while also providing members with the new opportunity to tune in to access more virtual professional development. We think that this enhancement will improve accessibility and engagement for our members as they continue to expand their learning and collect their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
We are so grateful for the engagement opportunities that our chapters have provided in the past and will continue to offer in the future. We appreciate your dedication to the HR profession and your local communities. Have questions about our Chapter Redesign? Visit our FAQ and do not hesitate to reach out to your local Chapter Experience Coordinator should you have further questions.
The decision to restructure the Chapters was not made lightly. HRPA conducted a deep internal analysis of the Chapter experience and the uptake from members. HRPA reviewed engagement data, worked closely with a Chapter Redesign working group comprised of 9 Chapter Leaders and members, and held 12 focus group discussions. Findings demonstrated that operations could be optimized by reallocating resources to other areas to improve the overall member experience.
An external analysis showed that of the 58 regulatory bodies and professional associations in Ontario, only 8 of them maintained a Chapter structure. HRPA feels strongly that maintaining a Chapter structure is a crucial part of our member experience, however, we cannot sustain the existing Chapter structure while also looking to improve other areas of the overall member experience. Ultimately, with support from our Chapter Redesign Working Group and Focus Group members, HRPA decided that moving to a 7 Chapter model would optimize the resources available to provide the best overall member experience.
By September 2024, members will receive notice of their new local Chapter name. No action will be required on the members’ side to transfer to your new Chapter. The new Chapter reallocation will be as follows:
- Central: Toronto
- Central West: Peel, West-Toronto and Barrie
- Central East: Peterborough, Durham and York Region
- Northeast: Ottawa, Quinte and Thousand Islands
- Northern: North Bay & Sudbury and Northern ON
- Western: Guelph, Hamilton, Niagara and Halton
- Southwest: London, Grand Valley, Chatham-Kent, Sarnia and Windsor
HRPA’s Chapters will continue to host quarterly in person events within each new Chapter region. The Chapter Council members who will be planning the events will ensure that locations rotate to improve accessibility for members. Beginning December 2024, events will also be offered in a hybrid format to allow members to connect from home when travel doesn’t work with their schedule.
In addition to our HRPA Online Communities platform which offers open discussion forums for members, we will work with new Chapter Councils to explore additional opportunities to foster virtual connections.
1. Increase is due to our expanding member value
- We’ve maximized the value of the HRPA membership value bundle – with even more complimentary events, offers and resources available for you. For example, your HRPA registration gives you:
- 3 FREE micro-conferences, valued at over $510.
- Member Resources Hub, with valuable new tools and resources.
- $480 in savings with FREE Power Lunches.
- Dozens of FREE Professional Development sessions & member-exclusive savings in workshops and certificates programs, access to member perks and savings – and more!
- Visit the renewal page to learn more
2. Inflation Rates
- Membership dues have been adjusted by 6% to align with current inflation rates and maintain optimal service delivery.
- Please also note that we have not increased dues due to inflation for 3 years – between 2020 through 2022.
- But we understand fees can add up. Please apply to RDAP to see if you qualify to have your membership dues decreased. More information can be found at hrpa.ca/renewing-your-hrpa-registration/
3. Please note that the fee increase does not apply to HRPA students and retired members.
The decision to restructure the Chapters was not made lightly. HRPA conducted a deep internal analysis of the Chapter experience and the uptake from members. HRPA reviewed engagement data, worked closely with a Chapter Redesign working group comprised of 9 Chapter Leaders and members, and held 12+ focus group discussions. Findings demonstrated that operations could be optimized by reallocating resources to other areas to improve the overall member experience.
An external analysis showed that of the 58 regulatory bodies and professional associations in Ontario, only 8 of them maintained a Chapter structure. HRPA feels strongly that maintaining a Chapter structure is a crucial part of our member experience, however, we cannot sustain the existing Chapter structure while also looking to improve other areas of the overall member experience. Ultimately, with support from our Chapter Redesign Working Group and Focus Group members, HRPA decided that moving to a 7 Chapter model would optimize the resources available to provide the best overall member experience.
HRPA is always interested in hearing our members’ feedback and suggestions. We welcome you to email us at chaptersupport@hrpa.ca with your comments.
Our existing Chapter Boards have planned events running through until the end of November 2024. These events will continue as planned and will be supported by our new Chapter Council members who will begin their volunteer terms in September. In September, members will receive notice of their new Chapter name, no action will be required on their end.
Members will receive notice of the Chapter Redesign plan via email and through HRPA’s website during the week of April 22nd. An FAQ document will be provided along with a video from Jodi explaining the purpose of the Chapter Redesign. HRPA’s Director of Member Experience will host a member Q&A drop-in session in June to allow members to ask questions directly to management.
Our member satisfaction survey is sent to members annually, allowing them to provide feedback on their experience with HRPA. The annual member satisfaction score will continue to be measured and we will continue to monitor member engagement within the Chapters. As always, we want to hear feedback from our members on their experience. Please feel free to email us your feedback and suggestions at chaptersupport@hrpa.ca.
Chapter Councils are working groups responsible for planning and executing quarterly in-person events within their local Chapter. To ensure accessibility for members, events are required to rotate within the Chapter boundaries. Chapter Councils have the option to request ad-hoc volunteer support for in-person events as needed.
Chapter Council volunteer terms will be limited to three years, staggered for continuity of leadership. No volunteer may serve on the Chapter Council for more than nine consecutive years, and no volunteer may serve on the Chapter Council for over 12 years.
The following are the 2024 transitional rules for the term of office of Chapter Council volunteers:
The term of office of all persons who in 2023 held a position of Chapter Director or Chapter Officer shall cease upon the completion of the 2024 election of Chapter Council volunteers as set out below. Current Chapter Chairs may continue as Past Chairs for a one-year term to support new Councils where applicable.
- The call for nominations will open the second week in June 2024 for a period of 21 days
- All properly completed submissions will be included in the election ballot.
- The election of council members will open the second week in July for a period of 21 days.
- The election results will be communicated to successful and unsuccessful candidates by the Association,
- Seven positions will be posted in 2024 for each Chapter Council
- Positions will be filled and staggered, based on voter results. Three individuals with the highest votes will serve for a three-year term, and two will serve for a two-year term based on sequential order of voting results.
- Within the first 30 days, the elected council members will select from amongst themselves a Chair and Vice Chair.
- Current Chapter Directors Terms of Office will end with the announcement of newly elected council members.
HRPA Chapter Council nominations and elections period will open in mid-June. The process will include submission of an application and member vote should there be more applicants than positions available in a particular region.
The new Chapter model will be supported by Chapter Councils in each region, and will utilize volunteers on an ad-hoc basis. There will not be standing committees at the Chapter level with the new model.
Volunteer positions will be posted on an ad-hoc basis as needed. Any volunteer opportunities at HRPA can be found through HRPA Online Communities.
In addition to the complimentary quarterly chapter events and twice monthly Power Lunch Webinars, HRPA is offering 3 annual Micro Conferences to members without charge, these events are valued at over $510! Members also have access to our Resources Hub, with valuable new tools and resources, as well as $480 in savings with FREE Power Lunch Webinars.
In addition, HRPA will be hosting our HR Summit in 4 locations across the province. This event previously only took place in Toronto, but to improve accessibility for members, we will be adding 3 new venues in 2024 for this exciting event.
At this time, we are hopeful that the Chapter Redesign pilot, with 7 new Chapters across the province, will sufficiently support our members with local programs and engagement opportunities. As always, HRPA is open to hearing feedback from our members and willing to adjust in the future as needed. Please email chaptersupport@hrpa.ca should you have any questions or recommendations for the future.
We evaluate our dues structure in relation to industry standards and the value we offer to our members. While we aim to remain competitive and accessible, it’s important to note that each professional body operates within unique contexts and resource allocations.
1. Increase is due to our expanding member value
- We’ve maximized the value of the HRPA membership value bundle – with even more complimentary events, offers and resources available for you. For example, your HRPA registration gives you:
- 3 FREE micro-conferences, valued at over $510.
- Member Resources Hub, with valuable new tools and resources.
- $480 in savings with FREE Power Lunches.
- Dozens of FREE Professional Development sessions & member-exclusive savings in workshops and certificates programs, access to member perks and savings – and more!
- Visit the renewal page to learn more about our membership value bundle.
2. Inflation Rates
- Membership dues have been adjusted by 6% to align with current inflation rates and maintain optimal service delivery.
- Please also note that we have not increased dues due to inflation for 2 years – between 2020 and 2022.
- But we understand fees can add up. Please apply to RDAP to see if you qualify to have your membership dues decreased. More information can be found at hrpa.ca/renewing-your-hrpa-registration
3. Please note that the fee increase does not apply to HRPA students and retired members.
To learn more about the HRPA’s volunteer structure and view volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page here.
HR Power Lunch offers convenient and timely virtual webinars that explore important topics in HR. Learn more