Strategic alliance formed to create respectful, healthy and safe workplaces

TORONTO, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW/ – KPMG in Canada announced today that it has joined forces with Respect Group, a forward-thinking organization founded by former NHLer turned victims’ rights crusader Sheldon Kennedy to deliver training to organizations to equip employees with the education and skills needed to prevent bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD) in the workplace. Together, KPMG and Respect Group will provide companies with a leading-edge training curriculum that addresses the evolving needs of the #MeToo era.

“By joining forces with KPMG we elevate the potential to really change culture, not just push for compliance. This alliance and our collaborative approach to creating more respectful workplaces allows organizations to move from policy to making this a priority,” says Sheldon Kennedy, Co-Founder of Respect Group. “I am excited to keep moving the bar alongside KPMG!”

The curriculum begins with a foundational, online ‘Respect in the Workplace’ certification for employees before shifting to customized, client-specific, on-site workshops that build awareness and knowledge, followed by ongoing ‘Lunch & Learns’ to provide employees with the skills needed to contribute to a respectful workplace.

“Enabling organizations to build and sustain respectful cultures and mentally healthy workplaces are key priorities for us at KPMG,” says Soula Courlas, Partner and National Leader for People & Change Advisory Services. “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Sheldon and Respect Group to help businesses enhance their workplace cultures, not only to eliminate unacceptable behaviours, but to create positive and supportive environments that unlock the diverse skills and ideas of their most valuable asset – their people. We truly look forward to making a positive impact on workplaces across the country through this practical and powerful service offering.”

By joining forces, KPMG in Canada and Respect Group will begin to change workplace cultures by helping companies on their journey to prevent BAHD, empower the bystander and create a psychologically safe workplace.

About KPMG in Canada

KPMG LLP, an Audit, Tax and Advisory firm (kpmg.ca) is a limited liability partnership, established under the laws of Ontario, and the Canadian member firm of KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”). KPMG has over 7,000 professionals/employees in 38 locations across Canada serving private and public sector clients. KPMG is consistently recognized as an employer of choice and one of the best places to work in the country.

The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss entity. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity, and describes itself as such.

About Respect Group Inc.

Respect Group (respectgroupinc.com) was incorporated on April 5th, 2004 by co-founders, Sheldon Kennedy and Wayne McNeil, to pursue their common passion: the prevention of bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination (BAHD). Respect Group is made up of a team of over 30 talented individuals whose passion is to create a global culture of Respect. As Canada’s leading on-line provider of prevention education related to BAHD, Respect Group has certified over 1.2 Million Canadians involved in sport, schools and the workplace. Respect Group is a Certified B Corporation (bcorporation.net).

SOURCE KPMG LLP

For further information: Danica Kelly, dkelly@respectgroupinc.com