Audit of Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis Plus Implementation at the Public Health Agency of Canada
Final Report: Executive Summary and Management Response and Action Plan
June 12, 2025
Prepared by the Office of Audit and Evaluation
Public Health Agency of Canada
Note: The complete audit report is available upon request. Please send an email to oae-bae@phac-aspc.gc.ca.
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Executive summary
Audit overview
This audit aimed to assess whether activities at the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC, or the Agency) supported the systematic and consistent application and integration of Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA Plus). The audit covered the period of April 1, 2019, to July 31, 2023.
Good practices
Overall, there was a robust governance structure supporting SGBA Plus at the Agency. We found that the PHAC SGBA Plus Framework clearly outlined the Agency’s SGBA Plus pillars, priorities, and outcomes. The SGBA Plus Planning Committee also guided the development and establishment of Branch Integration Plans (BIPs) aligning with the Agency-wide Action Plan. Roles and responsibilities were well defined and communicated in key documents, e-mails, and training courses, and oversight bodies at the corporate level received timely information to monitor progress towards SGBA Plus integration objectives.
We also found that processes and tools existed to support the collection, analysis, and reporting of disaggregated data used to conduct SGBA Plus, as well as consistently integrate it across the Agency’s core functions. Monitoring and reporting initiatives at the Agency enabled evidence-informed decision making, and results for performance metrics were shared in various internal and external reports. We also found that the Health Equity Integration Team (HEIT), also known as the Agency’s SGBA Plus Focal Point, played a key role in the ongoing review and improvement of SGBA Plus initiatives. For instance, they provided guidance on the development of BIPs, supported high-level reporting initiatives, including a renewal exercise for Performance Information Profiles (PIPs), and collected survey data aimed at continuous improvement.
Improvement opportunities
However, we found opportunities to standardize grants and contributions (G&Cs) processes to consider SGBA Plus factors more consistently across programs. In addition, we found opportunities to further standardize and improve data collection plans, though we noted initiatives underway in the Data, Surveillance and Foresight Branch (DSFB) to collect disaggregated data. We also found that documents like the SGBA Plus Action Plan and committee Terms of Reference would benefit from a review to ensure their continued relevance and the achievement of objectives. Lastly, there were opportunities to improve PHAC employees’ understanding of how to practically apply SGBA Plus to their day-to-day work, as well as encourage more active participation at SGBA Plus Network meetings.
Management Response and Action Plan (MRAP)
Recommendation 1
The Vice-President (VP) of SPIB should provide support to branch leads on the identification, collection, use, analysis, and reporting of disaggregated data required for Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA Plus), with the expectation that all PHAC branches prioritize these activities in their policies, programs and initiatives. In addition, the VP of SPIB should promote branch participation and implementation through regular monitoring and reporting activities undertaken as part of the PHAC SGBA Plus Action Plan (see Recommendation #3).
Management Response and Planned Management Action
Management agrees with this recommendation.
SPIB will develop and update PHAC SGBA Plus tools, resources, and training to support the collection and use of disaggregated data and scientific evidence for SGBA Plus application in surveillance.
SPIB will support the prioritisation of disaggregated data within PHAC’s data strategies, action plans, frameworks, and initiatives.
Deliverables
- Surveillance programs are equipped with updated and newly developed SGBA Plus tools, resources, and training, designed to support the collection and use of disaggregated data for evidence-informed decision-making. Expected completion date: Q3 of 2025-26. Responsibility: SPIB
- Provide timely and well-documented guidance and feedback to strengthen the application of SGBA Plus and prioritisation of enhanced disaggregated data collection and use in PHAC’s data strategies, action plans, frameworks, and initiatives. Expected completion date: Q4 of 2025-26. Responsibility: SPIB
Recommendation 2
The VP of SPIB, with guidance from the VP of the Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Management Branch (CFOCMB), should review and share SGBA Plus requirements in the context of Grants and Contributions (G&Cs) to encourage consistent application.
Management Response and Planned Management Action
Management agrees with this recommendation.
SPIB will deliver SGBA Plus training tailored to G&Cs programs to support them in applying SGBA Plus to their work. This will complement the existing SGBA Plus tools tailored for G&Cs programs and applicants.
SPIB will collaborate with the Centre for Grants and Contributions and G&Cs programs to standardize SGBA Plus requirements in G&Cs processes and templates, emphasizing the collection and use of disaggregated data in reporting and monitoring.
SPIB will provide ongoing advice to G&Cs programs to support the application of SGBA Plus.
Deliverables
- Deliver SGBA Plus tailored training for G&Cs programs to enhance their capacity to apply SGBA Plus in program design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. Expected completion date: Q3 of 2025-26. Responsibility: SPIB
- In consultation with the Centre for Grants and Contributions and G&Cs programs, review and strengthen SGBA Plus requirements in G&Cs processes and templates, to support the G&Cs modernization exercise. Expected completion date: Q4 of 2025-26. Responsibility: SPIB
- Based on the requirements determined by SPIB, the Centre of Grants and Contributions will update processes, guidance and templates within G&C delivery to integrate SGBA Plus requirements. Expected completion date: Q2 of 2026-27. Responsibility: CFOCMB
- Provide timely and well-documented advice to G&Cs programs to strengthen the application of SGBA Plus. Expected completion date: Q4 of 2025-26. Responsibility: SPIB
- Regularly participate in the G&Cs Community of Practice to share insights, provide guidance, and support the integration of SGBA Plus across G&Cs programs. Expected completion date: Q4 of 2025-26. Responsibility: SPIB
Recommendation 3
The VP of SPIB should renew the PHAC SGBA Plus Action Plan, and work with SGBA Plus Branch Leads to ensure both continued accountability for initiatives and standardization of the information provided for internal reporting.
Management Response and Planned Management Action
Management agrees with this recommendation.
SPIB will develop and implement a standardized annual reporting template for SGBA Plus Branch Integration Plans (BIPs), enabling Executive-level SGBA Plus Branch Leads to report progress on priorities and actions.
The Branch will renew the PHAC SGBA Plus Action Plan Framework and Implementation Strategy for 2025-26 to 2027-28.
SPIB will transform the SGBA Plus Employee Network into a Health Equity Community of Practice (CoP), convening SGBA Plus Branch Leads, Coordinators, and Network members to enhance accountability and facilitate progress in implementing BIPs.
Deliverables
- Develop and launch an annual SGBA Plus reporting template, piloted with SGBA Plus Branch Leads, and fully integrated in the internal reporting process for BIPs. Expected completion date: Q1 of 2025-26. Responsibility: SPIB
- Obtain Executive Committee approval of the PHAC SGBA Plus Action Plan for 2025-26 to 2027-28, outlining priorities, pillars, intended outcomes, and an implementation strategy. Expected completion date: Q2 of 2025-26. Responsibility: SPIB
- Establish the Health Equity CoP with defined terms of reference, regular meeting schedule, and documented progress reports. Expected completion date: Q3 of 2025-26. Responsibility: SPIB