Policy Analysis and Development, Public Consultation and Project Management
Lauren Bates
Lauren brings almost 30 years of experience in policy analysis and development, public consultation and project management.
Her background as a lawyer gives her a strong understanding of legislative and policy frameworks, while her history of community connections grounds her in the lived experience of law and policy, particularly among vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Lauren’s core expertise focuses on substantive equality and access to justice. Her work in senior roles at the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Law Commission of Ontario, and Wellesley Institute has included initiatives on discrimination related to family caregiving, the experiences of children with disabilities in the educational system, the law as it affects older persons, the experiences of diverse seniors in the health and long-term care systems, and reform of laws related to powers of attorney and substitute decision-making.
Lauren has extensive experience in designing and carrying out public consultations in diverse communities, often working in on challenging issues.
She is experienced in focus groups, survey design, public forums and events, project advisory committees, key informant interviews and other means of learning from stakeholder and community experiences. Lauren is skilled at leading large and complex projects.
Lauren is committed to mentoring and supporting the next generation of change-makers, and has been a Student Placement Mentor for BMG. She currently sits on the Boards of Directors for Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and the Ontario Caregiver Coalition.