Making UK tech more diverse and accessible
Despite extensive coverage on the lack of diversity in UK tech, the issue remains. We want to shine a spotlight on some of the organisations that are making the industry more inclusive.
Diversity and inclusion have been widely discussed topics in the UK tech sector for a while. Young people in particular, see diversity and gender representation as important factors when applying for jobs. However, a new report from Wiley Edge reveals that despite an awareness of the need to foster an inclusive culture, far more needs to be done across the sector.
Nearly half of the young tech workers surveyed (48%) say they have felt uncomfortable in a job because of their gender, ethnicity, socio-economic background or neurodevelopmental condition.
The report also found that women are 22% less likely to have felt welcomed by their colleagues than men, and 22% are less likely to say they like their company’s culture. Women are also 45% more likely to say they haven’t had enough personal support.
These worrying statistics clearly outline the need for tech companies to make diversity and inclusion a top priority moving forward. At CWJobs, we aim to champion diversity and inclusion in tech by helping recruiters and hiring managers reach a diverse talent pool. We strive to encourage companies to foster a culture of inclusivity, and inspire a wider candidate audience to join the tech industry.
This festive season we have decided to support a number of charities that are making UK tech more diverse and accessible. In doing so, we hope to encourage others to support and donate to their causes.
Free tech programming workshops
codebar is a charity that’s growing a diverse tech community by running free, regular programming workshops for minority groups. The workshops provide group members with a safe, collaborative environment to improve their programming skills and expand their career opportunities.
With its base in London, the charity runs workshops throughout the UK and Europe. Students come from a variety of backgrounds and all have different career goals. Some want to become full-time developers, whereas others want to learn the basics of coding to support other roles.
To date, codebar has enrolled 16,393 students, and delivered 1,789 workshops. You can support the work that codebar does by making a donation through their website, here.
Improving pathways into tech for women
Tech She Can is a charity that works closely with the tech industry, UK government, and schools to improve the ratio of women in technology roles. The organisation aims to educate, equip, and inspire young women to study technology subjects, and pursue a career in the sector.
The charity also runs Tech We Can , a programme that provides free school resources and lessons for teachers and parents to improve technology literacy.
In partnering with organisations like STEM Ambassadors and Tech Talent Charter, Tech She Can brings attention to the issues and barriers that prevent young women from entering the industry.
You can find out more about getting involved with Tech She Can through the contact form on the charity’s website and make a donation through their Just Giving Page.
Increasing awareness and opportunities for underrepresented ethnic groups
Colorintech is a non-profit organisation that improve access, awareness and opportunities for underrepresented ethnic groups to enter the tech industry. It was founded in 2016 by Silicon Valley tech executive Dion McKenzie, and former Google employee Ashleigh Ainsley.
The charity aims to increase the number of underrepresented ethnic groups entering the UK tech workforce and to inspire past and future leaders to join the movement. Colorintech believes that diversity is better for tech products, innovation, employees, and leads to a larger generational impact when it comes to wealth creation and closing opportunity gaps between communities.
The organisation also organises Black Tech Fest , a 3-day in-person and online experience that brings together leaders, creators, and change makers to improve access and opportunities for Black tech talent. With annual in-person events taking place in London During Black History Month, the festival welcomes over 5,000 Professionals from across the tech ecosystem.
Ashleigh Ainsley, Colorintech co-founder will also be a panellist on CWJobs’ upcoming webinar in January 2023, which will explore how to power progression in tech careers. You can support Colorintech by making a donation through their website, using this link.