The technology sector is recognised as having a diversity problem. The data tell us, and a tour of most tech departments shows us, that women and ethnic minorities continue to be underrepresented in tech roles. This is not only bad for society but also bad for business.
The evidence shows that a diverse workforce means better decision making, and championing diverse perspectives and experiences leads to more innovative thinking. Most tech leaders have made positive noises about the value of diversity, which raises the question – what are they doing about it?
It has been all too easy for employers to fall-back on the excuse that they simply do not receive enough job applications from women and ethnic minorities. This leads to the obvious conclusion that they are not looking in the right places. The skills that make for successful tech specialists are not defined by gender, race or social background.
At Digital Futures, we are aiming to solve the tech diversity challenge. We are finding extraordinary tech talent in new places and from different backgrounds, including among those who did not study tech subjects at university or maybe never even went to university. We do this because we know that the contribution that this talent will make to an organisation will be so valuable.
We recently became a signatory of the Tech Talent Charter, a non-profit organisation that is leading a movement to address inequality in the UK tech sector and driving inclusion and diversity in practical and uniquely measurable ways. In doing so, we are joining a community that is working together to solve the diversity problem in tech.
At Digital Futures we believe that talent and aptitude are created equally, but opportunity is not. This why we pride ourselves on finding talented people from all backgrounds, who will not only make their mark in tech, but also help shape a positive, diverse future for the tech industry as a whole. Having a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture should be central to organisational strategy and corporate conscience and is a fundamental driver of innovation and growth.