Tech Talent Charter 2021 Diversity in Tech Report
The Tech Talent Charter Diversity in Tech report highlights effective strategies for boosting gender and ethnic diversity. The findings also highlight the important role small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) play in driving the future tech talent pipeline as these companies can more easily implement new D&I practices than larger, more complex multinationals. The report calls on organisations to have the tough conversations required to remove bias from systems and processes and help to drive meaningful change.
Key findings from the report include the increase in the number of reported tech roles held by women, growing from 25% in 2020 to 27% in 2021. It also found that ethnic minority representation among participating organisations was 20%—higher than the UK tech workforce average (16%).
By taking steps to gather data, take ownership for reaching diversity targets and building awareness among employees to counter unconscious bias, companies reported they are seeing tangible progress in their D&I strategies. Signatories shared data and experiences on interventions that worked as well as and on those that were less effective.
Debbie Forster, CEO and co-founder of the Tech Talent Charter said:
"We’ve been heartened to see diversity remaining a priority for so many companies through the pandemic, which is reflected by our significant growth, but 2022 will be a pivotal year as new working patterns become more normalised. Inclusion must be baked in now, or the tech sector risks cementing inequalities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
"Sharing valuable insights on winning D&I strategies means that companies across the sector can learn best practices and more quickly bring about change for the greater good of the sector and the wider UK population."
Nadine Dorries, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport commented:
“With demand for tech talent at an al- time high, it is vital that our booming tech sector aims for a workforce powered by people from all walks of life. The charter shows the positive impact of tech companies collaborating to improve accessibility and we want more firms to come on board to make the industry truly reflect the diverse fabric of the UK."
For more information, please contact:
Nimmi Patel
Nimmi Patel is the Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity at techUK.
