Addressing the lack of diversity in the UK’s tech sector is an ongoing issue that is progressing at a slow pace.
Reasons for this lack of diversity are varied, with some individuals not having access to the digital technologies needed for entering a tech career.
The focal point for 2023 is to encourage diversity and foster an inclusive culture throughout the UK’s technology sector to continue the progress made so far.
1. TTC report: Why diversity initiatives matter
Improving the diversity of tech teams is often seen as a mere checkmark for many, with some businesses lacking dedicated initiatives aimed at increasing diversity within their organizations.
Data from the Tech Talent Charter reveals that businesses with dedicated diversity initiatives have a more diverse workforce.
The workforce of TTC signatories is more diverse, with both women and ethnic minorities representing a higher proportion compared to the overall UK tech workforce, and these figures continue to grow within TTC companies.
2. Government must take the lead on STEM diversity
Despite efforts to diversify STEM fields, progress remains slow, prompting MPs to urge the government to uncover and eliminate barriers to diversity in the tech sector.
The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee (STC) has recommended that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology focus on increasing diversity in STEM fields based on their 2023 inquiry.
3. More office days leads to fewer women, says Nash Squared
There are various reasons why women don’t pursue careers in technology, and changes in workplace dynamics haven’t made things easier, particularly for women.
Nash Squared suggests that mandating office days will discourage women from working for a company, as flexibility is crucial for maintaining work-life balance.
Flexibility is especially important for women, as the Tech Talent Charter discovered that caregiving responsibilities are causing women to leave the tech sector.
4. Number of women in tech dipped last quarter, ONS data shows
Efforts to increase diversity in the technology sector are fruitless without an inclusive culture in place to retain diverse talent.
