Tech Nation launches diversity & inclusion toolkit
Tech Nation has launched a guide for guide for tech founders and their employees to help them provide equal opportunities and build more diverse and inclusive businesses.
The diversity & inclusion toolkit was created from interviews conducted with UK tech leaders.
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Each section of the toolkit contains checklists, links to tools and resources and case studies highlighting examples of companies who have enacted positive change.
Tech Nation said it will be continually updated to reflect the changing tech landscape, new diversity and inclusion initiatives and companies which have already implemented successful diversity and inclusion frameworks.
The toolkit was created in partnership with diversity and inclusion consultancy The Unmistakables, and is supported by talent and training partner Futureproof. Alongside the toolkit, Tech Nation is also partnering with the All In Commitment & Community for diversity and inclusion.
Many UK tech companies have already taken significant steps in implementing diversity and inclusion strategies. However, data shows just how far the sector has to go.
Read more: UK technology investment hits record levels but challenges remain
Figures from Extend Ventures have revealed that in 2019, entrepreneurs from Black, South Asian, East Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds received just 1.7 per cent of UK venture capital investment, while over the past decade, only three per cent of venture capital funding went to all female teams.
Tech Nation said that to achieve maximum impact, diversity and inclusion strategies must be implemented as early as possible in a company’s growth journey.
Read more: Almost 200,000 new tech companies launched in the UK last year
“When it comes to achieving equality in the UK’s tech sector, we still have a long way to go,” said Rowena Knapp, chief operating officer at Tech Nation.
“Tech companies and their founders need to have a comprehensive toolkit they can turn to help them address diversity issues head-on. As we look to rebuild a stronger economy and society, equal opportunity and representation within the tech sector has never been more important.
“This is why I am pleased to launch the diversity & inclusion toolkit today, which we will continue to refine and build on over the months and years to come.”
“With one in 10 UK job vacancies in the country’s booming tech sector, firms have a golden opportunity to bring about real change by closing gender and ethnic diversity gaps through their hiring,” said Matt Warman MP, minister for digital infrastructure.
“A diverse workforce is not only good for society, but it also makes good business sense. I urge businesses to use these insights and guidance to lead the charge in creating a fairer, stronger and more diverse tech industry.”
“Building organisations that are inclusive from the inside out takes concerted time, energy and effort,” said Asad Dhunna, founder and chief executive of The Unmistakables.
“It’s important we continue to iterate and refine this toolkit as language and society evolves and as founders continue to provide examples of the systems, structures and processes they are putting in place to grow their businesses inclusively.”