Happy Black History Month, or should we say, incredibly eye-opening Black History Month with the statistics we’ve seen coming from recent surveys.
Just 3% of the UK tech workforce is black, and women make up a tiny 0.7% of this. (Tech Talent Charter Diversity in Tech Report).
So why are the numbers not adding up?
After speaking with our network, there’s a few reasons why:
Underrepresentation
It’s a constant loop, if there’s less poc within IT, there’s less role models for the younger generation who may be keen on a career within tech.
And you know what?
There’s direct evidence for this.
Out of all the UK computer science undergrads, black students make up 3.4%, with black women specifically making up 0.2% of this.
Education systems need to play a larger role in addressing barriers and creating an inclusive environment accessible for all.
Discrimination
A direct reason behind the lack of representation within tech is the bias and discrimination workers face – not only within the hiring process, but within promotion discussions, and mentorship opportunities.
There’s a lot of great talent out there being overlooked.
Support
Did you know black founders received just 1.7% of venture capital funding in the UK between 2016 and 2022 (UK Black Business Network), this is a shocking percentage and raises concern of the ever-deep-rooted societal discrimination happening across the UK workspace.
So, what can we do to ensure we’re creating a safe, inclusive environment?
Education
Educate yourself and your workforce on the conscious and unconscious bias towards minority ethnic groups. To be the most effective, make sure the education is interactive and has tangible goals, i.e creating a two-way conversation will be a lot more impactful than preaching to a crowd. You could start by championing black leaders who have made a different to the tech world.
Foster inclusive spaces
Workplaces need safe spaces to discuss ‘heavy’ topics which directly impact employees. Your staff should feel comfortable discussing their culture, perspective, and experiences without the fear of judgement.
Management
A good place to start is by having a diverse management team. Ensure the ‘top dogs’ within your company have come from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and cultures where possible. In too many companies, management assume on the best way forward when discussing such topics, without speaking to those who have experienced it first-hand.
This celebration of Black History, or the specifics within tech, should not only be championed in October, but needs and deserves the year-round recognition to make a true change within society.
If you need help growing a diverse, inclusive team, get in touch!
Read our last blog here: ‘Future-proof your career with these tech jobs‘
