Investing in diverse talent: the key to unlocking future innovation

By Sarah Atkinson, Chief Executive.

The technology sector should be brilliant for social mobility – valuing problem solving, innovative thinking and analytical skills much more highly than academic qualifications and wearing the right tie. Offering opportunities to design products and services that serve the public and create solutions to big challenges. From generating cheap power to helping to cure deadly diseases, many of the best-known tech giants, including Microsoft, HP, Apple and Biogen have committed to modelling responsible cooperate behaviour.

Yet the industry has a diversity problem. The evidence from the Sutton Trust shows that highly educated people from professional backgrounds dominate skilled tech jobs in much the same way as they do in more traditional professions like law or banking.

We believe, if the industry continues to be complacent about the need for action on social mobility, they’ll struggle to attract the talent of tomorrow.

Amazon has found that as much as 72% of businesses have vacancies for workers with digital skills. This high demand for digital literacy has been accelerated by the mass corporate adoption of technology during the pandemic. This leaves tech leaders worried about attracting and retaining talent, with many in the Digital Leadership Report saying the ongoing skills shortage is standing in the way of change.

Our own research seeking the views of young people found that of 648 low-income young people aged 16-25, just 19% of them perceived the industry to be welcoming to women, and an overwhelming 82% believe the technology industry needs to do more to encourage diversity.

Yet it doesn’t have be this way, there is a clear solution to the problem. Employers should hire from the most diverse pool of talent to ensure they can continue to transform our lives.

There are several employers who have been willing to innovate to help solve the shortage. In 2022, Cognizant announced ￡1.1 million in grants to five organisations working across the UK to connect individuals from historically excluded and underserved backgrounds with opportunities to develop in-demand STEM skills and gain access to tech careers.

We agree, for the industry to continue to thrive in the global economy, it is important that we support young people to access the opportunities they need to succeed. ?

As well as increasing the visibility for people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds because “you can’t be what you can’t see”, tech leaders should make pathways visible by showcasing diverse role models and offering work experience opportunities and mentoring. Nearly 60% of our students agreed that having a mentor would help them pursue a career in tech. When it comes to recruitment, tech employers should prize potential over ‘polish’ (an individual's accent, connections and educational background) to ensure they are selecting the best talent.

Many leading employers are paving the way to nurture, harness and reward the talent of tomorrow. For example, PwC allow young people to keep devices after work experience and have removed the 2:1 criterion for graduate roles as they consider grades a poor predictor of performance in role. Meanwhile, law firm Eversheds Sutherland offer financial support for broadband so that students can stay connected.

Tech innovators have the power to shape the future of work and make a positive impact on society. It’s time to take action to be part of this change.

For advice on what actions you can take on social mobility as a business, enter the Social Mobility Employer Index: https://www.index.socialmobility.org.uk/