Committed to a brighter and more inclusive future for the tech sector
We are now a Tech Talent Charter (TTC) Signatory
As a forward-thinking UK tech company, we recognise the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion within our organisation and the wider tech community. The decision to join the Tech Talent Charter is driven by our commitment to promoting a more inclusive and representative workforce in the UK's rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The Tech Talent Charter is a government-supported, industry-led membership group that brings together 700+ Signatory organisations and equips them with the networks and resources to drive their diversity and inclusion efforts. They measure D&I progress within the tech sector , providing insights and actionable ways forward by gathering, curating, and distributing innovative practices, techniques, and ideas.
We are very excited about joining a growing community of like-minded businesses helping to build a brighter, more inclusive future for the UK tech community.
What it means to become a signatory
Becoming a signatory of the Tech Talent Charter is an acknowledgment that as a company, we are not merely spectators, but active agents in addressing the crucial challenges that shape talent acquisition and retention in our industry.
1. GENDER DIVERSITY
Our decision to embrace the TTC isn't just about ticking a box; it's about actively addressing some of the pressing issues in the tech industry today. One of these crucial issues is gender diversity.
We've always believed that diversity fuels innovation and being a signatory means embracing diversity as a fundamental value. This commitment goes beyond meeting diversity quotas, it involves creating an inclusive workplace culture where individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or other demographics, feel valued and empowered. It also means taking concrete actions to break down barriers and provide support to underrepresented groups in the tech sector.
“At BlakYaks we are committed to building a team that are diverse in thought, background, and culture. We recognise the rights of colleagues and clients to be treated with respect and without bias, creating an environment where everyone will thrive. I am delighted to announce that we are now a Signatory of the Tech Talent Charter (TTC) an amazing force for good, driving equality and inclusion across the tech industry.”
TTC's annual ‘Diversity in Tech’ report has highlighted that women often shy away from challenging roles, such as software engineering and IT operations. We're breaking down these barriers by providing the necessary support, skills, and fostering a culture of equal participation and advancement for everyone.
By creating an inclusive environment where women are encouraged to take on challenging roles, contribute their unique perspectives, and thrive professionally, we are successfully building a gender-diverse team. Our recruitment efforts focus on identifying talent from all backgrounds and providing them with the necessary opportunities to excel in their careers.
2. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT & EQUITABLE CAREER PROGRESSION FOR ALL
The TTC emphasis on lifelong learning to address the digital skills gap aligns perfectly with our commitment to nurturing talent at all levels. Becoming a Tech Talent Charter signatory involves a dedication to continuous learning and skills development. In the fast-paced tech world, staying relevant and competitive is crucial.
Signatories commit to investing in their employees' growth by offering training programs, certifications, and other educational resources. Whether you're a new joiner or a seasoned professional, we at BlakYaks believe in providing the necessary skills and resources for your growth, ensuring that our team is equipped with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing technological landscape. An example is our BlakYaks Academy, who embark on an extensive training journey, combing Azure and cloud native industry certifications with top-tier hands-on experience. Read more here.
For ethnic minority groups, TTC's report highlights the need for "equitable career progression" and recommends inclusive practices that permeate an organisation's culture. It's not enough to simply hire a diverse workforce; we must create an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to grow and excel.
To achieve this, we are committed to clearly defining career paths for our employees, ensuring that both new joiners and existing staff know how to advance within our organisation. This includes providing the necessary support and feedback mechanisms to help individuals reach their full potential.
3. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Lastly, being part of the Tech Talent Charter community means actively engaging with the tech ecosystem. It involves collaborating with other organisations, participating in mentorship programs, supporting educational initiatives, and forming partnerships that benefit both the company and the broader tech community. By doing so, signatories contribute to a dynamic tech industry that's not only innovative but also inclusive, welcoming individuals from all walks of life.
We collaborate closely with our partners and are members of both the CNCF and The Linux Foundation, engaging in regular discussions and meet-ups with industry leaders and experts. These interactions provide invaluable opportunities for knowledge sharing, brainstorming, and collectively addressing the challenges faced by the tech industry.
Our commitment to the future
Becoming a Tech Talent Charter signatory isn't just a one-time decision; it’s an ongoing commitment to a brighter, more inclusive future for the tech sector and a recognition that diversity and skills development are key drivers of success in the digital age. Here's how we plan to continue our journey:
Setting the example: We aim to be a beacon of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, inspiring other organisations to follow suit.
Investing in our people: Our employees are our most valuable asset. We'll keep investing in their growth and development, ensuring they stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
Collaboration: We believe collaboration is key to innovation. We'll actively seek out partnerships and collaborations within the tech community to drive positive change.
Conclusion
Joining the TTC is just the start to make our workplace and the whole tech UK industry more diverse and welcoming. We're making sure everyone, no matter where they come from, has a fair shot at success in the tech industry.
We're excited about the road ahead, and we invite all UK tech companies to join us on this journey. Together, we can create a tech ecosystem that's not only cutting-edge but also a place where everyone belongs, filled with opportunities for everyone.
