In an ever-evolving digital landscape, the need for a diverse, skilled, and innovative workforce has never been more critical. UKBlackTech (UKBT) is proud to announce our support and involvement in the recently published BCS Manifesto, which outlines key recommendations for the future of IT in the UK. As an organization dedicated to increasing the wealth of our community through innovation, tech, and digital skills, we see a strong alignment between our mission and the strategic areas of focus highlighted in the BCS Manifesto.
About UKBlackTech
UKBlackTech is managed by a team of specialised professionals with a singular aim: to foster innovation and digital skills within our community. We achieve this by:
- Promoting a Culture of Innovation: We drive the flow of knowledge and technical insights among universities, R&D institutions, companies, and markets.
- Facilitating Tech Growth: Through events and spin-off initiatives, we support the creation and growth of tech companies and tech talent.
- Providing Value-Added Services: Our comprehensive support extends to various value-added services that benefit the tech sector.
The BCS Manifesto: A Shared Vision
The BCS Manifesto sets forth three strategic areas of focus for the future of IT:
- Support for Professional Registrations and Chartered IT Professional (CITP) Status:
- Emphasizing the importance of professional recognition and standards in IT, ensuring that IT professionals are recognized for their expertise and contributions.
- Broadening and Growing Computing Education, Digital Literacy, and Skills Qualifications:
- Advocating for enhanced computing education to equip the workforce with necessary digital skills, a goal that resonates deeply with our efforts at UKBT to empower the next generation of tech leaders.
- Closing the Diversity Gap in Information Technology:
- Addressing the under-representation of women, people aged over 50, and individuals with disabilities in IT. With over 500,000 women ‘missing’ from the profession, this focus aligns perfectly with UKBT’s mission to champion diversity and inclusion in tech.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At UKBlackTech, we are acutely aware of the diversity gap in the tech sector. We believe that closing this gap is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for the UK’s IT industry. By supporting the BCS Manifesto, we are reinforcing our commitment to:
- Increasing Representation: Ensuring that women, older adults, and individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities and representation in the tech sector.
- Driving Innovation: Diverse teams bring diverse perspectives, leading to more innovative solutions and products.
- Building a Skilled Workforce: Through our events, training programs, and initiatives, we aim to equip under-represented groups with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.
“It’s been a pleasure shaping this manifesto and hope the government endorses the recommendations, the UK has a great opportunity to be the number one place in the world for diverse technologist and innovators.”
Mark Martin MBE, Co-founder of UKBlackTech
Moving Forward
The BCS Manifesto has been reviewed and supported by the BCS President, the Executive team, and the BCS Fellows Technical Advisory Group (F-TAG). UKBlackTech will collaborate closely with BCS and other stakeholders to turn these recommendations into reality. We are preparing briefing notes on these themes for new ministers in departments like DSIT, DfE, Health and Social Care, MoD, and DEFRA.
Get Involved
We invite all our members, partners, and the broader tech community to join us in supporting the BCS Manifesto. Together, we can shape a future where IT is more inclusive, innovative, and impactful.
For more information, read the full manifesto here and a shorter version with a quote from BCS President Alastair Revell FBCS here.
Let’s work together to transform society with ethics, education, and equity in technology