Diversity and inclusion body, the Tech Talent Charter (TTC) had announced its closure, with its board of directors voting to dissolve the organisation.
For those not in the know, TTC is a government-supported, industry-led membership group that assists over 700 signatory organisations with networks and resources to drive their diversity and inclusion (D&I) efforts.
Since its launch in 2015, TTC has fostered a community of thousands of D&I professionals and over 800 tech employers, representing nearly a quarter of a million tech workers.
Its annual Diversity in Tech reports have compiled and curated thousands of insights and data points, revealing the state of diversity in the UK’s tech sector and equipping organisations to adapt and evolve their approach.
However, the organisation has made the “difficult decision” to close due to businesses’ D&I strategies becoming “increasingly insular.”
“The environment we face and the industry’s priorities have evolved significantly,” TTC stated.
“In September 2023, the World Economic Forum reported that the future of D&I initiatives in the US is at risk. And in February this year, the Tech Talent Charter’s annual Diversity in Tech report, based on D&I data from over 700 UK tech employers, indicated a similar shift.”
Three years ago, companies were actively committed to improving equality and investing in their action plans for D&I. However, today, the direction has changed.
Despite the prevalent issue, fueled by economic, political, and social pressures, many organisations are now ‘quiet-quitting’ their D&I strategies, jeopardising progress.
“We hear from D&I specialists and advocates battling for support as their teams are dismantled, processes eliminated or absorbed, or they are forced to step back from voluntary efforts due to changing business attitudes and overburdened desks. It is clear that something needs to change,” TTC said.
2023 marked a particularly low point for representation, as the tech sector witnessed an exodus of women.
Several studies found that less than three per cent of VC funding for AI ventures and less than two per cent overall went to female-founded businesses.
Additionally, in 2023, figures from the ONS highlighted the exodus of women from tech, with over 3,000 women leaving the sector during the first half, even as the tech workforce grew overall.
However, the organisation is not giving up. Instead, it hopes its decision will emphasise the need for renewed focus.
“The TTC is closing because we believe the tech sector needs a significant reset in its approach to DEI to prevent years of progress from being reversed. We see this inflection point as essential for refocusing efforts, refining methods, and driving greater commitment and investment at a systemic, industry, and regional level.”
