Minorities In IT Less Likely To Be In Leadership Positions – Study

According to a new study conducted by Thoughtworks, there are fewer opportunities for people from under-represented groups in the UK’s tech sector to hold leadership positions.

The firm found – through its research – that out of 300,000 ethnic minorities in the UK in 2020, only 37% were in “positions of responsibility”, compared with 41% of their white counterparts.

IT workers from ethnic minorities were also twice as likely to be in non-permanent positions than white workers.

Amy Lynch, head of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Thoughtworks UK, said: “Whether it is age, gender or ethnic diversity, we have to be honest that the tech sector is out of balance. But we can change this. Change happens with positive action, effective policies, and hard work.

“There is a wealth of talent out there that does not fit a preconceived ‘mould’ and importantly could offer a fresh perspective to a sector that relies on innovation and different ways of thinking,” she added.

Lynch went on to add that “A strong DEI culture will be an important differentiator in the quest to attract and retain the best talent, too. It is the responsibility of leaders within the sector to create paths to give groups that feel technology is not for them the confidence to apply for jobs.”

ThoughtWorks own research found that 33% of people in the tech sector said their place of work has no plans for the career development of underrepresented groups in tech despite three out of five businesses in the industry agreeing that more needs to be done to address the lack of diversity, inclusion, and equity in the industry.

Almost a quarter of IT workers also said they don’t think their firms have plans to develop representation, allyship, or understanding for minority groups.