On October 16, 2024, we marked BTLS’s first anniversary by hosting our fourth Be the Change event of the year at Aston University in Birmingham. Titled "Driving Workplace Access and Social Mobility in the West Midlands," this impactful gathering united leaders, policymakers, and advocates to discuss strategies for promoting workplace equity in the West Midlands—a region recognized as the UK’s fastest-growing tech hub, with thousands of new tech jobs expected by 2025.

Keynote Address

Sharon Thompson, JP, Deputy Mayor for the West Midlands Combined Authority, delivered an inspiring keynote, emphasizing the importance of bringing jobs, skills, and opportunities into the region and the transformative role of entrepreneurship in economic growth.

Speakers and Panellists

We were honored to have an incredible lineup of speakers and panelists, including leaders from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Innovate UK, The OM Group, Harper Fox Partners, and esteemed academics from Aston University. We were also thrilled to welcome young people from our community, whose perspectives added depth to the conversation.

A sincere thank you to each of our distinguished speakers and panelists for their invaluable contributions and insights, which made this event truly impactful.

Highlights from the Discussions
The event featured thought-provoking discussions focused on actionable strategies for creating an equitable tech industry. Key insights included:

● Intentional Support: Industry must proactively support individuals with limited opportunities to help them realize their potential.

● Equity, Not Handouts: DEI efforts should aim to provide equal opportunities that allow individuals to thrive based on merit.

● Skill Alignment: Aligning market demands with skill development is crucial for career progression.

● Data-Driven Impact: Data and insights are essential to measure and advance DEI initiatives effectively.

● Collaborative Solutions: Industry-wide challenges require collaboration, not competition, to break down structural barriers.

● Diverse Talent Retention: While diverse talent exists at entry levels, this representation must extend to senior positions.

● Transparency in DEI Goals: Involving teams in DEI goals fosters transparency and a shared sense of purpose.

● Reframed Exit Interviews: Shifting the question from "Why are you leaving?" to "Why are you not staying?" can reveal valuable insights for retention.

● Focused DEI Efforts: With limited resources, it’s important to prioritize DEI actions with the most impact.

● Role Models in DEI: Leaders should be role models, or identify others who can inspire the next generation.

Call to Action
This Be the Change event reaffirmed our dedication to building an equitable tech sector. By working together, we can break down barriers, create supportive pathways, and inspire future leaders to propel tech innovation forward. Let’s continue to foster an industry where diverse talent is valued, nurtured, and empowered to reach new heights. Join us in making this vision a reality!