Black Talent & Leadership in STEM

Black Talent & Leadership in STEM (BTLS) is a cross-industry partner initiative. Delivered in collaboration with CW (Cambridge Wireless), Homerton Changemakers, Homerton College, University of Cambridge and Synergy Solutions. The organisation brings together senior leaders from across STEM and other industries to urgently address the under representation of diverse communities within the sector and in doing so, understand ways in which to alleviate some of the challenges relating to accessing technical skills, diverse talent and providing business sustainability. This forms part of the wider commitment to social mobility, job creation and representation, whilst addressing the industry's specific challenges relating to the deep tech digital skills gap. The learning from this programme can be effectively applied across all diverse groups and sectors.

 Over the past year, BTLS has made significant strides in bridging the skill gap for early career talent from marginalised communities who are interested in pursuing STEM careers, we are also responding to industry requests to provide support in other skill areas within the sector. In addition to driving awareness of workplace barriers impacting the retention and progression of diverse groups whilst providing opportunities to share experiences and learn from industry peers through our carefully curated, high trust industry forums where leaders from industry can access resources and support specifically relating to DEI. We have also cultivated a database of early career young people of Black heritage from over 40 universities from across the UK who are either undergraduates, graduates or postgraduates with STEM related degrees.