By Annette Joseph MBE, 2022 Enterprise Vision Awards Internet Industry Winner

Following the success of the Racial Diversity in Digital – Leeds research conducted for WILD and the city of Leeds, we are taking the next step towards building an ecosystem where diversity thrives, and innovation knows no bounds.

The research we conducted shed light on the specific lived experiences of people of colour in digital workspaces, highlighting universal issues prevalent across UK regions and industries. The outcomes were not only eye-opening but also pointed to the immense potential for positive change.

By supporting the Digital Innovation through Diversity Research Project, you will play a pivotal role in creating a fully inclusive ecosystem that plugs the skills gap with excellent diverse talent, driving increased innovation, productivity, and profitability. The aim is to establish West Yorkshire region at the forefront of inclusion and innovation, attracting and retaining new talent with diverse experiences from diverse backgrounds and unlocking the documented benefits of diversity — and then to spread this knowledge nationwide.

We’re looking for 24 collaborators who will have the opportunity to:

1.       Engage in Communities of Practice: Participate in open and honest conversations about race, ethnicity, and intersectionality through communities of practice for DEI, HR professionals, and hiring managers. Share best practices, learn from others, and overcome obstacles together.

2.       Shape the Path to Progress: Help us identify and prioritise the most important inclusion issues within our region. Your insights will shape the path to progress and make a real impact.

3.       Access Custom Tools and Real Solutions: Gain exclusive access to custom tools and frameworks designed to address challenges faced by organisations like yours. Participate in usability studies to ensure these solutions are tailored to your needs, making a tangible difference and serving their purpose effectively.

4.       Networking Opportunities: Co-host events and get direct exposure to our community of excellent diverse career changers. Raise the exposure of new opportunities across West Yorkshire and strengthen your network.

Together, let’s take the lead in driving inclusion and innovation. To download more information about the Digital Innovation through Diversity project and explore how you can get involved, please visit our website. We believe that your support will make a significant difference in our shared goal of creating a more inclusive future. If this project isn’t for you at this time, we’d appreciate your help in spreading the word.

Thank you for your time, we look forward to embarking on this transformative journey together.