Key Recommendations from BCS Women and Coding Black Females

Plant and nurture early. Ensuring greater diversity across STEM subjects in school is vital. The Curriculum and Assessment review published in November 2025, announced the welcome introduction of a broader and future-focussed Computing GCSE, with greater emphasis on areas like AI. The report sees a significant opportunity in this reform, to retain and attract girls in the subject beyond the age of 14. Ensure teachers have ongoing support to understand unconscious bias.
Take action on the pay gap and improve progression with leadership opportunities. The gender pay gap of 12% across tech specialist jobs indicates underrepresentation of women in roles that attract a pay premium, such as leadership and senior technical positions. Alongside equitable pay practices, industry should prioritise pathways and support for women to progress to these levels. Address barriers to career growth and provide clear pathways for advancement with leadership opportunities to reduce attrition rates among women in tech.
Address the unique challenges faced by Black Women in tech to include mentorship opportunities, leadership training, and networks designed to amplify their voices and experiences. Fund localised programmes e.g. Birmingham Legacy Centre of Excellence, giving opportunities to people in areas that have disproportionate opportunities.
Fairness in recruitment, career progression and professional development opportunities should be guided by best practice and independent standards, and never be solely dependent on individual managers. Commitment from employers to professional registrations, ethical certifications and a common language for skills and competence, such as Skills for the Information Age (SFIA) and Chartered IT Professional (CITP) can provide this framework, building trust and accountability through transparent and inclusive practice.
Tackle Work-Life Balance - Implement flexible working arrangements and increase a range of part-time role opportunities that enable caregiving responsibilities to improve work-life balance for women in tech while enabling progression. Combating the 'tech bro' culture requires a cultural shift in companies, with a focus on creating inclusive and supportive work environments.