Yesterday, the BCS Chartered Institute of IT hosted a remarkable event focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the tech and IT workspace. Technology Reseller magazine were in attendance to find out how the day progressed and what areas IT companies are working in to provide support in the working environment. Companies such as Exertis and Softcat participated, alongside representatives from across the IT community, to discuss the importance of DEI and the industry’s efforts to support careers and individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community in the UK.
The day was filled with networking, workshops, learning sessions, and the sharing of lived experiences. Attendees left with a powerful collection of advice they wished they had received when they were younger, highlighting the event’s impact.
Erica Rose, Managing Director of Unleashed, shared her personal story, emphasizing the importance of living authentically. She stated, “Life is short. I wanted to make the most of it, and that’s what pushed me to live the life I wanted. It’s vital that we give platforms, like today’s event, to allow people to share their lived experiences.”
The event brought together colleagues, associates, peers, vendors, customers, and journalists to discuss the advancement of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in tech. The day began with a warm welcome from Ben Mulford and Susie Corke, who introduced the speakers and set the tone for the event. They reminded everyone, “We’re all in this together in this industry.”
Workshops led by Susie Corke and Daryl Wood provided valuable insights and findings from breakout groups. These sessions allowed delegates to share their proudest achievements of the past year, current plans and priorities, and what they need from their businesses to succeed in the future.
A highlight of the event was the panel discussion featuring Sarah Rench, Manpreet Kaur Bath, Debra Coady, Lee Jones, and Erica Rose, moderated by Ben Mulford. This discussion continued the theme of LGBTQIA+ learning and provided a platform for sharing experiences and insights.
Dylan Holloway captivated the audience with his emotional and inspiring journey, blending humor, music, and heartfelt moments. His message to “live your life you-er than you” and that “authenticity is electricity” resonated deeply with everyone present.
The event also featured a session on LGBTQIA+ history and rights, with Erica Rose sharing statistics and stories from around the world. This session underscored the importance of understanding the past to create a better future for LGBTQIA+ colleagues.
As the day progressed, attendees continued to engage in meaningful discussions and workshops, reflecting on the past, present, and future of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in the tech industry. The event concluded with a sense of unity and a shared passion for creating an inclusive environment in tech.
If your company has a story to tell in the DEI journey what better way to shout about it than to enter the Technology Reseller Awards DEI category. Entries close on the 21st February.
https://technologyresellerawards.co.uk/categories/2025/special-tr-awards/tr-award-for-dei
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