Supporting the growth of black talent in data together
Published: May 21, 2025
Black Research & Data Analytics (BRAD) and St Giles Trust in Partnership for Specialized Digital Skills and Level 2 and 3 placement. With Black talent only representing 3% of the UK's Data and Digital workforce, BRAD and St Giles Trust collaborated on developing and delivering specialized courses designed to help close this racial gap.
BRAD was established in June 2020 with a vision to drive diverse representation in the data workforce. Its purpose is to provide a platform for Black data talent to engage directly with employers, increasing the diversity of their recruitment and enhancing the technical capabilities for both individuals and organizations.
The program supports and guides mentoring services helping individuals gain access to quality roles and career progression in the data industry. London's diverse population is not reflected in the data sector, and BRAD was founded to drive support and tech engagement in helping future representation equitable, and we would build skills and inclusivity.
St Giles Trust is an established charity that works to break the cycle of disadvantage. They bring a unique approach to their expertise and how to mentor course students of minority ethnicity backgrounds. St Giles and BRAD aligned well their corresponding ethos that gives advantage of working collaboratively and raising inclusivity in the digital workforce.
BRAD's data workshop on course program is to ensure that experienced and emerging Black data professionals engage in courses that are customized with insight from the employers and individuals to promote the growth of Black talent in data. The workshop supports over 20 different organizations to ensure placement position to aid career progression.
"We have had positive feedback to the course program delivering results for the graduates and our placement employers. This partnership with St Giles has been a great success, and we look forward to continuing the relationship to develop the data skills and capabilities of the program participants," said Brendan, CEO of BRAD.
There is an ongoing and steady interest in between St Giles and BRAD and will ensure we provide training, internship and employment opportunities for black professionals to gain experience and advance their careers in the UK data industry.
While there is a critical spotlight on reducing skills between the two organizations helping inclusive digital engagement in digital futures, BRAD and St Giles is keen to encourage interest in the opportunity and to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to join the data sector, and experience what can make a difference to their career development.