Karmarama Appointed by the Institute of Coding to Run Diversity Campaign

Karmarama has been appointed to work with the Institute of Coding to promote diversity in the digital sector. 

The organisation’s first marketing campaign will aim to get a more diverse cross-section of people aged 16 and upwards to sign up to the digital skills courses being offered by the Institute of Coding’s partner universities.

The Institute of Coding, which is a large consortium led by the University of Bath, is an initiative created to respond to the digital skills gap in the UK by encouraging a larger, better-trained and more diverse group of people to enter higher education and proceed into roles within the tech sector. 

The campaign follows research findings that only 16% of the UK IT specialists are women, and only 11% of IT Directors are from a BAME background. The research demonstrates that there is an issue with diversity in both digital education and careers.  

The work will run across PR and social to encourage young school leavers from underrepresented groups to choose a career in digital, and to get there via higher education.  

Rachid Hourizi, director at the Institute of Coding, said: “The IoC is providing a fresh and disruptive approach to digital skills that keeps the focus on diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to be working with Karmarama on this campaign which will highlight the different ways to access digital education at the degree level and above, and the new types of events, courses and training that we have designed to suit the needs of learners."

James Denton-Clark, managing director at Karmarama, said: "At a time when technology transforms our culture like never before, inclusivity in the sector has never been more important. The IoC leads the way in helping all young people realise their potential in digital – and we’re excited to help them bring this mission to life.”

The work will run from late September.