Formed in the wake of the events of 2020, EMBRACE is a specialist group looking at race and ethnicity in the IT industry. Across the industry there are countless statistics that highlight race as a blocker to opportunity. The shared stories succinctly personalise the issues and provide evidence there is a lot of work to be done. EMBRACE @ BCS will work to make the IT profession anti-racist by supporting BCS and external initiatives and highlighting narratives that aim to help eliminate racial bias within tech, thus making it diverse and inclusive to everyone We have representation from the following sectors: Start-ups Development Product Operations Finance Healthcare

1. Chair’s Report for the Year 2022/23
BCS EMBRACE
The Next Phase
Letter from the Chairs – Nzube Ufodike and C.K Fadden, January 2024
In our first joint letter, as part of a planned transition, we summarise BCS EMBRACE’s activities
from the past year and plans for the coming year.
External collaborations
In February we kicked off with an event that targeted tech entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
The reverse pitch event took place at Silicon Valley Bank (since acquired by HSBC and
renamed to HSBC Innovation Banking). This was our first official collaboration with Colorintech
and SVB; both outstanding institutions have been visibly committed to inclusive programmes for
years.
Also, later in February, we were invited by Cambridge Spark to advise and host their
groundbreaking inaugural Digital Skills and Training Careers fair which took place at The
Guildhall, in the City of London.
In July we supported BCS Women for their Unleashing Innovation: Career Journeys in Tech.
This event focused on the career journeys of Asia Sharif, Software Engineer at NatWest and
Nidhi Sharma, Engineering Manager at Sainsbury’s. They joined a panel discussion, hosted by
Nicola Martin MBCS MWES, BCS Women committee chair.
In August, we assisted with the promotion, organisation, and planning of Black Tech Day led by
Dexter Simms. This was focused on bringing the black community together to gain a deeper
understanding of themes like Technology, Finance, Business and how attendees could apply the
knowledge learned in their lives.
In September, we hosted delegates from the Provincial Government of Gyeongsangbuk, South
Korea who were focussed on a project called Unicorn Business Development; on a mission to
create an enabling environment for digital education start-ups within the region. There were a
vast array of discussions on the topic and all participants were enlightened after the event. We
exchanged best practice and learned from respective cohorts.
In October, we were invited to a town hall with Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of
Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Federal Republic of Nigeria. This focussed
on AI & Nigeria’s approach to AI. We referenced BCS work on AI Governance with the UK
Office for AI. It was an honour to be part of the conversation. During the summit, topics
discussed were around the boundless potential of AI, discussing its power to stimulate
economic growth, create jobs, foster social development, and Nigeria’s role in championing
more inclusive data sets.
In November, at the UK IT Awards, we delivered a keynote speech; I highlighted themes such
as inclusivity and openness. I was also able to speak about the work the BCS Foundation has
been doing to assist young people with pathways to the technology industry. It was a joy to
witness so many inspiring professionals winning awards for organisational excellence, project
excellence and technology excellence.

2. In January 2024, we had our Encouraging girls, women and people of BAME descent into
STEAM education event. Emefa Takyi-Amoako gave a presentation on encouraging girls,
women and people of BAME descent, who even today, as it has and continues to be, seem not
to have achieved equal representation in the STEAM subjects. James Uhomoibhi also gave a
presentation on AI in Education: Developing and Delivering Relevant Education Informed by
Culture, Tradition and Technology in Emerging Communities. The e-Learning Specialist Group
in collaboration with BAME+ Network and the MAVRLAB (Mixed Augmented and Virtual Reality
Laboratory) at Ulster University jointly supported the webinar seminar on Women/Girls in
STEAM and on the use of AI and technology in the provision of relevant education for all.
Internal meetings
In 2023, we implemented a succession plan, led by outgoing Chair Nzube Ufodike and incoming
Chair C.K Fadden. Most of the committee volunteers’ roles remained the same.
Mobile Makers: Success Stories from Award-Winning App Developers: in July we brought
together emerging mobile developers to share their stories and insights around creating
award-winning apps. We held a panel discussion with Taiwo Omisore, Mobile Software
developer and Alena Golden, Founder/CEO of Rap Fame Ltd, moderated by Mame-Yaa Bonsu.
Each shared their unique journeys and what they learned whilst building their award-winning
apps.
Passing the Torch: in September we hosted IT professionals and IT-centric business owners
considering retirement. The panel discussion was about succession planning as well as, life
after retirement and available options for consideration. The speakers on the night were: Vidya
Panchanathan, Bethan Barnfield and our very own David Lewis.
Finally, A big thank you to all of the committee members who made an amazing contribution to
what we have created this year at the BCS EMBRACE. Charlie Fadden (Incoming Chair), David
Lewis (treasurer), Daniel Ekiyoyo (secretary), Kamal Lakhpuri (inclusion officer), Chioma (early
careers advocate), Joel Baynes (outgoing sustainability lead) and Amechi Ogbuefi (projects
delivery officer).
BCS EMBRACE High level Programme Plan
1. Focus on the internal EMBRACE maturity (People and Processes)
a. Define and Document Processes for Membership onboarding and Expense claim
b. More socials for networking connections
c. Defining and applying KPIs to quantify the impact of our successes
2. Increase Collaboration with the BCS communities with a view to co-organise events
3. Cultivate further win-win relationships and knowledge sharing with corporate
organisations such as
a. Colour in tech
b. IBM
c. Silicon Valley Bank now know as HSBC
4. Ensure ongoing monitoring and Governance of existing programmes such as
a. BCS Foundation which was part formed from EMBRACE New Talent
Q1 2024 Jan - AGM [All]
Feb - Implement renewed vision and agenda
Mar - DigiTech Founders Lounge Event

3. Mar - Define and Document membership Onboarding Process
Mar - Appoint Membership Secretary
Q2 2024 April - BCS EMBRACE social
May - Initiate the Level Up programme - Upskill IT professionals
Jun - Reverse Pitching
Q3 2024 July - Digitech PE
August - South Asian Heritage Month
September - Reverse Pitching event
Q4 2024 October – Black History Month
December - Review Year
It has been a dynamic evolutionary year, and we invite you to join us as we enter a new phase
of growth.