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TechUP from Durham shortlisted in the 2024 National Diversity Awards

TechUP Programme running from Durham University, has been shortlisted for the Community Organisation: Gender Award in this year’s National Diversity Awards in association with HSBC UK. It’s a huge achievement to reach this stage as from over 90,000 nominees, 125 finalists in 10 categories have been named in recognition of their dedication to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion.  

TechUPWomen Welcome Event, Durham University, July 2019

TechUP has been shortlisted for their commitment to training women and non-binary people from underserved communities, enabling them to enter tech careers through their flagship TechUPWomen courses.

Winners will be announced on October 4, 2024 at the prestigious 13th National Diversity Awards in the stunning Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. 

The Awards

A highlight in the diversity calendar, the National Diversity Awards unite UK citizens irrespective of race, faith, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability and culture. Hailed as the ‘Golden Globes’ of the diversity world, this year’s event will be hosted for the second year running by world-renowned broadcaster, author, presenter and journalist Clare Balding, CBE who, in her life and through her work, champions diversity, inclusion and equity. 

“I’m honoured and delighted to return as host for these uplifting and inspiring awards. It’s so important to recognise individuals, organisations and charities going above and beyond to unite their communities, making them stronger, safer and happier,” says Clare Balding, CBE. “The National Diversity Awards celebrate all that’s good and powerful in an inclusive society and bring much deserved attention to community heroes whose hard work and achievements might otherwise go unnoticed.” 

Nominees were put forward for one of these categories: 

  • Positive Role Model: Age / Disability / Gender / LGBT / Race, Faith or Religion 
  • Community Organisation: Age / Disability / Gender / LGBT / Race, Faith or Religion / Multi-Strand  
  • Lifetime Achiever 
  • Celebrity of the Year 
  • Entrepreneur of Excellence 
  • Diverse Company of the Year 

The finalists in the Community Organisation: Gender category are:  

CyberWomen Groups C.I.C, Refugee Women Connect, Endeavour Project, Believe, OPOKA CIO, TechUP, Waves Wahines CIC and Amadudu.

Image shows a row of diverse women smiling and lauging at something off camera
TechUPWomen Celebration Event, Nottingham, January 2020

Why TechUP?

“We’re delighted to be recognised for the work we’ve done to empower underserved communities through our free tech training programmes. This year marks 5 years of TechUP and being nominated for an award of this stature only further cements our commitment to levelling the tech field for all. We’re looking forward to celebrating at the awards ceremony and meeting all the other organisations and individuals doing incredible work to advance equality, diversity, and inclusion in the UK!” says Professor Sue Black, co-founder of TechUP.

“These Awards honour the unsung heroes transforming lives and perceptions through their unwavering commitment,” says Paul Sesay, CEO of Inclusive Companies, and founder of the National Diversity Awards.  “They also serve to inspire the next generation of diversity advocates to be courageous, take a stand and make a meaningful impact in their communities.” 

TechUP, founded in 2019, transforms lives by empowering women and non-binary people from underserved communities to enter tech careers through its flagship TechUPWomen programme. Co-designed with industry partners TechUPWomen courses provide personalised tech skills training, mentoring, and confidence-building. 

TechUP has trained over 390 women, with over 50% being People of Colour. Post-graduation, 68% of participants have pursued further education, secured new jobs or promotions, and many have become award winners. Alumnae hold roles such as Solution Architect, Security Analyst, Data Analyst, Agile Scrum Master, and Software Developer. Alumnae have reported their TechUP experience as ‘inspiring’, ‘warm and welcoming’, ‘above all expectations’ and ‘life-changing’!

TechUP’s innovative, collaborative approach addresses intersectionality, breaks down barriers, and enhances social mobility, fostering a more inclusive future for learners.

Find out more at:  www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk 

Media contact for the National Diversity Awards: 

[email protected] / 07787 33143