We want a digital industry we can feel proud of – one that is as forward thinking in the way in deals with issues of inclusion and diversity as it is with technology. The BIMA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council was established to ensure we lead the charge.
Whether challenging racism or sexual harassment, eliminating the gender pay bias, or creating positive workspaces where everyone feels valued, we’re working with organisations and individuals to make the digital industry a place we all want to work.
Sophie Creese, Co-Founder, MotherBoard & HeyFlow
HeyFlow helps organisations understand their female workforce better through insight-driven data and pioneering training centred around reproductive health and the implications of advancing opportunities for women in the workplace. Beyond HeyFlow, Sophie also founded MotherBoard, a not-for-profit Business Charter & Community that is driving tangible change for women working in the tech industry by tackling the 50% of women who leave the tech industry by age 35, predominantly due to motherhood.
In 2023, Sophie won the Lead 5050 Award for ‘Contribution to Gender Diversity’ and is widely known as a thought leader in workplace gender equality. Sophie has been featured in news publications such as The i, Computer Weekly, Computing and City AM and has worked with government bodies and not-for-profits such as City of London Corp and the Tech Talent Charter to identify the support needed for organisational change to close the gender gap. She is currently a subject matter expert for the 2024-2025 City of London ‘Women Pivoting Taskforce’.
Richard Burley, Client Strategy Partner at manifesto
Richard Burley, Client Strategy Partner for the Membership and Visit sector, SLT and chair of the LGBTQI+ ERG.
Richard also holds a pivotal role within the culture sector at Manifesto, is a committee member of the museum Computer Group and is on the BIMA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council. He ensures the delivery of design & content and, of course, technology through the lens of User Experience, identifying sector themes to increase sector engagement, conversion and inclusivity. Closely collaborating with The Royal Collection, Royal Academy of Arts and London Zoo (to name a few) optimising and defining membership propositions; attracting and increasing visitor numbers whilst continually channelling the transition of members into advocates.
A particular highlight being working with Generation Global for over 5 years to develop global citizens through intercultural dialogue – offering flexible teaching resources and solutions for global connectivity. This is all done with a focus on contemporary global issues, developing innovative platforms for educators to support young people’s global citizenship. Offering increased opportunities for young people to engage with global peers online, explore global issues and develop essential communication skills for life and work. They recently launched the mobile APP version of the global citizenship education programme offering a solution to those where online connectivity is an issue thus allowing the seamless download of topics to devices even when a stable connection is not available. Collaborative innovations have supported the creation of a global community of over 67,900 young people from 40+ countries. Richard particularly enjoys playing the ‘critical friend’ role enabling clients to think bigger and better, delivering Strategic planning and Ideation sessions to challenge aspirations, exploring opportunities for amplification and maximising budgets. Working with clients, the SLT at Manifesto who support an ethos of making our work environment open, inclusive and supportive we created ERGs (Employee resource groups) and Richard chairs the LGBTQIA+ ERG space. Hosting an annual PRIDE event to over 200 colleagues he gives thanks to the openness and honesty of some truly inspiring people:
LGBTQI+ 50+ by Opening Doors
Sexual health by Ruby Rare
Lady Phyll – Political activist
Dani ST James – NotAPhase
Language and pronouns by ShoutOut
Working with BIMA can only make us, our clients, our sector and the customers we engage stronger and more confident in challenging the creation of a better future. He’s excited to be part of the great work BIMA is known for and helping move us forward.
