Civica teams up with SheCanCode to back women in tech

Civica has partnered with SheCanCode, linking the software supplier with a women-in-technology community of more than 300,000 users worldwide.

As a Corporate Ambassador, Civica will support programmes designed to help women explore, enter and progress in technology careers. The collaboration will focus on mentoring, learning, networking and professional development.

Founded in 2016, SheCanCode has built a network of more than 4,000 women in technology. Its work includes mentorship programmes, university partnerships and support for non-profit initiatives aimed at helping women build long-term careers in the sector.

Civica provides cloud-based software and services to more than 6,000 organisations across central and local government, health and care, and education. Its systems support the delivery of services to more than 100 million citizens worldwide.

Gender gap

The partnership comes amid continued scrutiny of representation in the technology sector. Research cited by the organisations found that 29% of UK technology employees are women or non-binary, while only 21% of senior technology roles are held by people in those groups.

The initiative also sits alongside wider efforts to improve diversity in the industry, including the UK government-backed Women in Tech Taskforce, set up to support greater inclusion across the sector.

For SheCanCode, the agreement brings support from a technology supplier with a large public sector customer base and operations across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. For Civica, it aligns the company with a community focused on practical career support for women at different stages of entering or advancing in technology roles.

Women remain underrepresented across many technical and leadership positions despite years of recruitment initiatives and public commitments from employers. Industry groups argue that mentoring, visible role models, skills development and stronger professional networks can improve retention and progression, as well as entry into the sector.

SheCanCode describes its model as a free collaborative community for women who want to join the technology industry and for those already working in it. Members are offered access to career information, peer support, opportunities and guidance to help them develop in the field.

Kayleigh Bateman, Managing Director, Community & Partnerships, at SheCanCode, said the partnership would expand that work.

"We're delighted to welcome Civica as a Corporate Ambassador. Their commitment to empowering women in technology aligns perfectly with SheCanCode's mission to close the gender gap in the tech industry. Together, we're creating opportunities, breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of women in tech. We're excited for the work we plan to create together."

Civica said the partnership reflected the importance of representation in the teams that design and deliver digital services used by large sections of the public.

Lee Perkins, Chief Executive Officer at Civica, said: "The technology we build has a direct impact on the lives of millions of people, so it's essential that the teams creating it reflect the diverse communities we serve. Partnering with SheCanCode is an important step in helping more women access opportunities in technology, develop their skills and build rewarding careers."