Black Talent and Leadership in STEM Programme welcomes Marks & Clerk as Consortium Member

February 23, 2024

We are pleased to announce that leading international intellectual property firm Marks & Clerk has joined the Black Talent and Leadership Programme as a Consortium member of the ‘Be the Change’ initiative which addresses the underrepresentation of Black Talent in STEM.

As a consortium member, Marks & Clerk will have access to our online tools and resources in addition to joining senior leaders at our invitation only events which bring together key stakeholders, industry experts and thought leaders to engage in insightful discussions, share expertise and foster collaboration across the sector to help support and develop Black Talent in STEM.

Olu Orugboh, Programme Director, said: “The drive to stimulate innovation is the bedrock to tackling major challenges faced by the UK and the world whilst maximising capability in key technologies. With innovation comes risk. As such, it’s essential that we have in place the next generation of skills which better represent the society in which we live – across all roles at all levels. This is vital to keep up with the rapid pace of change in a way that is impactful. We welcome Marks & Clerk to our mission.”

Simon Mounteney, Managing Partner, Marks & Clerk Europe, added: “We are delighted to join the Black Talent and Leadership in STEM Programme as a Consortium member of ‘Be the Change’. By becoming a member of this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This partnership not only enhances Marks & Clerk’s ability to support and empower Black talent within these critical sectors but it also strengthens our resolve to make a real difference and help individuals within these sectors to unlock their full potential.”

The Black Talent and Leadership in STEM Programme provides businesses with opportunities to learn from industry peers, as well as practical tools and templates for attracting, retaining and promoting Black talent in STEM. The mission of the programme is simple: to create a community of companies and partners who are committed to providing equity of opportunity for underserved Black communities and, in doing so, create empowered Black leaders in STEM.

As part of the programme, a new open access learning platform has been created for young Black talent seeking to develop their deep tech skills and explore career opportunities. The learning platform includes a wide range of practical courses from across the tech sphere, all of which are self-paced, as well as guidance on accessing new roles within the sector.

The Black Talent and Leadership programme is a cross-industry initiative delivered in collaboration with Cambridge Wireless, Homerton Changemakers, University of Cambridge, 10,000 Interns Foundation and Synergy Solutions. To find out more about becoming a consortium member or how you can support/access the programme, visit: www.blacktalentleadership.com