What is the partnership?
Deloitte is supporting the next generation of tech talent as a founding partner of Ada, the National College for Digital Skills. Offering a sixth-form centre and apprenticeship course for 16 to 19-year-olds, the college is a charity with a clear social mission. Its aim is that half of its students should be women to address the gender imbalance in the sector, and half should be from low-income backgrounds, using digital skills as a vehicle for social mobility.
What did the company do?
The college's goal dovetails with Deloitte’s One Million Futures social impact strategy, which aims to improve opportunities for a million people through better access to education and employment. Deloitte has supported the college in developing its business plan and curriculum. Deloitte volunteers have offered support through initiatives including a three-day hackathon challenge for 60 students, a coaching programme and a networking event to attract more women to the college.
Why did it win?
During the past financial year, Deloitte gave Ada £100,000 plus £60,000 in pro-bono assistance and volunteer time. Three graduates from Ada's first intake are working full-time at Deloitte and 53 of its own apprentices are studying at the college.
What did the judges say?
"A great example of a really integrated partnership," said Nick Appleby, leader of the corporate partnerships team at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. "Social change is central to the mission, with strong results being delivered."
