O U R C O M M I T M E N T
Diversity and Inclusion at Candyspace
At Candyspace we believe digital products – available to all – enrich our connections to each other and the world. Our vision is to create digital products that are loved by everyone – and we can only do that if those products are informed by a diverse range of ideas, perspectives, backgrounds and experiences.
As such we will constantly strive to ensure that diversity and inclusivity is central to what makes Candyspace thrive: creating an environment where no matter someone's ethnicity, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical abilities, age or sexual orientation they feel included, heard and valued.
That will make our digital products – and hence our connections to each other and the world – more valued and loved.
In 2022 Candyspace launched the Now+Next initiative in partnership with Founders4Schools, aimed at redressing the gender imbalance in technology and design. We provide inspiration, connections, experience and pathways into roles in data, design and technology for young women.
We aim to provide career opportunities for people regardless of their social, educational and financial backgrounds. We have partnered with the Drive Forward Foundation, who help young people leaving foster or residential care achieve their full potential.
Our recruitment practices drive the attraction, selection and retention of the best diverse talent for Candyspace. That includes establishing a diverse panel of interviewers, all of whom receive mandatory fair recruitment training.
We have four working groups within our business – Diversity & Inclusion, Women, LGBTQ+ and Ethnic Minorities – to ensure inclusivity is embedded within our business
We offer a regular work experience programme to support our initiatives around Women in Technology and Social Inclusion
TESTIMONIALS
SENIOR ANDROID DEVELOPER
"I love working at Candyspace because I am working on a great project and learning new skills, the culture here is open, it's accepting and very friendly. I love working with skilled professionals, we're a team and we're learning from each other all the time."
iOS DEVELOPER
"I am grateful to join Candyspace because I could feel trust and respect from them. They show me that they see people and not just workers. Also, I can feel how they value the importance of well-structured codes and well-organised workflow. Joining Candyspace is the easiest decision I have made."
QA ENGINEER
"What I love about my role at Candyspace is being part of creating something that has an impact on people’s everyday life. Individuals here are also very inspiring, I enjoy working in such a diverse environment. Everyone makes sure you feel welcomed, trusted and valued from the very first second."
of our current staff identify as non-white
of our current staff identify as LGBTQ+
of our current staff identify as having a disability
We conduct an annual diversity and inclusion survey with all of our staff. The results below show the percentage of respondents that either agreed or strongly agreed with each statement.
Candyspace values diversity
I can be my authentic self at work
People from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to succeed here
I feel like I belong at Candyspace
Candyspace builds teams that are diverse
I feel respected at Candyspace
AWARDS
SENIOR UX DESIGNER
El is passionate about accessibility, diversity and providing opportunities for young women in digital and uses her platform as a senior UX designer at Candyspace to drive that ambition.
She has spearheaded our Now+Next initiative and helped global clients create a more diverse and inclusive culture, winning The Drum's People's Champion Award and being named in the BIMA 100 in 2022.
DELIVERY MANAGER
Seye was named as a Champion of Change in the 2022 BIMA 100 for his work in bringing employment opportunities in technology and digital to young people in diverse and under-represented communities in south-east London.
Through his efforts, Seye is helping bridge the knowledge gap that is required for digital jobs and is helping to connect employers and schools, illuminating the path into our industry for many young people.
iOS DEVELOPER
Ali Aljoubory was named as a Rising Star in the 2022 BIMA 100.
Ali's passion, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit caught the attention of Candyspace in 2021 after he taught himself to code and built his own iOS app. Ali joined our team working on ITVX, one of the most high-profile digital products in the UK, and brings a fresh perspective and a new approach to his work.
OUR TEAM
Our Candyspace team is currently represented by 14 different nationalities, which include:
British, Brazilian, Canadian, Colombian, French, Greek, Hungarian, Indian, Iranian, Irish, Italian, Maltese, Nigerian and Spanish.