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.
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
People from all backgrounds have equal opportunities to succeed here
I can be my authentic self at work
I feel like I belong at Candyspace
Candyspace builds teams that are diverse
I feel respected at Candyspace
AWARDS
DELIVERY MANAGER
Seye was named as a Champion of Change in the 2023 BIMA 100 for the second year running.
Seye is dedicated to bringing employment opportunities in technology and digital to young people in diverse and under-represented communities in southeast London. In 2022, Seye has continued to dedicate his time to outreach work and has shaped Candyspace from within to help us create a more inclusive and accessible culture within the digital and technology industry for the talent he is uplifting, making him a true champion for change in 2023.
iOS DEVELOPER
Isabella Bencardino was named as a Rising Star in the 2023 BIMA 100, representing a new generation of developers.
Isabella demonstrates a considered approach to her work, and approaches every challenge she’s encountered as a new iOS developer on the ITVX team as an exciting opportunity to learn and develop her skills. In her first role as an iOS developer, she has contributed to the successful launch of a major, new digital platform for a household name client and has done so with incredible enthusiasm.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Matt has been recognised in the CEO & Leaders category for his human-first approach to leadership, keeping the people who work at Candyspace at its heart.
Matt has been responsible for a considerable shift in culture at Candyspace and has personally championed and driven the agency’s initiatives around social inclusion and women in technology. Matt has led by example and driven Candyspace’s thought leadership reputation, authoring white papers and opinion pieces, leading webinars, speaking at industry events and participating in panels and discussions.
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.