Media
The Very Group and InnovateHer renew partnership to improve gender diversity in the tech sector
November 23, 2022
The Very Group, which operates digital retailer Very, has reconfirmed its commitment to increase gender diversity in the tech sector by partnering with North West-based social enterprise InnovateHer for a fifth consecutive year.
Over the next 12 months, the organisations will work with Holly Lodge Girls’ College and Broughton Hall High School in Liverpool to raise awareness of tech career opportunities among girls aged 13 to 16 through inspirational events, courses and mentoring. The retailer will also fund access to InnovateHer’s learning portal for 400 students, helping them to develop the skills required to work in tech, and host school visits at Very’s head office in Liverpool, to show how the next generation could thrive in an inclusive workplace.
Since 2018, 650 students have taken part in activities organised jointly by The Very Group and InnovateHer, including a mentoring scheme led by a 30-strong cohort of Very volunteers. At Holly Lodge Girls’ College, more than 90% of participants said they were now considering a career in tech.
Sarah Willett, chief people officer at The Very Group, said: “We are passionate about actively improving diversity in the tech sector and other industries we operate in, as well as creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in our local communities. Partnering with InnovateHer plays an important role in supporting both aims.
“We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved together so far, and excited to build on that even further in the year ahead.”
Lauren Forbes, head of fundraising and partnerships at InnovateHer, commented: “We are thrilled to see The Very Group continue their partnership with us. Getting support from organisations like The Very Group is pivotal in inspiring the next generation to consider careers in tech, allowing us to continue with our mission of getting more girls into the industry.
“The Very Group’s commitment to supporting Holly Lodge Girls’ College and Broughton Hall High School offers teens in Liverpool a chance to explore all of their options and better their futures, and we are extremely proud to have them on board.”
The Very Group is also a signatory of the Tech Talent Charter and a partner of Women in Data.
Contact information
Media relations
Ashley Muldoon (The Very Group) | ashley.muldoon@theverygroup.com | 07523044507
Notes to editors
About The Very Group
With annual revenue of £2.15bn, The Very Group is a unique digital business that combines online retail and flexible payments. Our digital retail brands, Very and Littlewoods, help to bring over 2,000 desirable labels within easy reach of more customers.
Across electrical, home, fashion and more, we sell everything our 4.4 million customers could need, except food. And our flexible payment options, which are provided responsibly via our Very Pay platform and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, help our customers manage their household budgets.
We have over a hundred years of history behind us, but at our heart there is a passion for change – to constantly improve what we do, to innovate with data and technology at our core and to be the best possible place to work.
For more information, follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.
