Partnering with Data Gals on our Future Skills for Women Programme

We co-designed our latest Future Skills for Women Programme in Dundee, because of their huge efforts to tackle the gender gap in data.

The wider industry has made only incremental progress on diversity. Women still
account for just 21% of IT specialists in the UK, 29% within Tech Talent Charter
signatories, 16.9% in engineering and technology roles, and 23% of Scotland’s tech
workforce. These figures highlight the entrenched barriers women face—not just in
accessing roles, but in staying and progressing within them.

In 2024, 67% of placements through The Data Gals were women. In 2025, that figure has risen again to 81%. These are not abstract statistics—they represent lives transformed, teams diversified, and companies enriched by the innovation that inclusion unlocks.

By contrast, The Data Gals has delivered a clear, year-on-year improvement in
women entering technical roles. In 2024, women made up 67% of placements. In
2025, the number climbed to 81%, proving that when barriers are removed and
talent is supported, women not only apply but succeed. These outcomes are
reshaping client teams across the UK, Europe, and the US, particularly in Data &
AI functions where female representation has historically been even lower than in
general IT. Every placement is more than a number: it represents another skilled
woman in the sector, another team enriched by diversity of thought, and another
role model for future generations.

“I had the pleasure of working with Katarina during my recent job search, and I can’t
thank her enough for the support she provided throughout the process. From our first
conversation, she was incredibly professional, proactive, and genuinely committed to
helping me find the right role. She not only connected me with a great opportunity but
also guided me through every stage of the process. I highly recommend Katarina to
anyone seeking a recruiter who is knowledgeable, responsive, and truly invested in
your success.” — Elina Kamilova, Senior Analyst

Katarina understands that systemic change cannot be achieved by one recruiter
alone—it requires partnerships and community. The Data Gals has built strong
collaborations with organisations that share the mission of equity. That’s why we partnered with The Data Gals to deliver one-to-one workshops for women learners, signposting opportunities, and preparing candidates for real
interviews. This practical support has helped Code Division participants step
directly into digital and data roles.

Building on this success, The Data Gals are alsolaunching a six-month Mentorship and Skills Programme in Dundee in collaboration with both Code Division and Nomad Alba, designed to provide women with the technical training, career confidence, and professional networks needed to thrive in the digital economy.

“I have worked with Katarina over the last year. She was particularly keen to work
alongside us on our Women and Data programmes—there she has provided one-to-
one workshops for our learners. Katerina has given our learners so much support,
pointing them toward possible jobs, and her knowledge of the industry means she is
able to reassure them. Any opportunity, we are informed immediately; for potential
candidates she is always there to support and prepare them for interview. Katerina
has provided opportunities for quite a number of our learners to move into a career in
digital and data.” — Frank Duffy, Founder, Code Division

The Data Gals also works directly with employers across the UK, Europe, and the
US—including high-growth start-ups, scale-ups, and established global brands—to
build inclusive teams from the ground up. From marketing effectiveness teams to
advanced analytics functions, Katarina ensures inclusion is embedded at the
foundation, not as an afterthought.

“Working with Kat to find a new team member was an outstanding experience. From
the outset, her commitment to inclusive hiring was clear—not just in principle, but in
practice. Rather than simply presenting a list of candidates, Kat took the time to
understand our company culture, values, and the specific skills we needed. Thanks
to her thoughtful and strategic approach, we welcomed a fantastic new colleague
who has already become an integral part of our team. Within just three months, their
contributions and fresh perspective have added real value to our business. Kat’s
work shows that inclusive recruitment isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart,
impactful strategy for building stronger, more dynamic teams.”
— Deana Ivanova, Head of Technology, Prime Trading Group

Beyond employer partnerships, The Data Gals has built an ecosystem that
empowers women to thrive in their careers. The She Leads Data podcast and online
panels showcase women leaders in Data & AI, offering role models and visibility. A
UK-wide mentorship programme connects aspiring data professionals with
seasoned mentors, building confidence and opening doors to opportunities. These
initiatives extend the company’s impact beyond recruitment, shaping a supportive
community for long-term retention and advancement.
Despite progress in gender equity in education and leadership, Scotland’s techworkforce remains only 23% female. Women are still significantly underrepresented
in IT and engineering roles, and government reports highlight that attrition is a
persistent issue, with many women leaving the industry due to cultural barriers
and limited progression pathways.

The Data Gals provides a direct and scalable solution to these challenges. By
embedding balanced shortlists, transparent assessments, and candidate care into
every hire, it is tackling not only access but also retention. Katarina’s model builds
confidence, ensures fair assessment, and creates pathways for women who might
otherwise have been overlooked. This is not just about placing candidates into
roles—it is about changing the culture of recruitment and showing employers how
inclusion can work in practice.

“Kat is an amazing, professional, dedicated consultant. She has gone above and
beyond during a difficult time by providing additional support with communication
between me and my employer. Kat is friendly and always willing to lend a listening
ear.” — Mei Keng Lim, CIM Manager