I will be highlighting some of the ways greater diversity makes more business sense, improves morale of developer teams and helps to solve problems in better ways.
I will share tips that have worked for our digital agency in improving our early careers talent pipeline with internship programs in web development and UX/UI Design for refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan & Iran. I will discuss the learnings I have from my leadership role at the British Interactive Media Association sitting on their Diversity, Equality & Inclusion council and how we have successfully helped to affect change in the industry.
I'll also cover the local ecosystem in our community and the wider London and UK context and how this might be able to help Swedish development teams.
As a Managing Director, Developer & Trainer, Chandeep is a problem solver (useful as a hands-on Dad to three children under the age of six!). With over 20 years of experience in web development and a long-time open source CMS specialist, Chandeep brings deep technical expertise and sharp business acumen to help solve complex digital transformation projects in a hybrid web specialist with client-facing consultancy skills.
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With over 20 years of experience in the digital industry, Chandeep brings a unique perspective to the conversation about refugee talent in tech. As the founder and owner of 2Toucans Digital Agency, he's not just talking about change – he's actively creating it.
Chandeep's approach to supporting refugees isn't just business – it's personal. Coming from a family with a migration background, he intimately understands the challenges of building a new life in a different country. His grandparents' journey and determination to succeed despite numerous obstacles have shaped his commitment to opening doors for others.
At 2Toucans Digital Agency, Chandeep has developed a groundbreaking internship programme specifically designed for individuals who have sought sanctuary in the UK. Recognising that the lack of local commercial experience often becomes an insurmountable barrier for talented professionals, he invests his time, expertise, and resources in providing that crucial first step into the British digital industry.
"In tech, we often talk about skills gaps and talent shortages," Chandeep notes, "but sometimes the greatest opportunities lie in looking beyond traditional recruitment paths." His agency's initiative has already helped numerous skilled professionals launch their careers in the UK digital sector, proving that with the right support, refugee talent can thrive and contribute significantly to our industry.
Join us to hear Chandeep share insights from his journey of building an inclusive digital agency and learn how your organisation can benefit from embracing refugee talent. His practical experience and personal understanding of the migration journey make him uniquely qualified to discuss both the challenges and immense opportunities in this space.
