The Tech and People Network (TAP Network, formerly known as the HR Tech Group) launched the Diversity and Inclusion Tech Project in 2019 to increase the attraction, retention, and advancement of women, Indigenous peoples, people of colour, newcomers to Canada, and individuals who identify as LGBTQIAS+. This has resulted in the launching of several pilot programs to bolster diversity, inclusion and Indigenization strategies to support underrepresented groups.

The TAP Network’s Diversity & Inclusion HUB is a leading Canadian tech industry portal for best-in-class D&I resources and tools. Tools include templates and sample communications for tech companies to measure and benchmark the diversity of their staff. There are also checklists, templates, case studies, sample policies, training modules and links to other materials that can be directly implemented.

TAP Network D&I Training: In addition to the D&I resource hub and dashboard, the TAP Network also offers three diversity and inclusion programs specifically designed for tech leaders.

• The Inclusive Leadership Program is a 3-day program that provides skills to build a workplace with greater access and opportunity. It is designed for leaders to expand their awareness of D&I issues to challenge their perspectives to make a more productive and inclusive team. As a result, participants will be able to identify their beliefs and biases, explain societal and organizational barriers for underrepresented groups, identify opportunities, and address challenges in organizational systems like recruiting and staff development.
• The Inclusive Change Agent Program is a 3-day program with similar goals but is designed for HR and organizational leaders. Participants are required to have 5+ years of HR experience and organizational leadership capacity. In addition to the previously mentioned outcomes, this also adds the ability to design systemic approaches to build D&I practices, access resources to advocate for underrepresented groups, and build a network to leverage tech sector learning.
• The Inclusive Organizations Executive Training is a half day program designed for peer-based learning experiences that inspires participants to drive further change. It is targeted towards C-suite executives, founders, and board directors of Canadian tech companies. While there is overlap with the other two programs, there are unique learning outcomes to better understand the C-suite strategic role to improve diversity and inclusion, articulate a compelling diversity and inclusion vision for the organization, identify key strategies and tactics, identify one or more actions, and commit to act.