DEI Crusader Closes After Seeing Companies Renege on Diversity

Debbie Forster got so sick of UK technology companies’ lack of commitment to diversity that she shut down her organization that aims to foster a more inclusive workforce in the industry.

Forster is the chief executive officer of the Tech Talent Charter, backed by the UK government with over 700 signatories, including giants such as Microsoft Corp., Accenture Plc, and Cisco Systems Inc. The board decided to close in August after finding some firms were using the charter to feign support for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives while quietly quitting their DEI efforts.

Debbie Forster

Photographer: Natasha Pszenicki

“Companies weren’t changing how ...