Pathways Forward has published the results of the Pathways Pledge’s first cohort after reaching the end of their first 12-month period. AccelerateHER, CivTech, CodeBase, Deloitte, Eos Advisory, Scottish EDGE, and the Scottish National Investment Bank each committed to actionable steps aligned with the principles set out in the Pathways Report, with their performance measured over the past 12 months. The individual pledges for their first year ranged from the capture and publication of enhanced gender data, gender diversity on selection panels, and evidential increases in female participation rates. A high-level summary of their results can be found on the Pathways Forward website. To encourage collaboration across organisations, Pledging organisations can access the full report.
The first cohort is continuing their commitment to the Pathways Pledge by making two new Pledges to be tracked over the next 12 months. After learning from their first year experience, many organisations have evolved their Pledges, making them impactful and aligned with the recommendations of the Pathways Report. Year two pledges range from new partner leave policies, the creation of a growth lab for female entrepreneurs in Scotland, unconscious bias training, the formation of new partnerships to connect the ecosystem, and the inclusion of secondary school pupils in entrepreneurship events.
Ana Stewart said: “The Pledge initiative is a key pillar of Pathways Forward and we’re motivated to see its continued growth. Our focus is on consolidating efforts to drive change through collaboration with each organisation contributing its share to achieve a greater collective impact. I’m encouraged to have such a diverse group of organisations continuing to align with our objectives.”
The anniversary of the first pledges was recently recognised at the Pathways Pledge Annual Review last month. The review brought together all current Pledging organisations to share knowledge, collaborate, and stimulate new ways to achieve a bigger, collective impact. Speeches from Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Irene Graham OBE of the ScaleUp Institute inspired Pledging organisations and encouraged them to continue to make a tangible difference.
Since its launch in September 2023, Pathways Forward has established a reputation as an industry thought leader in Scotland and beyond. The Pathways Report also led to the launch of The Scottish Government’s Pathways Pre-Start Fund in 2023 and 2024 and the Entrepreneurial Education Pathways Fund in 2024, with £4.6 million of funding going towards Pathways recommendations with over 41 organisations across Scotland implementing actions.
