The Data Lab CEO pledges to support continued investment in regional skills and employability

a woman sitting at a table in front of a window in an office environment signing a piece of paper to show support for the initiative

Heather Thomson, CEO of The Data Lab, has signed the Integrated Regional Employability & Skills (IRES) 2027+ Pledge to support the continued investment in regional skills and employability. The Data Lab leads the Data Skills for Work programme within The University of Edinburgh’s Data Driven Innovation initiative of the Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Region Deal. Heather recognises the important role IRES plays in supporting workforce development and closing the data and AI skills gap to boost Scotland’s economy and society.


Heather Thomson, CEO of The Data Lab, said, “Addressing the digital skills gap, supporting diversity, and preparing for the changing world of work, our Data Skills for Work programme has already upskilled over 1,600 working adults in our region. As the workplace becomes increasingly digitalised, sustained investment in data and AI skills is key to ensuring that no one is left behind. The IRES pledge represents a renewed commitment to upskilling, reskilling and creating opportunities for residents across Edinburgh and South East Scotland, and I am pleased to be a signatory on behalf of The Data Lab.”

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NewsAnna Ashton Scott