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The Data Lab CEO supports continued investment in regional skills and employability

News, Professional Development 02/07/2026

Photo of Heather Thomson CEO of The Data Lab sitting at a table signing the IRES 2027 pledge

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.

“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.”

Heather Thomson, CEO of The Data Lab


Join us in supporting the IRES 2027+ Pledge:
Support the Pledge – Integrated Regional Employability & Skills (IRES)

Tags: data and AI economy, data and AI employability, skills development

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