UKC3 Co-Chair Dr Ismini Vasileiou has been appointed to the UK Government’s new Women in Tech Taskforce.
The taskforce is led by Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Liz Kendall, and brings together 15 high-profile industry leaders and experts from across the tech sector. Its purpose is to advise on how the Government can better support industry diversity.
Over the next 18 months, the taskforce will act to ensure the UK accesses the full talent pool, market opportunities, and innovation capacity. Research shows women leaving tech leads to estimated loss of £2-£3.5 billion annually.
The taskforce’s ambitions include expanding opportunities for women across the UK, driving sustainable and inclusive economic growth, shaping government action and supporting the development of technology that benefits everyone.
The taskforce’s inaugural meeting was held at The British Science Association (BSA) in London yesterday. It brought together industry and policy leaders to examine how to remove the systemic barriers that prevent women from entering, progressing and leading in technology roles.
Dr Vasileiou, who is also founder of East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster and Associate Professor at De Montfort University Leicester, joined business leaders including Alison Kirkby, CEO of BT group, Emma O’Dwyer, head of public policy at Uber, and Francesca Carlesi, CEO of the UK arm of Revolut.
“It’s a privilege to be invited to join DSIT’s Women in Tech Taskforce,” said Dr Vasileioum who is Skills Lead for UKC3.
“Drawing on my work in cyber security and digital skills, I’m keen to help shape solutions that move beyond discussion and deliver meaningful, long-term change for women working in technology.
“We will be supporting action-driven solutions that align policy, skills and industry practice to deliver lasting impact for women in technology.”
Ms Kendall said: “Technology should work for everyone, that is why I have established the Women in Tech Taskforce – to break down the barriers that still hold too many people back, and to partner with industry on practical solutions that make a real difference.
“This matters deeply to me. When women are inspired to take on a role in tech and have a seat at the table, the sector can make more representative decisions, build products that serve everyone, and unlock the innovation and growth our economy needs.”
Founding members of the Women in Tech Taskforce
- Liz Kendall: Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
- Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon: Founder – STEMETTES
- Allison Kirkby: CEO – BT Group
- Anna Brailsford: CEO and Co-Founder – Code First Girls
- Francesca Carlesi: CEO – Revolut
- Louise Archer: Academic – Institute of Education
- Karen Blake: Tech Inclusion Strategist, Former Co-CEO of the Tech Talent Charter
- Sue Daley OBE: Director Tech and Innovation – techUK
- Vinous Ali: Deputy Executive Director, StartUp Coalition
- Charlene Hunter: Founder – Coding Black Females
- Dr. Hayaatun Sillem: CEO – Royal Academy of Engineering
- Kate Bell: Assistant General Secretary at TUC
- Amelia Miller: Co-Founder and CEO – ivee
- Dr Ismini Vasileiou: Director – East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster
- Emma O’Dwyer: Director of Public Policy – Uber
