UK government launches Women in Tech taskforce

Technology secretary Liz Kendall has unveiled the group to help more women enter, stay and lead in Britain’s tech sector

The UK government has launched a new organisation aimed at supporting women, boosting diversity and economic growth in the technology industry.

Led by secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, Liz Kendall (pictured), the Women in Tech Taskforce brings together leading industry figures and experts from across the tech ecosystem.

The founding members include BT Group CEO Allison Kirkby, Code First Girls co-founder Anna Brailsford, Karen Blake, tech inclusion strategist and former co-CEO of the Tech Talent Charter, and Charlene Hunter, founder of Coding Black Females.

This first-of-its-kind initiative will advise the government on how to better support diversity in tech and ensure the UK accesses the full talent pool, market opportunities, and innovation capacity needed for economic growth.

According to a report from Lovelace published in July, the British economy loses an estimated £2 - £3.5bn a year because women leave the tech sector or change jobs due to barriers.

A 2023 Fawcett Society study found 20 per cent of men in tech believe women are inherently less suited for these roles.

At the current pace, it will take 283 years for women to achieve equal representation in tech and female-founded start-ups receive 5.9x less funding than male-founded ones, despite delivering 35 per cent higher returns on investment.

The Women in Tech Taskforce will identify and dismantle these barriers to education, training, and career progression.

The group will also develop practical solutions for government and industry to implement side by side, shape policy that encourages diversity and levels the playing field and drive sustainable and inclusive economic growth by expanding opportunities for women across the UK.

“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,” said Kendall.

“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.”