East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster founder 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 Women in Tech Envoy, Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidonis.

It has brought together 15 high-profile industry leaders and experts from across the tech sector to advise on how UK Government can better support industry diversity.

Over the next 18 months, the taskforce will also 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.

Driving inclusive economic growth

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.

Its inaugural meeting was held at The British Science Association (BSA) in London yesterday and has gained wide media coverage. 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 co-Chair of UKC3 and Associate Professor at De Montfort University, 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,” she said.

“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.”

Advising UK Government

The taskforce is structured as an informal advisory group, aiming to ensure that work on skills, innovation and digital transformation is informed by real experiences from across the sector.​

Earlier this year, Ms Kendall announced its creation, setting out plans to build a more inclusive tech economy as a route to stronger national growth. In her Labour Party Conference speech, she underlined the goal of ‘smashing glass ceilings’ so that Britain’s tech future is shaped not just in Silicon Valley, but by ‘tech sisters’ here in the UK.​

The Minister said today: “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.”

Reflecting on the launch event, Dr Vasileiou said: “The conversations in the room made it clear that closing the gender gap in tech is about more than inspirational stories – it is about changing systems, from how we design training and recruitment to how we support women into leadership.”

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

Meanwhile, Dr Vasileiou is leading the first East Midlands Cyber Summit on 12 February 2026 from 9am to 4pm at The Venue, Western Boulevard, Leicester. Registration is free for East Midlands businesses but only 100 places are available – and the majority are already booked. Reserve your place now here. 

The East Midlands Cyber Summit is delivered by East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster, funded by Innovate UK, and supported by De Montfort University. It’s part of EMCSC’s wider CyberGrowth programme.