TechUK President Sheila Flavell Awarded Honorary Doctorate by University of Bath

• Sheila Flavell CBE, President of techUK, received an honorary degree from the University of Bath
• Sheila received the award for her leadership in terms of advocating diversity and inclusion in the tech industry
• She is best recognized for her contributions in informing UK technology policy and innovation

Sheila Flavell CBE, President of techUK and Chief Operating Officer of global technology consultancy FDM Group, has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Business Administration by the University of Bath. The honor recognizes her outstanding achievements in the digital industry and as a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion.

At the graduation ceremony, Professor Rachid Hourizi credited Sheila as an indefatigable campaigner for equality, equal pay, and equal opportunity. He noted her achievement in obtaining a zero gender pay gap and constructing a 50 percent female leadership group at FDM. Sheila’s dedication to developing underrepresented groups is reflected in programs like FDM's Global Women in Tech campaign and it’s Returners Programme, which assists women, ex-forces staff, and career returners to regain work.

Sheila's reach goes far beyond FDM. She is President of techUK, having a major influence on technology policy in the UK. She also advises governments across multiple countries in her role on the Digital Skills Council, is a member of Scotland's Technology Council, and chairs the Institute of Coding Industry Board, a national institution led by the University of Bath.

Sheila started out with FDM as its initial employee when it was a tiny company in the 1990s. She played a key role in getting the company listed in 2005, in the management buy-back of the company in 2010, and finally in relisting the company on the London Stock Exchange in 2014. FDM now has operations in over 22 countries and has more than 3,000 employees.

Sheila was conferred a CBE in 2020 for work and tech gender equality services. Professor Rachid concluded towards the end of the ceremony: "For her prolonged contribution to digital industries, leadership in driving diversity and inclusion, and service to national policy, Sheila Flavell is well deserving of this honorary degree."