Speakers

Sheila Flavell CBE is President of techUK, a member of the UK Government's Digital Skills Council, Chief Operating Officer and an Executive Board Director of FDM Group. She has spent 32 years operating within the international IT space. As a 'woman returner' who has had to overcome several challenges in her working life, she is passionate about enhancing diversity, equality, fairness and inclusivity within today's workplace. She believes in tech as a viable and successful career path for all. In response to this, she has set up the FDM Returners Programme, which has grown to become the leading destination of choice for people looking to return to work within the IT sector. As a prominent female tech leader, Sheila understands the importance of being a strong role model and mentor for women looking to progress their career in tech. Her business experience has been key in driving FDM Group's global expansion programme, as well as establishing the company's listing on the FTSE 250 in 2017. Sheila continues to advise Government committees on improving the digital skills shortage and gender pay gap in the UK. She is also immensely proud of FDM's achievement in attaining a zero gender pay gap every year since reporting was introduced. Her work has also been widely recognised. She was awarded 'Commander of the Order of the British Empire' in the 2020 New Year's Honours list, for services to gender equality in technology and services to graduate and returners' employment. Other awards and recognitions include: Computer Weekly's 'Most Influential Women in UK IT' Hall of Fame 25 most influential women in North America's mid-market by CEO Connection (4 years running) Lifetime achievement award by Scotland Women in Technology Computing's Woman of the Year Woman of the Year at the Information Age Women in IT Awards Tech Champion at the TechWomen100 Awards UK's Inspiring 50 of 2018 Leader of the Year at the everywoman in Technology Awards 100 Women Role Models in Tech by Business Cloud Top 30 Most Inspirational Female Entrepreneurs in the City, Brummell Magazine Editors' Choice Award at the Women in IT Awards