UK Sets Up Taskforce to Tackle Gender Barriers in the Tech Sector

Government Targets Inclusion in a High Growth Industry

The UK government has launched a new taskforce aimed at improving the representation and retention of women in the technology sector, as part of a broader effort to boost economic growth and innovation. Officials say the initiative is designed to help women enter the industry, remain in technical roles, and progress into leadership positions. The move reflects growing recognition that persistent gender imbalances in tech are limiting both talent development and productivity.

Leadership and Structure of the Taskforce

The new Women in Tech taskforce will be led by technology secretary Liz Kendall and bring together senior female leaders from technology companies, professional bodies, and related organisations. These members will advise the government on practical steps to improve diversity across the sector. Rather than focusing solely on recruitment, the group is expected to address structural issues affecting career progression, workplace culture, and long term retention.

The Scale of the Gender Gap in UK Tech

Recent data highlights the challenge the taskforce is intended to address. According to BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, women currently make up only 22 percent of people working in IT specialist roles across the UK. This figure has remained stubbornly low despite years of discussion around diversity and inclusion. Industry observers note that the gap is particularly pronounced in senior technical and leadership positions.

Barriers Faced by Women in Technology

Women in tech often point to a combination of factors that make entry and advancement difficult. These include limited access to early training opportunities, lack of visible role models, unconscious bias in hiring and promotion, and workplace cultures that do not always support flexible or inclusive working practices. Many women also leave the sector mid career, leading to a loss of experienced talent that companies struggle to replace.

Economic Case for Greater Inclusion

Beyond questions of fairness, the government has framed the taskforce as an economic initiative. Technology plays a central role in productivity growth, digital infrastructure, and national competitiveness. By widening participation, policymakers argue the UK can better address skills shortages and strengthen its innovation capacity. Greater diversity is also linked to improved decision making and product design, particularly in technologies that affect broad segments of society.

Role of Industry in Shaping Solutions

By involving female leaders from across the tech ecosystem, the taskforce aims to ensure recommendations are grounded in real world experience. Industry participation is seen as critical, as many of the barriers women face arise within company practices rather than formal regulation. Input from employers may help identify where policy support, incentives, or guidance could make a measurable difference.

Government Messaging and Expectations

Liz Kendall said the Women in Tech group would work to break down barriers that continue to hold too many people back from contributing fully to the sector. Her comments suggest an emphasis on long term cultural change rather than short term targets alone. The government has signaled that improving gender balance in technology is part of a wider agenda focused on opportunity, skills development, and inclusive growth.

A Broader Debate on Diversity in Tech

The launch of the taskforce comes amid ongoing debate about how effectively the tech industry is addressing diversity challenges. While many companies have introduced internal initiatives, progress has been uneven. The government’s involvement adds political weight to the issue and may increase pressure on firms to demonstrate tangible improvements in representation and workplace practices.

Measuring Impact Beyond Announcements

The success of the taskforce is likely to be judged on whether it leads to measurable change in participation and career outcomes for women in tech. Closing the gender gap will require sustained coordination between government, education providers, and employers. The creation of the taskforce signals renewed focus on the issue, but its long term impact will depend on how recommendations are translated into action across the sector.