Sheila Flavell CBE, president of UK trade technology association techUK, has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Bath.
The award is in recognition of her lasting impact on the digital industry and her leadership in diversity and inclusion.
Professor Rachid Hourizi, who delivered the oration at the degree ceremony, paid tribute to the technology entrepreneur and business leader’s determination to champion fairness, equal pay and opportunity, and her success in achieving a zero gender pay gap and 50% female leadership team at her global technology consultancy FDM.
“At every stage of her career Sheila has been an advocate for the training and education of the next generation of engineers and leaders. She has been a passionate champion of diversity and inclusion, founding FDM’s Global Women in Tech campaign and Returners Programme, which empowers thousands of women, ex-forces personnel and career returners to re-enter the workforce with confidence and purpose,” Professor Hourizi said.
Professor Hourizi said Flavell’s influence and recognition extended far beyond the main FTSE listed company FDM, where she is chief operating officer, highlighting her presidency of the trade body techUK, her advisory role to multiple governments as a member of the Digital Skills Council, Scotland’s new Technology Council and her service as the Industry Board Chair of the national Institute of Coding, which is led by the University of Bath.
Flavell became FDM’s first employee when it was an attic startup in the 90s and, along with her two partners, led the company’s flotation on London’s Alternative Investment Market in 2005, a management buy-back in 2010, and their subsequent re-listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2014.
Professor Hourizi said Sheila had been instrumental in every stage of the company’s growth, which now employs over 3,000 people in more than 22 countries.
“I am deeply honoured to be receiving this recognition from the University of Bath. It’s a moment that means a great deal to me, not just as a recognition of my work, but as a reminder of the people, places, and passions that have shaped my journey. I’m grateful beyond words — and I hope this honour encourages others to keep pursuing what matters most to them,” Flavell said.
In 2020 she received a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to gender equality in technology and employment.
“Vice-Chancellor [Phil Taylor], in recognition of her lasting impact on our digital industries, her leadership in development of diversity and inclusion and her contributions to both national policy and national life I present to you Sheila Flavell, who is exceptionally worthy to receive the degree of Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa,” Professor Hourizi said.