Gurpreet Manku becomes a Trustee of Diversity UK
Diversity UK, an equality charity that aims to advance the education of the public in diversity and inclusion in the workplace, announced that Gurpreet Manku, BVCA's Deputy Director General and Director of Policy and a BVCA board member, has become a Trustee of the organisation.
Lopa Patel MBE, Chair of Diversity UK, said, “We are delighted that Gurpreet has joined us as a Trustee. Her background in the investment sector, combined with her passion for improving diversity and inclusion within the venture capital and private equity industry will be invaluable in helping drive initiatives in this area. As the publisher of the Asian Tech Pioneers and Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech lists, we know that there is much that needs to be done to encourage BAME startup and scaleup founders, particularly women entrepreneurs. Through the AsiansInTech.com platform, Diversity UK has created a platform for under-represented founders to showcase their innovations and network to get the funding and support. We hope that Gurpreet will bring new insight and perspective on how we can scale our efforts in the tech sector to achieve greater social impact.”
Gurpreet Manku commented, “I am really excited to join Diversity UK as a Trustee and was honoured to judge the Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech list in 2019, where I saw first hand the high calibre of nominees and their entrepreneurial businesses. As we recover from the pandemic, there will be an increased need for innovation and entrepreneurship to be supported by the investment industry and business more broadly. I am also keen to promote equitable D&I initiatives that will increase the representation of people from different backgrounds in the UK.”
Diversity UK has achieved significant success since it was founded in 2012, including conducting the first public appointments survey among BAME individuals and publishing the ‘Beyond the Glass Ceiling: Representation in Public Appointments’ report; establishing the annual Paul Stephenson Lecture on race equality; publishing the annual ‘Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech’ and Asian Tech Pioneers lists, curating Tech Showcases and hosting events on topics ranging from ‘Unconscious Bias’ to ‘Millennials and the Media’ as well as taking part in numerous consultations and roundtables.
Gurpreet Manku commenced her appointment as a Trustee of Diversity UK on 1st February 2021 for a period of 3 years.
About Gurpreet Manku
Gurpreet Manku is the BVCA's Deputy Director General and Director of Policy, and a BVCA board member. She is responsible for leading the BVCA's response to a wide range of policy challenges facing the industry from a legal, tax, reporting and regulatory perspective, both in the UK and Europe. Gurpreet is a member of the board of the Cost Transparency Initiative and is a member of the coalition that developed the Wates corporate governance principles for large private companies. She is also the executive liaison to the Private Equity Reporting Group, the body responsible for monitoring the industry's compliance with the Walker Guidelines on Transparency and Disclosure.
Gurpreet is passionate about improving diversity and inclusion within the venture capital and private equity industry and leads the BVCA's efforts to support firms. Before joining the BVCA, she worked at Deloitte LLP and specialised in auditing and advising private equity funds and their managers. Gurpreet studied at the London School of Economics and is a Chartered Accountant and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales.
About Asians in Tech
The Top 100 Asian Stars in UK Tech is the definitive list of Asians working in the digital and technology sectors in Britain. The aim of the list is to showcase diverse talent; from startup founders, technologists, venture capitalists and investors; to the game changers and digital influencers in business and social enterprise. Nominees go on to found multiple businesses, provide invaluable services, raise capital, employ people and change lives. Many go on to win prizes and awards, are shortlisted in other lists, judge pitch events & build new partnerships. The Asian Tech Pioneers are a select group, chosen by a panel of their peers, for being inspirational in giving back to the community; establishing social enterprises & charities and for playing a major role in the British tech ecosystem.
About Diversity UK
Diversity UK is an equality charity that aims to advance the education of the public in diversity and inclusion in the workplace, in particular by carrying out research for the public benefit in all aspects of that subject and to publish the useful results. It is an evidence-based initiative that seeks to influence policy, enhance civic engagement and improve the perception of the minority ethnic community in Britain. It delivers its objectives through its website and newsletters and aims to undertake research, raise awareness, facilitate debates, host roundtable meetings, participate in consultations and monitor public appointments.
Founded in 2012, Diversity UK is a registered charity (No: 1155189) in England & Wales run by Mrs Lopa Patel MBE (Chair); Ms Vimla Appadoo, Ms Rita Hunt, Ms Francesca Jus-Burke, Ms Gurpreet Manku, Ms Anne-Marie Taylor and Mr Ramesh Vala OBE as Trustees.
