Baroness Sandip Verma

Sandip K. Verma, known as Baroness Verma, is a Member of the House of Lords UK, She is the Ministerial Champion for Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Overseas and the Chair of the UN Women’s National Committee.

She is currently serving as the Chancellor of the University of Roehampton, a role she was appointed to in 2022, with her formal investiture taking place in May 2023. She is actively involved in promoting the university's strategic goals and supporting its philanthropic activities.

She was appointed to the House of Lords in June 2006, taking the title Baroness Verma of Leicester. Sandip also served in governmental roles under Prime Minister David Cameron. She was a Government Whip and held positions as the spokesperson for the Cabinet Office, International Development, and Equalities and Women’s Issues. 

She was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change from 2012 to 2015 and for International Development from 2015 to 2016. Sandip worked in the fashion industry and later in the residential care sector, benefiting from the Conservative Party's policy of privatisation.

Sandip has been actively involved in philanthropic and governmental roles, including as Ministerial Champion for Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Overseas and Chair of the UN Women’s National Committee.

She has also held positions in private organisations, particularly in roles advocating for equality, diversity, and inclusion. Sandip’s political interests are focused on areas like health, education, and overseas development, with a strong commitment to equality, gender issues, and international relations.

Born on 30 June 1959 in Amritsar, Punjab, India, Sandip is the granddaughter of Ujagar Singh, an Indian freedom fighter and leader of the Indian Workers’ Association and India League.
 

Sandip has been involved in international advisory roles and holds a director position in a family business. She moved to the UK with her family in 1960. In 1977, at the age of 17, she married Ashok Verma, and together they have two children.

Sandip K. Verma, known as Baroness Verma, was born on 30 June 1959 in Amritsar, Punjab, India. She moved with her family to the United Kingdom in 1960, where she grew up. Sandip is the granddaughter of Ujagar Singh, an Indian freedom fighter who was a leader of the Indian Workers’ Association and the India League.

Before entering politics, Sandip worked in the fashion industry and later moved into the residential care sector. She benefited from the Conservative Party's policy of privatisation, which allowed her to invest in care services. One of her main clients during this period was Leicester Council.

Sandip’s political career began when she was appointed to the House of Lords in June 2006. She took the title Baroness Verma of Leicester. Her political journey saw her actively involved in Conservative Party activities. Sandip stood as a Conservative candidate in the 2001 and 2005 general elections in Kingston upon Hull East and Wolverhampton South West, respectively, though she was not successful in securing a seat.

In 2010, Sandip was appointed Government Whip, and she served as the spokesperson for the Cabinet Office, International Development, and Equalities and Women’s Issues. During this period, she gained recognition for her advocacy on women’s rights and equality.

Sandip served as the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change from 2012 to 2015, followed by a role as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development from 2015 to 2016. In these positions, she was involved in key discussions and decisions on energy policies and international development, particularly focusing on issues like climate change, aid distribution, and global development initiatives.

In addition to her ministerial roles, Sandip became the Ministerial Champion for Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Overseas. She also chaired the UN Women's National Committee, where she worked on initiatives aimed at improving the rights and safety of women and girls globally. Her involvement in these areas allowed her to become a prominent voice in the fight for gender equality and the empowerment of women.

In 2022, Sandip was appointed Chancellor of the University of Roehampton. She was formally invested in the role in May 2023. As Chancellor, she serves as the ceremonial head of the university and is responsible for promoting its strategic goals and activities. She also acts as an ambassador for the institution, supporting its philanthropic campaigns and serving as an inspirational figure for its students.

In addition to her work in politics, Sandip has held various positions in the private sector. She has been involved in advisory roles for international organisations, such as being an advisory global chair for the Institute of Directors (India). She also holds a directorship in a family business, which focuses on providing domiciliary care services. Sandip’s commitment to equality and diversity remains evident in her work within these organisations.

More recently, Sandip has continued to advocate for equality, diversity, and women’s rights, both in her political and personal roles. She remains active in international advisory positions and has continued to be involved in the promotion of women’s empowerment on a global scale. Sandip has also faced some scrutiny regarding her business activities. In 2020, she apologised for not consulting the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments before taking a directorship role in a family firm that made contracts with Uganda’s government. She acknowledged the mistake and expressed regret for her failure to follow the proper procedures.

Currently, Sandip continues her work as the Chancellor of the University of Roehampton and remains an active member of the House of Lords. She continues her advocacy for gender equality, women's rights, and social justice, both in the UK and internationally. Sandip’s political and philanthropic work remains focused on empowering women and ensuring equality for all. Her work in both public and private sectors demonstrates her ongoing commitment to improving lives and making a positive impact in society.

Sandip Verma’s vision is to create a world where equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the forefront of all policies and practices. She is committed to empowering women and girls globally, ensuring they have equal opportunities and protection from violence. Sandip advocates for sustainable development, focusing on climate change and international development. Through her roles in government, business, and education, she strives to make a positive impact on society. Her aim is to continue promoting these values, working with organisations and individuals to drive meaningful change that benefits communities both locally and internationally.

Sandip Verma has received recognition for her significant contributions to politics, gender equality, and social justice. As a member of the House of Lords, she has been honoured for her leadership in advocating for women’s rights and tackling violence against women and girls. She has served as the Chair of the UN Women’s National Committee and was recognised as a Ministerial Champion for her work in international development. Her appointment as Chancellor of the University of Roehampton in 2022 further reflects her influence and commitment to education and equality. Sandip is highly regarded for her ongoing efforts in promoting equality and inclusion.