Charu has worked for 17 years in the Civil Service, holding Group FD, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer roles across five Government departments: HM Treasury, Department for Business, Department for International Trade, Department for Work and Pensions and latterly the Home Office. At the Home Office she was responsible for finance, commercial, performance and risk management, change programmes, digital, data technology and security and estates. The same strong purpose and value system that drives civil service has attracted her to UCL’s mission.

Originally from India, Charu came to the UK as a science and research analyst, having completed her Bachelor’s degree in life sciences and biochemistry and her Master’s in biochemistry. She worked for the Metropolitan Police analysing the DNA fingerprinting database, and at GlaxoSmithKline researching antibodies against arthritis, before becoming an accountant by accident. She trained as an accountant with the Daily Mirror group of newspapers.

Outside work Charu enjoys the gym and walking, and is a trustee of the Whitehall Industry Group.