Dr Rao was formerly Pro-Director at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). She has extensive experience of public service and served as an advisor to a range of bodies including the UK Audit Commission and the UK Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). She was awarded an OBE for services to scholarship in Queen’s honours 2011. She is currently Honorary Fellow at the University of Cambridge, a member of Governing Body of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and a Trustee of United World Schools.