The daughter of Sydney Manson and his wife Fanny (née Taylor), she was educated at the Roundhay High School for Girls and the Bradford Technical College in pharmacy.
Gould worked as pharmaceutical dispenser from 1952 until 1965, when she was then employed as a clerical worker whilst assisting to organise the Pioneer Women (1965-1966).
She held the position as Vice President Socialist International Women (1978–85), and was also a member of the Home Office Committee on Electoral Matters.
On 6 October 1993, she was created a life peer with the title Baroness Gould of Potternewton, of Leeds in the County of West Yorkshire.
She has held positions on various House of Lords Select Committees: Finance and Staffing (1994–97); European Union Sub-committee C - Environmental Affairs (1994–97); Constitution (2001–05); Speakership of the House (2003); Refreshment (2005-2008) (2012-); Procedure (2008-2009) (2012-2014); Enquiries (2013-2014); Affordable Childcare (2014-); Standing Orders (Private Bills) Committee (2008-).
In 2007, she was appointed to the Board of the Women's National Commission, shortly after that she was made interim Chair .