Dame Jenny Harries has announced she will step down as UK Health Security Agency’s Chief Executive in early summer. UKHSA’s Chief Scientific Officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, will also leave the organisation.
Dame Jenny was appointed as UKHSA’s first Chief Executive in April 2021 and led the newly-formed health security organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was responsible for protecting the UK from infectious diseases and other environmental hazards, bringing together NHS Test and Trace, Public Health England, and other health protection agencies to form UKHSA.
Professor Oliver led UKHSA’s Science Directorate, home of the flagship Porton Down and Colindale laboratories. She was responsible for the development of UKHSA’s scientific strategy and the delivery of many of the organisation’s key functions and services. She will be taking on the role of principal medical adviser and the professional head for the medical profession in NHS Wales and the Welsh Government.
With the MHRA recently appointing a new chair and with their Chief Executive post close to being filled, along with the head of the DHSC’ Sir Chris Wormald moving to the Cabinet Office, there is significant movement in key government posts. BIVDA look forward to welcoming the new postholders and continuing our excellent relationship with the government.
