In a significant shift within the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Dame Jenny Harries has announced her decision to step down from her role as Chief Executive.
Appointed in April 2021, Dame Jenny Harries was instrumental in shaping the agency during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, establishing a robust health security organisation with a focus on scientific, data, and operational expertise.
Speaking about her time leading the UKHSA, Dame Harries commented:
“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved at UKHSA in the last four years. We started building the Agency mid-pandemic and since then we have created a genuinely unique and world leading public health agency with strong partnerships across public, private, domestic and international organisations.
“I have been privileged to work alongside UKHSA’s highly skilled, multidisciplinary and talented workforce who are dedicated to the Agency’s mission of protecting the public’s health. I would also like to thank all those colleagues in frontline services with whom I’ve worked for many years, especially those in local authorities, the NHS and in social care.
“It has been a privilege to lead the Agency from day one but I am now excited about doing something new in the next phase of my career and while continuing to champion the Agency’s work.”
Under her leadership, the UKHSA has gained international acclaim for its groundbreaking work in genomics, data modelling, and addressing the health impacts of climate change. The agency has also been pivotal in supporting the development of new vaccines and testing methodologies, and has been lauded for its swift response to health incidents and outbreaks both in the UK and globally.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting added:
“Jenny has played a crucial role protecting the health of the nation. Her dedication has inspired countless people and improved the wellbeing of communities across the country.
“I am extremely grateful for her advice and support since coming into office and wish her every success in her next chapter. I will be working closely with UKHSA to appoint a successor who will continue to fight potential health threats to keep us safe.”
In conjunction with Dame Jenny's announcement and as previously covered by National Health Executive, Professor Isabel Oliver, the Chief Scientific Officer of UKHSA, has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Officer for Wales.
Image credit: The UK Health Security Agency
