Dame Jenny Harries steps down as UKHSA chief executive

UKHSA’s chief scientific officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, appointed chief medical officer for Wales

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is set for two major leadership transitions, four years after its establishment.

Dame Jenny Harries has announced she will step down as UKHSA chief executive in early summer.

Meanwhile, UKHSA’s chief scientific officer, Professor Isabel Oliver, has been appointed chief medical officer for Wales, succeeding Sir Frank Atherton following his retirement.

Appointed in April 2021 as UKHSA’s first chief executive, Dame Jenny played a pivotal role in creating the agency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under her leadership, UKHSA developed specialist scientific, data, and operational expertise to safeguard the public from infectious diseases and other health threats.

Reflecting on her tenure, Dame Jenny expressed immense pride in UKHSA’s early achievements.

She said: “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.”

“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.”

Health secretary Wes Streeting praised Dame Jenny’s contributions, recognising her crucial role in protecting the nation’s health.

“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,” he said.

UKHSA chair, Ian Peters confirmed that work is underway to appoint a successor to lead UKHSA into its next phase.

Professor Isabel Oliver Dame Jenny Harries steps down as UKHSA chief executive

The recruitment process has also started to find a successor for Professor Isabel Oliver as UKHSA’s next chief scientific officer.

During her time at UKHSA, Professor Oliver spearheaded the development of the agency’s science strategy and the delivery of many scientific functions and services.

She created a new Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre at UKHSA’s Porton Down campus to strengthen pandemic and epidemic preparedness, as well as led the establishment of a new Centre for Health and Climate Change.

As she transitions into her new role as the principal medical adviser and professional head for the medical profession in NHS Wales and the Welsh Government, Professor Oliver expressed gratitude for her time at UKHSA.

“It has been an honor to serve as UKHSA’s first chief scientific officer and lead an excellent team of public health scientists and clinicians who work tirelessly to combat health threats and keep people safe.”

“Although I will miss UKHSA hugely, I look forward to continue working with the Agency in my new role as Chief Medical Officer for Wales,” she said.