We are inviting applications for the inaugural Chief People Officer of the newly established Health Data Research Service (HDRS).
The Health Data Research Service will enable approved researchers to access UK health data safely and securely, helping accelerate discoveries that lead to better treatments and outcomes for patients.
UK patients are waiting longer than they need to for medical innovations and treatments that could be life-changing. HDRS is here to change that. In 2025, the UK government and the Wellcome Trust agreed to invest up to £600m to create HDRS and transform access to NHS data through a secure, single access point for approved researchers. Operating across all four UK nations – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – HDRS will enable earlier diagnoses and more effective treatments, integrate data from hospitals, GP records and other sources, increase access to clinical trials and help make the UK a world leader in health data research and life sciences.
HDRS is being set up as a government-owned company, enabling it to operate at arm’s length from central government. This model gives HDRS the independence and flexibility it needs to work across the health and research system, while remaining publicly owned and accountable.
We are looking for a Chief People Officer to join Melanie Ivarsson (CEO) and a new C-suite as they look to grow, develop and implement HDRS.
We encourage you to explore the candidate materials and find out more about HDRS and this important role. Further information about HDRS can also be found on their website: Health Data Research Service | Better Health for Everyone