Prof David Strain has been appointed as the Department for Work and Pensions’ chief medical adviser.
Strain will join DWP at the end of this month, succeeding Dr Gail Allsopp. As chief medic, he will provide clinical leadership and expert advice to support the department’s work, helping ensure clinical evidence and expertise inform policy and service delivery.
He joins from positions at the University of Exeter, the NHS and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. He has been thematic research lead for health at POST for the last two years alongside working clinically at the Royal Devon University NHS Healthcare Foundation Trust, and has led clinical trials with the University of Exeter.
Strain has also held a number of senior leadership roles, including chair of the British Medical Association Board of Science and medical adviser to Action for ME.
Strain said: “I am delighted to be joining DWP as chief medical adviser.
“Throughout my career, I have been passionate about turning evidence into practical improvements for people, particularly those living with long-term health conditions.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across the department and its clinical community to strengthen the contribution clinical professionals make to DWP’s work and to the people we serve.”
In a press release announcing the appointment, the department thanked Allsopp for the “pivotal role” she has played in strengthening the department’s approach to clinical policy, clinical governance and safeguarding. DWP said Allsopp’s leadership has helped raise the profile of the clinical profession across the department and government, “leaving a lasting impact” on the department and its clinical community.