Professor David Strain appointed as DWP Chief Medical Advisor
The Department for Work and Pensions has appointed Professor David Strain as its new Chief Medical Advisor
- Professor David Strain has been appointed as the Department for Work and Pensions’ new Chief Medical Advisor.
- He joins DWP from the University of Exeter, the NHS and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), where he has served as Thematic Research Lead for Health.
- Professor Strain “delighted” to start in role and help in continuing to strengthen the Department’s clinical governance.
Professor Strain – who will start in the position from the end of August – joins DWP from the University of Exeter, the NHS and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), where he has been Thematic Research Lead for Health for the last two years.
He has also held a number of senior leadership roles, including Chair of the British Medical Association Board of Science and Medical Advisor to Action for ME.
As Chief Medical Advisor, Professor Strain will provide clinical leadership and expert advice to support the Department’s work, helping ensure clinical evidence and expertise inform policy and service delivery.
Professor David Strain said:
"I am delighted to be joining DWP as Chief Medical Advisor.
"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."
He will succeed Dr Gail Allsopp, who has played a pivotal role in strengthening the Department’s approach to clinical policy, clinical governance and safeguarding. Her leadership has helped raise the profile of the clinical profession across DWP and government, leaving a lasting impact on the Department and its clinical community.