Dame Jenny Harries: A Visionary Leader in Public Health

Dame Jenny Harries is one of the most influential figures in British public health, recognized for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her pivotal role as Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). With decades of experience in local, national, and global public health, she has shaped the UK’s health security strategies, steered the country through crises, and left an enduring legacy of dedication, expertise, and resilience.

Early Life and Education

Born around 1960 in Watford, Hertfordshire, Dame Jenny Harries developed an early interest in science and healthcare. She pursued pharmacology and medicine at the University of Birmingham, earning a BSc in Pharmacology and later her MB ChB degree. This foundation gave her the knowledge and clinical skills that would serve as the bedrock for her public health career. Her education not only prepared her to practice medicine but also inspired her to consider the broader role of public health in improving society.

Entry into Public Health

Jenny Harries began her medical career working in hospital settings before transitioning into public health roles. Her early years were spent in local health systems, where she gained first-hand experience of the challenges faced by communities. She worked extensively in Norfolk and Monmouthshire, contributing to health service planning and population health initiatives. Her ability to balance clinical knowledge with data-driven policy approaches quickly established her reputation as a capable leader.

Regional Director at Public Health England

In 2013, Harries took on the role of Regional Director for Public Health England (PHE) in the South of England. This position placed her at the forefront of managing regional health challenges, from infectious disease outbreaks to health inequality issues. She later advanced to Deputy Medical Director of PHE, where she oversaw national strategies and supported responses to international health crises, including Ebola. Her leadership style combined analytical rigor with pragmatic decision-making, ensuring that public health measures were both evidence-based and feasible.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England

In June 2019, Dame Jenny Harries was appointed Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) for England. This role elevated her to the national stage just months before the outbreak of COVID-19. As DCMO, she became a familiar face to the British public, appearing regularly in press briefings alongside ministers and senior scientists. Her calm demeanor, clear communication, and reliance on evidence positioned her as a steady presence during uncertain times.

Her guidance covered key issues such as testing strategies, use of face masks, and public behavior. While some of her early statements sparked debate, particularly around masks and outdoor transmission risks, her intent was always to balance public reassurance with evolving scientific evidence. Despite controversy, she maintained professional integrity, emphasizing transparency and evidence-led advice.

Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic was the defining challenge of Dame Jenny Harries’ career. As Deputy CMO, she provided advice to the government, healthcare professionals, and the public. She was directly involved in difficult decisions such as balancing hospital capacity, managing testing systems, and addressing care home safety. Although some decisions faced scrutiny—such as the discharge of patients into care homes—her leadership reflected the intense pressures and limited information available during the early stages of the pandemic.

Harries’ ability to communicate with the public was critical. She consistently reinforced the importance of personal responsibility, scientific evidence, and national solidarity. While critics debated her positions, supporters recognized her as a dedicated professional working tirelessly under unprecedented conditions.

Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency

In May 2021, Jenny Harries was appointed the first Chief Executive of the newly established UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). The agency was formed by merging Public Health England with NHS Test and Trace and the Joint Biosecurity Centre. Leading this organization required vision, resilience, and innovation.

Under her leadership, UKHSA became a globally recognized authority in health security. Achievements included strengthening genomic surveillance for COVID-19 variants, enhancing outbreak response capabilities, and preparing for emerging threats such as monkeypox and climate-related health risks. Harries also emphasized international collaboration, positioning the UK as a leader in pandemic preparedness and public health research.

Contributions to Public Health Policy

Beyond her leadership roles, Dame Jenny Harries has contributed to public health policy at national and international levels. She served on the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the Expert Advisory Group on the NHS Constitution. Her expertise extended to global health, with experience in countries such as Pakistan, India, and Albania, where she supported health development projects and knowledge exchange.

Her policy influence focused on:

• Strengthening health system resilience.
• Promoting vaccination strategies.
• Advancing data-driven decision-making.
• Integrating public health with climate change planning.

Recognition and Honours

Dame Jenny Harries’ service has been widely recognized. In 2016, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to public health. In 2022, she was made Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in recognition of her role during the pandemic and her lifelong contributions. Additionally, she was commissioned as Deputy Lieutenant of Gwent in 2023, reflecting her continued service to society.

These honours highlight the respect and admiration she has earned across the health sector and beyond. They also reinforce her status as a role model for aspiring public health leaders.

Leadership Style and Legacy

Harries is often described as pragmatic, resilient, and deeply committed to public service. Her leadership style is characterized by clarity, integrity, and a balance between caution and decisiveness. She has shown that effective public health leadership requires not only scientific expertise but also empathy, communication skills, and the ability to adapt in rapidly changing situations.

Her legacy at UKHSA includes building a stronger, more integrated agency prepared to face future health emergencies. Internationally, she helped shape the vision for pandemic preparedness, including the “100-Day Mission” to rapidly develop vaccines against new pathogens.

Retirement and Continuing Influence

In early 2025, Dame Jenny Harries announced her retirement from the UKHSA. Her departure marked the end of a significant chapter in UK public health, but her influence continues through the systems, policies, and professionals she helped develop. As a Visiting Professor at the University of Chester, she also shares her knowledge with the next generation of health leaders.

Even in retirement, she remains an influential voice in public health debates, offering insights on climate change, pandemic readiness, and health inequalities.

Impact on Global Public Health

Dame Jenny Harries’ contributions extend beyond the UK. Her work on international health development, her role in shaping global surveillance strategies, and her leadership in genomic research position her as a global health figure. She has emphasized the importance of collaboration across borders, recognizing that health threats such as pandemics and climate change require global solutions.

Her advocacy for science-led policymaking has influenced not only the UK but also international discussions on public health preparedness. The systems she helped create during her tenure at UKHSA will continue to serve as models for other countries.

Conclusion

Dame Jenny Harries stands as a symbol of resilience, expertise, and dedication in British public health. From her beginnings in local health services to her leadership of UKHSA, she has navigated crises, influenced policy, and built institutions that will protect the nation for decades to come. Her story is not only one of professional achievement but also of public service at its finest.

As the UK faces future health challenges, the lessons from Dame Jenny Harries’ career—transparency, science-led decision-making, and global collaboration—will remain vital. Her legacy ensures that she will continue to inspire public health professionals, policymakers, and communities worldwide.