| 19 March 2026
While International Women’s Day was marked earlier this month (8 March), it remains an important opportunity to recognise the women whose leadership continues to shape the health and care sector. Across the UK, women are playing pivotal roles in developing national frameworks, advancing workforce development, and driving innovation that strengthens our healthcare system.
At Skills for Health – where workforce capability, learning and development are central to improving care – we’re highlighting several UK leaders whose work in policy, system transformation, and workforce development continues to influence healthcare delivery both nationally and internationally.
Dame Sue Hill – Advancing the future of scientific medicine
As Chief Scientific Officer for NHS England, Dame Sue Hill has been instrumental in positioning the UK as a global leader in genomic medicine. Her leadership of the 100,000 Genomes Project and the development of the NHS Genomic Medicine Service has helped integrate cutting-edge science into routine care, enabling more personalised approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
Dame Ruth May – Championing nursing leadership
As Chief Nursing Officer for England, Dame Ruth May has led national initiatives to improve patient care and strengthen the nursing workforce. Her “Stop the Pressure” campaign significantly reduced avoidable harm related to pressure ulcers across the NHS, while her continued advocacy for professional development supports the next generation of nurses and healthcare leaders.
Professor Jane Cummings – Strengthening the healthcare workforce
Former Chief Nursing Officer for England, Professor Jane Cummings played a key role in shaping workforce culture and development. Her leadership in launching initiatives such as the “6 Cs” and the “Leading Change, Adding Value” framework helped establish national approaches to leadership, professionalism, and quality improvement across nursing and care professions.
Dr Sam Roberts – Driving innovation and research
As former Director of Innovation and Life Sciences at NHS England, Dr Sam Roberts has helped strengthen the UK’s position as a global hub for clinical research and innovation. Her work focused on reducing barriers to research and accelerating the adoption of new technologies and treatments within the NHS.
Tara Donnelly – Leading digital transformation
Digital transformation is critical to the future of healthcare, and Tara Donnelly has been central to that journey. As Chief Digital Officer at NHS England, she oversaw major developments such as the NHS App, helping to create a more accessible digital front door for millions of patients across the country.
Professor Sarah-Jane Marsh – Transforming integrated care
A pioneering NHS leader, Professor Sarah-Jane Marsh has driven innovative approaches to integrated care. She led the creation of the UK’s first combined Women’s and Children’s NHS Trust, demonstrating how service integration can improve outcomes and patient experience.
Dame Yvonne Coghill – Building inclusive and integrated health systems
Dame Yvonne Coghill has been a tireless advocate for workforce equality within the NHS. Through her work with the Workforce Race Equality Standard, she has helped highlight disparities and drive systemic change to ensure that healthcare organisations better reflect and support the diverse communities they serve.
Dr Sarah Price – Leading population health innovation
As a leader in population health transformation in Greater Manchester, Dr Sarah Price has helped shape one of the UK’s most ambitious integrated health and care systems. Her work focuses on prevention, tackling health inequalities, and using data and partnerships to improve outcomes at scale.
Together, these leaders demonstrate how policy, workforce development, innovation and system leadership all play a vital role in strengthening health and care. Their work not only supports patients across the UK but also contributes to global conversations about how healthcare systems can evolve to meet future challenges.
As we reflect on International Women’s Day this month, we celebrate the women whose leadership continues to shape the future of health and care – and recognise the many others across the workforce who contribute every day. Progress depends on diverse leadership and the continued development of skilled, capable workforces, ensuring health and care systems can innovate, grow and meet the needs of the populations they serve.