The Health Data Research Service (HDRS) is one of the UK's most ambitious new public institutions. Backed by up to £600 million of investment from the UK Government and Wellcome, HDRS will transform how approved researchers access health data safely and securely, accelerating medical breakthroughs, improving patient outcomes and helping establish the UK as a global leader in health data research and life sciences.

Trust will be fundamental to our success.

We are seeking an outstanding Chief Trust and Engagement Officer to join our Executive Team and ensure that public trust, participant voice and ethical leadership are embedded at the heart of everything we do from day one.

This is a rare opportunity to shape a new national organisation from inception. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will provide strategic leadership on trust, ethics, participant and public involvement, ensuring HDRS earns and maintains the confidence of patients, participants, researchers, partners, government and the wider public. You will provide independent challenge at executive level, helping ensure that HDRS not only meets the highest legal and technical standards, but also reflects public expectations and commands enduring legitimacy.

Initially, you will operate in a hands-on capacity, establishing the governance, engagement and assurance mechanisms that will underpin the organisation. Over time, you will build and lead a high-performing function spanning patient and public involvement, ethics and trust, creating an approach recognised nationally as best practice.

We are looking for a senior leader with experience operating credibly at executive level and a deep understanding of trust, ethics and public legitimacy in health data, research, regulation or a closely related field. You may have developed your career in healthcare, research, government, regulation, public engagement, data governance, policy or another environment where public confidence and ethical judgement have been central to organisational success.

You will bring exceptional judgement, credibility and stakeholder engagement skills, together with the confidence to provide constructive challenge and influence at the highest levels. Above all, you will share HDRS's commitment to improving lives through responsible health data use and ensuring that the voices of patients, participants and the public shape the future of health research.

If you want to help build an organisation with the potential to transform healthcare for generations to come, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to HDRS on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference GCAYB. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Monday 17th August 2026.