Professor David Strain has been appointed as the new Chief Medical Advisor for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). He will begin his role at the end of August.
Professor Strain joins the DWP from the University of Exeter, the NHS, and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), where he served as Thematic Research Lead for Health. He has also held senior leadership positions, including Chair of the British Medical Association Board of Science.
In his new role, Professor Strain will offer clinical leadership and expert advice to support the DWP's work. This aims to ensure that clinical evidence and expertise inform policy and service delivery within the department. He stated he is "delighted" to join and help strengthen the Department’s clinical governance.
Professor Strain succeeds Dr Gail Allsopp, who has been credited with strengthening the Department’s approach to clinical policy, clinical governance, and safeguarding.