Heather is the Head of Regulation and Access at the Office for Life Sciences, where she also has responsibility for MedTech. In this role she has played a key role in coordinating the delivery of Dame Angela Mclean’s regulatory review work on life sciences, is responsible for major programmes on accelerated assessment of innovative MedTech and the development of real world evidence, and leads on cross cutting engagement on regulatory matters with the sector. Previously she led the development of the Life Sciences Vision Mental Health Mission.  

She is a scientist by background with a varied civil service career including roles in HM Treasury, where she was the lead official on a variety of critical issues including life sciences, global health, nuclear decommissioning, and sectors’ spending, and the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency. Prior to joining the civil service, she worked in the Life Sciences Sector.