HRA Chair announcement

Last updated on 6 Nov 2024

Professor Sir Terence Stephenson, Chair of the Health Research Authority (HRA), has announced that he will step down from his role early next year.

Terence, an eminent clinical academic, has served as Chair of the HRA since 1 September 2019.

He will take up a new role as Chair of NHS Providers from February 2025, following on from the current chair, Sir Ron Kerr.

A headshot of Dr Matt Westmore

I would like to express my deep thanks and gratitude to Terence for his wonderful service and dedication to the HRA over the last five years.

During his time with us, he helped steer our organisation during the immense challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic and significant change and has been a huge support as we undergo a major digital transformation that will support UK life sciences competitiveness.

Terence also played a key role in our tenth anniversary celebrations and worked very closely with our leadership team and the Board to support the development and delivery of our strategy; making it easy to do research that people can trust.

He has made a huge contribution to our organisation and our community, and through us, UK health research and people who take part in it. We wish him all the best in his next role.

Matt Westmore, HRA Chief Executive
Professor Sir Terence Stephenson

I have immensely enjoyed chairing the HRA and working with its leadership team and amazing staff and volunteers.

I’m extremely proud of how the organisation stepped up to immense challenges during the pandemic and contributed to the UK’s impressive research response.

Professor Sir Terence Stephenson

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, has accepted Terence’s resignation and thanked him for his service.

The process to recruit a new Chair is underway.

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