Professor Ingrid Wolfe has been appointed following a competitive recruitment process and will bring a wealth of applied health research leadership expertise to the Director role. 

At King’s College London, Professor Wolfe is professor in paediatrics and child health in the School of Life Course and Population Sciences. Alongside this academic role, she is a practicing consultant in paediatric population health, at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, within Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. In addition, Professor Wolfe is Director for the Institute of Women and Children’s Health at King’s Health Partners. 

Professor Wolfe has a long-standing relationship with the ARC South London, where she leads the children and young people research theme. Within this ARC theme, Professor Wolfe has led the implementation and evaluation of a new programme that is improving the way health care is delivered for the 128,000 children and young people living in Southwark and Lambeth.

Professor Wolfe also works closely with the ARC’s clinical and community partners, including the South-East London Integrated Care System and the Health Innovation Network South London.

Commenting on her appointment Professor Ingrid Wolfe says: 

It has been a privilege to work with ARC South London and I’m honoured to accept the role of Director. In my experience, the best way to produce innovative research that makes a difference to patients and population is through strong, compassionate leadership, clearly articulated vision and shared purpose. It is this experience and these values that I would like to bring to the leadership of ARC South London. I look forward to working with all of you

Professor Ingrid Wolfe, incoming ARC South London Director

Dr Leonie Penna, chief medical officer, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and co-chair of the ARC Board, says:

I am delighted that Professor Wolfe will be taking up the role of Director of NIHR ARC South London. She has an exceptional track record in applied health research and collaborative leadership. I believe that she will be able to draw on this experience to further develop the positive impact of the ARC and to influence the practice and delivery of health and care

Dr Leonie Penna, chief medical officer, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and co-chair of the ARC Board

Zoë Lelliot, deputy co-lead, ARC South London, and director of King's Improvement Science, says: 

Ingrid has an excellent understanding of the local health and care environment, and a track record of engaging successfully with clinical, managerial, public health, patient, service user and public groups. This is exemplified by her work on the Children and Young People’s Health Partnership, which has changed the way children’s healthcare is delivered in Lambeth and Southwark. She is particularly focused on the inclusive practice and delivery of health and care that recognises the wider determinants and addresses health inequalities, key priorities for ARC South London

Zoe Lelliott

Zoë Lelliot, deputy co-lead, ARC South London, and director of King's Improvement Science

Professor Sir Graham Thornicroft, outgoing ARC South London Director, says: 

It has been a great privilege to lead the NIHR ARC South London since 2019 (and before that CLAHRC South London). Through our commitment to collaboration that crosses academic and organisational boundaries, I believe that we have made tangible impacts on people's lives locally, nationally and internationally. I am delighted that Professor Ingrid Wolfe will be taking forward this work when I step down. She is an exceptional leader and collaborator across health and care systems. I wish her all the very best

Professor Sir Graham Thornicroft, outgoing ARC South London Director

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