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Topic : News and Press Type : Press Release

The Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) has named Eleanor Charsley as its new Director of Government Affairs.

The move will see her lead the Association’s interactions with parliamentarians and governments across the UK, alongside continuing the coordination of ABHI’s work into the industry’s formal engagement platforms, including the Secretary of State led Life Sciences Council, the sector specific Health Technology Partnership that supports it, and the Scottish Industry Leadership Group.

Working with the Office for Life Sciences, Eleanor will use her expertise to ensure that industry’s needs are clearly represented in the implementation of the UK’s Life Sciences Vision, and in all interactions with government Ministers and officials. Eleanor has also been instrumental in re-energising ABHI’s work in Scotland and will lead the launch of ABHI Scotland, to ensure the Association’s advocacy is as effective beyond Westminster.

Commenting on the role, Eleanor Charsley said: “The HealthTech sector plays an absolutely critical role in supporting an efficient NHS, and improved patient outcomes. It is also the largest employer within UK life sciences. HealthTech undoubtedly has a truly compelling offer, and ensuring these characteristics are recognised and supported by government, is key. There has never been a more exciting time to work in this industry, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to convey these messages to policy makers across the UK, so that patients can continue to access world class HealthTech“.

Eleanor first worked for ABHI in 2014 as a placement student, and following her graduation from the University of Bath with a degree in Politics and Economics, permanently joined in 2016. Alongside leading the work of a number of ABHI's member groups, the proceeding five years has seen her hold several roles focusing on government affairs, communications, Women in Leadership, and going forward, Diversity and Inclusion.

In 2018, Eleanor was also seconded to the Office for Life Sciences, which saw her support the creation and implementation of the Health Technology Partnership.

Peter Ellingworth added: “Ellie’s energy and leadership of some of our most important relationships has been invaluable in increasing ABHI’s impact and share of voice within government in recent years. As we continue to support our members with the issues pertinent to their businesses, from regulation and sustainability, to NHS procurement and market access, our relationships with the governments across the home nations is vital, and Ellie will have responsibility for ensuring our HealthTech messages are heard loud and clear by government “.

Eleanor will report into ABHI’s Director of Strategy, Richard Phillips, who said: “Ellie’s promotion reflects the enormous contribution she continues to make to the work of our organisation, and the strides she has made in her professional development over the last year”.

Notes

ABHI is the UK’s leading industry association for health technology (HealthTech).

ABHI supports the HealthTech community to save and enhance lives. Members, including both multinationals and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), supply products from syringes and wound dressings to surgical robots and digitally enhanced technologies. We represent the industry to stakeholders, such as the government, NHS and regulators. HealthTech plays a key role in supporting delivery of healthcare and is a significant contributor to the UK’s economic growth. HealthTech is the largest employer in the broader Life Sciences sector, employing 138,100 people in 4,140 companies, with a combined turnover of £27.6bn. The industry has enjoyed growth of around 5% in recent years. ABHI’s 320 members account for approximately 80% of the sector by value.