Charlotte Bright is a Deputy Director at the Department of Health and Social Care. In January 2024 Charlotte took part in the IPR's Health Policy Fellowship Programme (PFP), connecting and engaging with University of Bath academics across the disciplines.
What is your role and area of expertise?
"I am currently the Deputy Director for the Government’s 'health mission' in the Department of Health and Social Care, leading cross-system collaboration to drive reform of the health and care system. I am a policy professional and have undertaken strategy roles, policy delivery and international negotiations and engagement."
Which areas of policy do you work on?
"Over the course of my career I have worked on a range of different policy areas — from social care reform and mission-led health policy, to international cross-border healthcare and supporting emerging, innovative sectors. I have had roles in the Cabinet Office, Department of Health and Social Care, and the Department for Business and Trade — and have led the policy work of an independent commission."
What value has the PFP brought to you in your professional role?
"The Fellowship programme has been perfect for my professional development at this particular point in my career. It has offered the opportunity to engage with the brilliant academics who understand the world of policymaking, and who are happy to robustly and constructively challenge my thinking. The programme offers the opportunity to test new ideas, expand my policy ‘toolkit’, and build a broader network of likeminded, enthusiastic policy thinkers."
Can you describe your experience of taking part in the PFP?
"I had a brilliant couple of days down in Bath, with a full programme of meeting different academics and researchers to talk about different areas of my work and how to build in the latest methodologies and approaches. We debated issues, reviewed the latest research and considered ways in which the research could be practically and pragmatically applied to the policymaking process."
How has taking part impacted your policy work?
"I have two reflections here. Firstly, that the discussions I had whilst on my visit to Bath really helped take forward my thinking on systems and how this approach can be actively applied to policy making. I had always had an interest in this area, and could see the intrinsic sense in the approach and its value, but had previously struggled to work out how to actively apply it. The conversations I had at Bath, with researchers who were working with local systems, helped me work through how the tool could be used in a very practical way.
"Secondly, I came away with the reflection that sometimes you find inspiration on areas where you might least expect it! By being open to having broad and wide-ranging conversations on areas where I didn’t necessarily have any direct experience or knowledge, I was able to spot some common themes and bring in a new perspective to my current policy challenge.
"Overall I really appreciated the active application of policy and the flexible, proactive approach of the IPR. Everyone at the IPR really understood how policymaking works — and the opportunities and challenges open to those in Government."
How did you hear about the PFP?
"Through my Department policy professionals network. I originally took part in Cambridge University’s Centre for Science and Policy (CSAP) Fellowship and via this was able to take part in the University of Bath IPR Policy Fellowship scheme, as Bath is an affiliate of CSAP."
What advice would you give to others — both policymakers or academics?
"To start talking, openly share perspectives, and be free in exchanging knowledge. This way you can find the common ground that can drive forward better policymaking."
Would you recommend the PFP to colleagues?
"100%. It’s refreshing and reinvigorating for any established policymaker!"