Fiona Reynolds is the Deputy Regional Director of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities North West within the Department for Health and Social Care. In September 2025 she took part in the IPR's AI Policy Fellowship Programme (PFP), connecting and engaging with University of Bath academics across disciplines.

What is your role and area of expertise?

"I’m the Deputy Regional Director of Public Health for the Office of Health Improvement and Disparities in the North West of England."

Which areas of policy do you work on?

"I am currently working in public health across a geography that includes Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside. My role covers multiple topics – some that are core to my role (system support and assurance, climate change/environmental sustainability; social care) and others that land on my desk, dependent on local/regional issues."

What value has the IPR Policy Fellowship Programme (PFP) brought to you in your professional role?

"Artificial intelligence will affect every aspect of my day-to-day work and also the public Public Health issues that we are focusing on in the North West. The PFP provided a space for me to think about these issues. It strengthened my understanding of the topic and has shaped my continuing thinking in this area."

Can you describe your experience of taking part in the PFP?

"Tremendous. A stimulating and almost overwhelming (in a very positive sense) experience. The chance to have conversations with very knowledgeable people on this issue was an incredible luxury – not something that happens often in day-to-day work."

How has taking part in the PFP impacted your policy work?

"One month later, it’s hard to quantify tangible impacts yet – however, I am very conscious of the key points that I took home from the day, and this is definitely shaping how I approach studies, reports and podcasts discussing artificial intelligence."

How did you hear about the PFP?

"A presentation I attended through work."

What advice would you give to others – both policymakers and academics?

"I’m not sure what benefit the academics gained from my ramblings (not fishing for compliments) as I see this opportunity as being of greater benefit to policy-makers. Advice for policymakers – if academics are willing to give up their time for a discussion with you on topics you are working on, it would be foolish to miss the opportunity."

Would you recommend the IPR PFP to colleagues?

"Definitely."