About Jillian Hastings Ward

I represent the interests of patients in decisions about how our sequenced genomes and associated health data are used by Genomics England, and beyond.

My family joined the 100,000 Genomes Project in 2015 in search of a diagnosis for my severely disabled son. I’m a founding member of the Participant Panel at Genomics England and I’ve been its Chair since summer 2017.

I work directly with Genomics England, DHSC and NHS colleagues, Health Data Research UK, and the Global Alliance for Genomics & Health (GA4GH.org), to ensure that they keep participant/patient interests at the heart of their work. In September 2020 I joined the National Genomics Board, chaired by Lord Bethell, Minister for Innovation, to bring more participant/patient perspectives to the centre of the UK’s genomics initiatives. I also speak at conferences and other public events about participant/patient involvement in genomics.

Prior to this career, I was a Chartered Town Planner, with almost 10 years’ experience in private planning consultancy, and 5 in the central Government department responsible for the planning system in England.