Health Foundation welcomes Alison Ismail as new Director of Health and Inequalities
The Health Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Alison Ismail as its new Director of Health and Inequalities.
Alison joins from the Department for Work and Pensions, where she is currently the lead Director for Alan Milburn's Young People and Work Review. Previous posts include Director for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities at the Department for Education; and Director for Agri-Food at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Alison has also held a range of senior roles at the Department for Health and Social Care and the NHS, including posts covering health inequalities, maternity, patient experience, clinical negligence and children's health.
Alison is succeeding Jo Bibby, who recently left after 18 years at the organisation.
Dr Jennifer Dixon DBE, Chief Executive at the Health Foundation, said,
'I am delighted to welcome Alison to the Health Foundation to lead our work on health and inequalities. The evidence is stark: improvements in life expectancy are stalling and the health gap between the richest and poorest communities remains stubbornly wide. But there are also huge opportunities now to make a difference.
'Alison’s exceptional sector-spanning experience will be critical as we continue to champion cross-government action on the wider factors shaping people’s health, a shift towards prevention and a focus on addressing economic and health inequalities.'
Alison Ismail, incoming Director of Health and Inequalities, said,
'The Health Foundation is such an influential organisation with a deservedly strong reputation, and I am delighted to be joining as Director of Health and Inequalities at this exciting point on its journey.
'At a time when the need to address the varied social determinants of health and reduce health inequalities is stronger than ever, I’m really looking forward to working with the Health Foundation team and our partners on its ongoing mission to build a healthier UK.'
Alison joins the Health Foundation in September 2026.