Baroness Dido Harding has been appointed to lead the programme of testing and tracing as part of the government’s ongoing response to coronavirus, which will include the NHS Covid-19 app.
Harding, who is also the chair of NHS Improvement, will start her new and unpaid role immediately and will directly report to the prime minister and cabinet secretary.
She will lead on the new NHS Covid-19 app; swab and antibody testing; contact-tracing; and national surveillance as well as immunity certification.
Harding said: “I welcome the opportunity to take on this role and help the brilliant efforts being made by the NHS and healthcare system to drive down infection rates and contain this virus.
“As we move to the next phase of the government’s plan, I am confident that we can use the very best of our tech, research, and people power to help keep Covid-19 at bay.”
Professor John Newton will be the professional link into public health expertise and will support the science of the programme alongside the deputy chief medical officers. His role is being expanded to allow him to ensure coordination between the testing and test and trace programmes, supporting Harding.
Health secretary, Matt Hancock, added: “I am delighted that Baroness Harding is taking on this vital role as part of our fight against coronavirus.
“Her significant experience in healthcare and fantastic leadership will be an added strength to our test and trace programme, and her work will be pivotal in our efforts to turn the tide on this virus and keep people safe.”
Harding’s appointment comes as the NHS has launched its Covid-19 app on the Isle of Wight. A key part of test and trace, the launch of the app will improve understanding of how this next phase of the government’s strategy will work for the rest of the population.
19 May 2020 @ 16:13
Is that the Dido Harding that presided over over the Internet Service Provider that continually occupied the bottom spot on the Customer Service Performance Table? The one that took three months to restore my internet connection when it failed! The one who, try as I might, I never could get to speak to. Come to think of it Tsar Dido Harding hasn’t exactly burst onto the scene in her new role. Has she taken cover already?
19 May 2020 @ 16:38
Yes. The same Dido Harding that presided over Talk Talk as they were hacked by a 15 year old script kiddy, and IIRC another 3 data breaches during a 12 month period.
Nice to see the government take security seriously.
10 May 2020 @ 06:57
Yes. Try this link:
https://blog.my1login.com/talktalk-ceo-steps-down-following-data-breach
8 May 2020 @ 23:32
congrats to Baroness Harding but may I please ask her … please balance the books, ensure the investment pays dividends, kidz luv apps but the investment, just like the nhs, belongs to future generations … real financial accountability in our NHS please ! because when people waste a ton of money in the real world then they have to be moved on even if they are your friend …
7 May 2020 @ 19:34
You mean THIS Dido Harding?
https://blog.my1login.com/talktalk-ceo-steps-down-following-data-breachYes