Gillian Holdsworth

Founder and former director at SH:24

Gillian Holdsworth has a diverse work experience spanning over several decades. Gillian began their career as a House officer/Senior house officer in the NHS in 1984. Gillian then worked as a Field doctor for The Britain Nepal Medical Trust, where they supervised TB clinics, introduced multidrug therapy for leprosy, and established a drugs fund.

Holdsworth then joined the Department for International Development as an Associate professional officer, where they served as a health adviser and worked on strengthening primary care services in Lesotho. Gillian also worked as a Programme manager for Health Unlimited, managing primary care development projects in conflict-affected areas such as Afghanistan and Sudan.

In 1994, Holdsworth joined the South East Thames Regional Training Scheme as a Registrar/Senior registrar in public health medicine, gaining experience in various health authorities and institutions. Gillian later became a Consultant in public health medicine at NHS Southwark, leading health protection and women's and children's services, and serving as a screening commissioner and educational supervisor.

Holdsworth also worked as the Asia Regional Coordinator for the International Trachoma Initiative, collaborating with various organizations to eliminate trachoma globally and conducting research in Nepal and Vietnam.

In 2013, Holdsworth became a consultant in Public Health Medicine and AD Health Protection for Lambeth and Southwark Councils. Gillian played a significant role in public health initiatives within the local councils.

Finally, Holdsworth established SH:24 in 2013, an online sexual health service that works in partnership with NHS specialist sexual health services. As a Founder and former director, they focused on innovative design and collaboration to improve sexual health outcomes and user experience.

Throughout their career, Holdsworth has received numerous awards and recognition for their contributions, including the BMJ Innovation team award, the Queen's award for enterprise (Innovation category), and the Guardian Public Services Award (Digital and Technology).

Gillian Holdsworth has a strong educational background with degrees in various fields. Gillian earned a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Bristol from 1979 to 1984, specializing in the field of Medicine. Later on, they pursued a Master of Science (MSc) from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, focusing on Community health in developing countries from 1989 to 1990. Additionally, they attained a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of London from 1993 to 1995, specializing in Public Health. Lastly, they completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from the University of Westminster in 2012 to 2013, focusing on the field of Education.

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Timeline

  • Founder and former director

    September, 2013 - present