Kirsty Irvine

Kirsty was a founding lay member of the Independent Group Advising (NHS Digital) on the Release of Data (IGARD), formed in 2017, and chaired IGARD from 2018 until its close in early 2023.

Following NHS Digital's merger into NHS England, Kirsty was invited to chair AGD from its interim inception to date.

Kirsty is a solicitor, admitted in New Zealand and England and Wales, with extensive experience in finance and corporate law. Since working with the NHS, she has attained the BCS Chartered Institute for IT Practitioner Certificate in Data Protection.

Kirsty's interest in health research and use of patient data was prompted by becoming a carer and a health research participant. As well as her involvement in IGARD and AGD, Kirsty has previously acted as chair of her local GP practice's patient participation group, is currently a lay examiner for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and a supporter of various maternal and child health-related charities.