Alexandra Ankrah

As a former practicing barrister with a background in employment, mental health and equality human rights law, Alexandra has successfully developed work centred on equity and inclusion over decades. Recent policy work has centred on supporting the transition and retention of Disabled health learners and trainees into the regulated NHS professions.  

Alexandra began her career as a health care assistant and remains passionate about the link between patient outcomes and a health and social care workforce that reflects diversity. Alexandra is an independent statutory Patient Safety Adviser (Southwest London NHS ICB) and a member of the board of the Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust.  

Alexandra led and delivered the first national policy on Women and Equality in the Arts, for the Arts Council of England.  She has also held CEO roles in the voluntary sector, working with Black led organisations and in communities affected by violence. This experience gives Alexandra a strong drive around authentic community involvement, promoting truth and reconciliation and working to build strong communities. Alexandra is an active member of both the NHS Disabled Directors Network and the NHS Confederation's BME Leadership Network.