Dr Sarah Steele

Dr Sarah Steele, is an Affiliated Lecturer at the University of Cambridge, a Bye-Fellow at St Edmund’s College, a Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care and a Member of the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex. She has carved a significant career in public health, law, and policy analysis. Her professional journey has led her through institutions like Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the Australian National University, showcasing her extensive expertise in these fields.

Sarah's focus on interventions aims to drive better health for all. Her ability to offer actionable recommendations for policy optimization and governance decisions underscores her significant impact on the academic and policy-making communities. Her approach to health and social care is enriched by her proficiency in diverse subjects, including Law, Criminology, International Relations, Politics, Sociology, and Global Health. Having previously worked in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom for lawmakers and policy-makers, her experience and breadth of knowledge enable Sarah to supervise and guide students and other stakeholders, offering holistic and inclusive educational, research, and policy advice.

During her tenure as Deputy Director of the Intellectual Forum at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, Sarah applied academic research to practical governance, focusing on some of the most urgent global challenges. Her commitment to creating meaningful societal impact was evident as she convened expert teams to address complex issues, bringing forth innovative solutions that benefit society as a whole. While at the Intellectual Forum, Sarah generated income, convened expertise, and produced various reports on AI, Big Data and Healthcare; Food, Farming and Climate Change; Housing, Homes and Urbanisation; Reconfiguring Careers: Recruitment, Retention, and Diversity; Global Mobility; and Ageing Well.

In her advisory and spokesperson roles for government and leadership entities, Sarah collaborates with various stakeholders and researchers, delivering on her commitment to social justice and a violence-free world through active intervention training and support. She has been an expert advisor to the ENOUGH! Campaign, driving forward initiatives for creating collective responsibility in addressing sexual misconduct and wider social harm. Sarah’s contributions have been recognised in various capacities, including speaking to over 50 universities on active intervention, alongside training individuals from front-facing staff to CEOs. She has provided continuing professional development and away days for business leaders, healthcare workers, and human resources staff.

An established guest expert and speaker, Sarah has made appearances on television, radio, and webinars, as well as in the press around the world. She has been featured on BBC Panorama and Breakfast, Women’s Hour, World Series, CNBC, CBC, Channel 4 News, ITV, Sky News, and GB News, and has been covered in long or short-form pieces in Le Monde, The Guardian, The New York Times, Sydney Morning Herald, and over 191 other outlets. As a keynote speaker and panellist at national and international conferences, she has offered expert consultation on projects with the WHO, spoken at World TB Day about exploitation, and produced training modules reaching learners in 130 countries.

Sarah is an esteemed graduate with degrees from the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, Queen Mary University of London, Arden University, and Flinders University, Sarah exemplifies academic excellence and professional dedication. Her scholarly output encompasses academic publications, comprehensive reports, and advisory opinions, consistently informing and shaping policy frameworks, and can be found here. Sarah's contributions to academia and beyond are driven by a steadfast mission to enhance societal well-being and foster equitable health landscapes for all. Her innovative solutions to complex societal challenges have made her a sought-after advisor and spokesperson in government and leadership circles.