Catherine Arnold, the Master of St Edmund’s College (2019-2021), has been elected Chair of Cambridge Global Health Partnerships (CGHP). She is taking over from David Wherrett, the Cambridge University Hospital (CUH) director of workforce, who has been Chair for six years.

Established in 2007, CGHP is a charity connected to CUH’s dedicated charity, Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust. CGHP works with hospitals, health organisations and governments across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

CGHP provides specialist health expertise, supports shared learning between the CUH and other healthcare providers, and encourages sustainable change through a commitment to global health.

NHS staff under CGHP work with partners abroad and staff from partner organisations. During the pandemic, this work has continued virtually through a hybrid model, which allows more people to benefit from CGHP’s programme.

Arnold was awarded an OBE in 2019 for her services to British foreign policy following her diplomatic career in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as the UK’s Ambassador to Mongolia. During this time, she worked on developing stronger economic, political, developmental and educational links with the UK.

Upon her appointment, Arnold said: “I am honoured to be appointed to this role. Global health is more than a strap line; health affects every part of life. Raising levels of public and individual health and wellness around the world can transform lives, and make us all more secure.”

Arnold added that “Cambridge has an extraordinary role to play in shaping the future health of humanity, in partnership with people across the globe”, and states that she is “excited to help shape this vision”.

Whilst in the FCO, Arnold worked in Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Oman on a range of foreign policy issues including human rights, public affairs and the environment. She also led the UK campaign to secure the 2019 nomination to host the COP26 climate conference.

Prior to her work in the FCO, Arnold worked with a global management consulting firm and as a journalist and travel writer in the Middle East.