OUH digital and data leader recognised with international IT award
26 October 2026
Kerrie Woods, Director of Research & Development Clinical Informatics at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), has been recognised for her leadership and contribution to technology with a 2026 Info-Tech Women Leading IT Award.
The awards, run by Info-Tech Research Group, recognise achievements in IT leadership, innovation and organisational performance across the public and private sectors. The Women Leading IT Award celebrates women whose leadership is driving innovation and transformation within their organisations and the wider IT industry. It recognises women championing technological advances, fostering inclusive workplaces and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
At OUH, Kerrie Woods leads major digital, data and informatics programmes across healthcare and life sciences, supporting the secure re-use of routinely collected NHS data for approved research, development, service planning and improvement.
Since joining OUH, Kerrie has fostered technical excellence across the organisation, building a highly capable in-house team and developing strong regional partnerships with academic, supplier and customer organisations.
One of the major programmes developed by Kerrie and her team is the Thames Valley and Surrey Secure Data Environment (TVS SDE). The secure digital platform enables approved researchers and NHS planners to use de-identified health data for research and service improvement while ensuring that the data remains under NHS control.
As of October 2026, this programme has brought together data from 10 NHS organisations in our region, covering over 4.9 million people. Over 60 high impact research projects have been approved or completed using this dataset so far.
Kerrie Woods said: "My work wouldn't be possible without my brilliant team, who are testament to the excellence that exists in the NHS. It isn't easy and there is always more to be done, but we are all united by a commitment to high-quality research and the benefits it delivers for patients, staff and the public.
"I am grateful for the support I receive at OUH, to Ben for nominating me, and to all the women and allies who inspire and support me."
Kerrie was nominated for the award by Dr Ben Attwood, Chief Digital and Information Officer at OUH.
Dr Ben Attwood said: "Kerrie's recognition is richly deserved. Her leadership has helped turn ambitious ideas around the safe and effective use of NHS data into services that support research, innovation and better patient care.
"She brings together technical expertise, strong partnerships and a clear focus on delivering benefits for patients and the NHS. We are incredibly proud to see her contribution recognised internationally."
Kerrie's work extends beyond OUH. She chairs the national Information Governance and Ethics Community of Practice for the Secure Data Environment network and the Network Validation Committee, and co-chairs the Children’s Hospital Alliance Trusted Research Alliance Steering Group.
Her portfolio also includes programmes such as OUH Cancer 360 and the NIHR Health Informatics Collaborative, alongside work in areas including cancer, genomic medicine and medical imaging.
Triple shortlisting at Women in Tech Excellence Awards
The latest recognition comes as Kerrie has also been shortlisted in three categories in the 2026 Women in Tech Excellence Awards: Role Model of the Year, Team Leader of the Year and Woman of the Year. The awards celebrate women working in technical IT roles, with the 2026 winners due to be revealed at the awards ceremony on 26 November.
The Role Model of the Year award recognises a woman who inspires colleagues and leads by example, while Team Leader of the Year recognises leadership that inspires a team and directly contributes to its success. Woman of the Year recognises a woman technologist whose achievements have brought about significant success and change within her organisation.
Kerrie's latest achievements build on previous recognition for her and her team, including the Thames Valley and Surrey SDE being Highly Commended in the Data Innovation of the Year category at the HSJ Partnership Awards.
