As International Women’s Day approaches on Sunday 8 March, we’re celebrating women who are transforming the way care, culture and research are shaped across our region.
Today we highlight how Sarah Kirkbride, Patient Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at the NIHR Cheshire and Merseyside Clinical Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), is helping ensure every community has a voice in clinical research.
Sarah began her career in Merseyside Police, where she progressed to Chief Inspector and later took on responsibility for the force’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) work.
Sarah said: “I loved my role as a police officer.
“My focus was on shaping culture and creating a workforce that truly reflected the communities we serve.”
Sarah in her role with Merseyside Police
When she retired from policing in August 2024, Sarah still felt a strong pull to advocate for the public, especially those whose voices can be hardest to hear. She joined Liverpool Women’s Hospital, bringing her EDI expertise into the NHS and quickly becoming interested in how research could unlock better, fairer healthcare.
Many communities facing the greatest health inequalities are not always represented in shaping research, taking part in studies or influencing what questions were being asked.
Sarah continued: “Research has huge potential to reduce health inequalities.
“I want to make sure no community in our region is left behind and that inclusion is embedded from the very start of the research process.”
One of her achievements so far is leading on a project now nominated for an NHS Excellence Award. The initiative created safer, more supportive experiences for survivors of sexual violence and abuse attending healthcare appointments.
The #CheckWithMeFirst campaign introduced discreet cards that allowed survivors to quietly signal their experiences and share how staff could best support them, helping to build trust and reduce fear.
She added: “Whether it’s through adapting clincial practice or developing inclusive research strategies, I’m proud to be contributing to systems that make healthcare and research more accessible for everyone.”
Her focus is now on Cheshire and Merseyside’s richly diverse communities, understanding why some voices remain missing from research data and how to build confidence, trust and engagement with clinical studies.
She added: “I’m motivated by the people I don’t see in the data.
“There are many seldom heard voices and I want to shine a light on them.”
After 25 years serving the public in Merseyside, Sarah continues to build her career around listening and supporting people in diverse communities.
As we mark International Women’s Day, Sarah is encouraging women to think about stepping into research. Whether as a patient, participant or someone who helps clinical staff shape how research is done.
Sarah said: “You don’t need a traditional academic or clinical path to belong here.
“Your lived experience, leadership and values all matter. Research needs voices like yours at every level.”
To find more about research careers click here
To take part in research click here